About This Item

Share This Item

The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 50 (1966)

Issue: 10. (October)

First Page: 2068

Last Page: 2081

Title: Stratigraphic vs. Structural Controls on Carbonate-Mound Hydrocarbon Accumulation, Aneth Area, Paradox Basin

Author(s): James A. Peterson (2)

Abstract:

Pennsylvanian oil and gas accumulations in the southern Paradox basin are in carbonate mounds of Desmoinesian age. Major oil production at Aneth, Ismay, Tohonadla, Gothic Mesa, Anido Creek, and other fields is from algal mounds elongate in a general northwest-southeast direction along the basin shelf. Carbonate reservoirs are associated closely with sapropelic black shale and evaporite, which occur in cyclic repetition in the shelf area and grade basinward to a predominantly salt section.

All reservoirs appear to be isolated bodies of porous carbonate, mostly limestone. About 30 oil and gas fields productive from the Pennsylvanian have been found in the Four Corners area; approximately half are classified as stratigraphic and the other half as either structural or structural-stratigraphic. In almost all fields, it can be demonstrated that the accumulation would have formed even if no structural closure were present, although in many fields the oil is localized by subsequent structural growth.

The Aneth, Ismay, and Cache fields are primary examples of Paradox basin fields showing major stratigraphic and only minor structural influence on accumulation.

Pay-Per-View Purchase Options

The article is available through a document delivery service. Explain these Purchase Options.

Watermarked PDF Document: $14
Open PDF Document: $24

AAPG Member?

Please login with your Member username and password.

Members of AAPG receive access to the full AAPG Bulletin Archives as part of their membership. For more information, contact the AAPG Membership Department at [email protected].