Many geologists are beginning to use the computer to aid in solving some exploration problems.

Key micropaleontological data from several thousand wells penetrating portions of the Tertiary in the Louisiana-Texas Gulf Coast area are stored on magnetic tape for computer usage. Data retrieval programs select wells encountering specified paleo markers and process associated environmental data for preparation of maps showing paleogeography, shorelines, and attitude of ancient seafloors. Too much time is required to justify such map preparation manually.

Correlative tops from electric logs and sample logs are recorded on punched cards or magnetic tape to allow rapid map preparation using the computer in combination with automatic plotting equipment. Current programs include ability to accept normal fault data and restore section on isopachous maps. Fault patterns, combinations of isopach and structure data, and isoliths of sands and combinations of sands can be mapped. Truncation, onlap, shale-out, etc., are indicated on printed results and plotted maps to aid interpretation and contouring.

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