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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract

Volume: 52 (1968)

Issue: 9. (September)

First Page: 1720

Last Page: 1731

Title: Heavy Oil in Western Missouri

Author(s): J. S. Wells (2), K. H. Anderson (3)

Abstract:

Low-gravity, high-viscosity oil is present in discontinuous sandstone bodies at shallow depths in at least 21 western Missouri counties. Asphaltic sandstone beds are present from the lower Cherokee (Middle Pennsylvanian) section in Barton and Vernon Counties to the upper Pleasanton (Late Pennsylvanian) section in Lafayette and Carroll Counties. Bitumen deposits are present in Mississippian and Pennsylvanian limestone beds.

Since 1950 interest in asphaltic sandstone ("tar sand") deposits has kept pace with development of thermal-recovery techniques and demand for reserves. Pilot thermal-recovery projects in Vernon and Cass Counties have produced a composite oil product of 15-26° API gravity; the original reservoir oil was of 10° or less API gravity.

The recoverable oil of 24-28° API gravity at depth in the northern parts of the area changes to highly viscous, low-gravity oil in the southern parts toward the outcrop of the reservoir rocks.

Isolated concentrations of heavy oil and the discontinuous nature of sandstone bodies are attributed to depositional environments resulting from minor tectonic movements and the former presence of structural features.

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