Trapping in the Permian Minnelusa Formation is almost entirely stratigraphic. Much of the oil is trapped in "buried hilltops" controlled by the unconformity at the top of the Minnelusa. Highly localized stratigraphic changes within the upper Minnelusa are also important.

The database used for computer mapping of the Minnelusa play includes cartographic data, formation and zone tops, and digital well log traces. Digital log data consist of sonic and gamma-ray curves from all but 300 of the 4,100 wells penetrating the Minnelusa Formation. Using this data base, exploration geologists have been able to make any needed type of regional stratigraphic map in a few days.

Many recent discoveries have been made on leads previously generated by computer maps.

End_of_Article - Last_Page 866------------