Journal of Petroleum Geology, Vol.11, No.4, pp. 429-442, 1988

©Copyright 2000 Scientific Press, Ltd.

RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN REGIONAL HYDROGEOLOGY AND HYDROCARBON OCCURRENCES IN MICHIGAN, USA

R. Vugrinovich*

* Senior Geologist, Michigan Geological Survey, PO Box 30026, Lansing, Michigan 48909, USA.

Abstract

Compilation of hydrologic data, for deep aquifers in the Michigan Basin makes it feasible to test the hydraulic theory of hydrocarhon migration in Michigan. Comparison of equipotential surfaces and patterns of hydrocarbon deposits shows that commercial oil deposits in most aquifers and the more prolific gas deposits in the St. Peter Sandstone are preferentially associated with regional groundwater discharge areas, as predicted by the hydraulic theory. Shallow natural gas deposits occur in regional groundwater recharge areas of Devonian and Mississippian aquifers. The gases in these deposits have chemical compositions suggesting a biogenic origin. Their occurrence in regional recharge regions is believed to be due to a combination of high interfacial methane-water tension due to low sub.surface temperature and pressure and water-saturated, gas-impermeable rock surrounding the deposits.