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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 63 (1979)

Issue: 4. (April)

First Page: 598

Last Page: 607

Title: Fractures in Cretaceous Rocks from Selected Areas of San Juan Basin, New Mexico--Exploration Implications

Author(s): Frank D. Gorham, Jr. (2), Lee A. Woodward (3), J. F. Callender (3), Albert R. Greer (4)

Abstract:

Fracture reservoirs are present in the Verde, Boulder, West Puerto Chiquito, and East Puerto Chiquito oil fields of the San Juan basin, New Mexico. Brittle, competent siltstone and carbonate-rich interbeds within Cretaceous shale intervals are fractured in areas of maximum curvature along the Hogback monocline.

Surface observations indicate that there are usually three sets of fractures along limbs of folds. Open fractures trend parallel with fold axes and occur on convex sides of folds. Dip fractures and oblique fractures are commonly tight.

Exploration for traps with fracture reservoirs should focus on areas of maximum curvature of folds where brittle interbeds can be expected in the subsurface. Monoclines are common along the margins of many basins in the Rocky Mountain region and provide many exploration targets, as they probably formed at relatively low confining pressures, thus facilitating fracture of brittle rocks in the Cretaceous System.

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