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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 55 (1971)

Issue: 2. (February)

First Page: 347

Last Page: 347

Title: Jurassic Geology of Flomaton Field Area of Southern Alabama: ABSTRACT

Author(s): Paul L. Keyes

Article Type: Meeting abstract

Abstract:

Flomaton field, in Escambia County, Alabama, is the first major gas condensate discovery from the Jurassic Norphlet Formation in Alabama. Structurally the field is a NW-SE trending, low-relief salt feature bounded on the north and east by a major down-to-the-basin fault which is part of the Pickens-Gilbertown-Pollard regional fault system. The Norphlet sandstone reservoir is about 60 ft thick and produces CO2 and sour gas with a high condensate yield.

The paleostructural history of the area indicates that movement of Louann salt and faulting occurred, probably as a result of gravity slide and basinward salt creep, forming structures capable of trapping hydrocarbons. Jurassic deposition was affected by these early structural features and by presalt topography that existed updip from the Flomaton area.

Norphlet clastics were derived from the northeast and deposited by braided stream systems. As the Jurassic Smackover seas transgressed the area, the upper part of the Norphlet was partly reworked. In the Flomaton area, the overlying Smackover Formation is a dark-brown, dense, micritic limestone. Above the Smackover, the Haynesville Formation can be subdivided into upper and lower members with the upper Haynesville consisting of predominately red, coarse clastics and the lower member being fine, red clastics and evaporites. At Flomaton, over 300 ft of bedded salt has been drilled in the lower Haynesville causing many drilling and completion problems. The Cotton Valley Group marks the top of the Jurassic and consists primarily of coarse, gravelly clastics.

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