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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 64 (1980)

Issue: 5. (May)

First Page: 686

Last Page: 686

Title: Major Petroleum-Impregnated Rock Deposits of Western Colorado Plateau: ABSTRACT

Author(s): Jock A. Campbell

Article Type: Meeting abstract

Abstract:

Petroleum-impregnated rock deposits occur widely in rocks of Permian to Tertiary age in the western Colorado Plateau of Arizona and Utah. Although over 60 occurrences and deposits have been recognized to date, only six, all in Utah, are estimated to contain over one billion bbl of petroleum in place.

Two giant deposits occur in marine and marginal marine strata in the dissected plateau region of southeastern Utah. The largest of these, and the largest single known deposit in the United States, is the Tar Sand Triangle. It underlies approximately 225 sq mi (585 sq km), and is estimated to contain as much as 16 billion bbl of petroleum, principally in the White Rim Sandstone (Permian).

The Circle Cliffs deposit contains approximately 1.3 billion bbl of petroleum in siltstone and sandstone of the Moenkopi Formation (Triassic). The deposit underlies an area of approximately 28 sq mi (73 sq km) on both sides of a breached anticline. Several similar, but smaller deposits occur in the Moenkopi Formation to the north, in the Capitol Reef anticline, and in the San Rafael uplift.

The remaining giant deposits are located in the Uinta basin, and all contain petroleum which probably originated in the lacustrine Green River Formation (Eocene). These deposits include P. R. Spring, Hill Creek, Sunnyside, Asphalt Ridge, and Asphalt Ridge Northwest.

The total amount of petroleum contained in these deposits in the Tar Sand Triangle and Uinta basin approaches a resource base of 29 billion bbl. The deposits are variable, and each offers a variety of technologic and economic challenges.

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Copyright 1997 American Association of Petroleum Geologists