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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 37 (1953)

Issue: 1. (January)

First Page: 184

Last Page: 184

Title: Production Variations Resulting from Recent Earthquakes in Bakersfield Area, Kern County, California: ABSTRACT

Author(s): Robert L. Johnston

Article Type: Meeting abstract

Abstract:

The Arvin-Tehachapi earthquake of July 21, 1952, caused a decided change in the daily production of several oil fields in the San Joaquin Valley. The fields exhibiting the most noticeable effects of the earthquake were Tejon Ranch, Kern River, and Fruitvale. In general, production variations consisted of a sharp rise in casing pressure, accompanied by a slight decline in daily production of oil and water, Nearly all the affected wells had returned to normal production within a period of 2-3 weeks. It is significant to note that these fields produce from relatively shallow and unconsolidated formations. No evidence of actual fault movement was detected in any of the wells although a number of casing failures at shallow depths were reported in the Tejon Ranch area. Fire res lting from the earthquake caused approximately 2 million dollars worth of damage to the Paloma Unit cycling plant operated by the Western Gulf Oil Company.

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Copyright 1997 American Association of Petroleum Geologists