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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 64 (1980)

Issue: 5. (May)

First Page: 710

Last Page: 710

Title: Deep Tuscaloosa Gas Trend of South Louisiana: ABSTRACT

Author(s): L. W. Funkhouser, F. X. Bland, C. C. Humphris, Jr.

Article Type: Meeting abstract

Abstract:

The deep Tuscaloose gas trend of south Louisiana is one of the most significant exploration plays in the United States in recent years. This trend, productive from an expanded Tuscaloosa sand-shale sequence of Late Cretaceous age, covers a band approximately 30 mi (48 km) wide and 200 mi (322 km) long, from the Texas line on the west and extending past Lake Pontchartrain on the east.

Regional studies initiated by Chevron in 1964 demonstrated the probability of and unexplored sedimentary section lying just to the south of the Lower Cretaceous carbonate bank edge which crosses south Louisiana. Improved regional seismic data later verified the presence of such a unit, located between reflectors identified as Upper Cretaceous chalk and Lower Cretaceous carbonate rocks.

The discovery well of the Tuscaloosa wedge was drilled at False River area in May 1975, where Chevron tested 20 MMcf of gas per day from a sand at 19,800 ft (6,035 m) in the No. 1 Alma Plantation, 15 mi (24 km) northwest of Baton Rouge. Chevron confirmed the trend in December 1975, by discovering Rigolets field, 125 mi (201 km) to the southeast.

The productive section of the Tuscaloosa is interpreted to be a shallow-water deposit that has been built by progradation southward across the Lower Cretaceous carbonate bank edge. Down-to-the-south faulting in this expanded section, along with deep-salt movement, has produced most of the structural features that are now productive from the Tuscaloosa.

Fifty-two exploratory wells have been completed to the present along the Tuscaloosa trend, resulting in the discovery of 14 fields. Proved plus potential reserves discovered through September 1979 are estimated to be approximately 4 Tcf of gas.

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