Abstract: Deep Tuscaloosa Gas in Louisiana

By

Anthony L. Benson

More then 20 gas fields have been discovered in the Tuscaloosa gas play in Louisiana since 1975. Wildcat success in the total play is 26 percent. Hydrocarbon accumulations occur on faulted anticlines which have as much as 1,300 feet of structural closure. The reservoir rocks are Tuscaloosa, deltaic and pro-delta sands of Upper Cretaceous age. Although the reservoirs occur at 16,000 to 22,000 feet, good porosity is present for these depths. Formation evaluation with electric logs alone is difficult due to changes in rock types and formation water salinities. Both normal to abnormal pressure regimes exist and formation pressures range from 8,000 to 17,000 pounds. Sand thickness, pressure and condensate content are similar within regional fault blocks. Drilling problems are due to depth and pressure changes. Potential reserves found to date exceed 3 TCFG and 100 MMBC. Seven fields each have more than 100 BCFG. With continued activity the ultimate reserves could double or triple. Good geophysical data will be required to find the remaining more subtle structures. Other stratigraphic zones and geographic areas will be tested as a result of this play.

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