Fourteen wells from the Lenora gas field, Dewey County, Oklahoma, have been studied by vitrinite reflectance microscopy to determine maximum paleotemperature and temperature gradients.

Various types of petroleum hydrocarbons (oil, distillate, and gas) are formed at varying temperatures which have been empirically related to the degree of vitrinite reflectance (R_o). R_o values at the depth of petroleum accumulation are consistent with the types of hydrocarbons encountered. Geochemical data obtained from well cuttings indicate that the petroleum originated in surrounding shales. Therefore, the R_o values obtained reflect accurately the maximum temperature to which the petroleum and its precursors were subjected.

Reflectance gradients calculated for each well by taking R_o measurements at several depths in each borehole reveal a gradient anomaly directly over the reservoir when compared to the gradients existing beside the reservoir. The reservoir itself is a small sand lens, possibly of barrier-island or bar origin. It is possible, then, that determination of paleotemperature gradients by vitrinite microscopy and the identification of gradient anomalies in a basin may be useful in the search for new reservoirs.

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