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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 64 (1980)

Issue: 5. (May)

First Page: 764

Last Page: 764

Title: Lineament Analysis for Oil and Gas Exploration and Production in Wyoming: ABSTRACT

Author(s): Rex M. Peterson

Article Type: Meeting abstract

Abstract:

Lineament analysis from satellite and aerial photos is being used successfully in exploration for anticlinal oil and gas traps and to select drilling locations for maximum porosity in tight formations. Meticulous mapping of lineaments on a series of overlays by a specially trained team of interpreters commonly reveals complex, conjugate nets of lineaments. Many of the lineaments are interpreted as strike-slip faults and shears on which relative movement can usually be ascertained by the direction in which cross faults are dragged. A lineament pattern resulting from drag is the Nu pattern which resembles the lower case Greek letter v. Overlapping Nu patterns are characteristic of anticlines. As a refinement to models relating anticlines to intersections of synthetic and an ithetic wrench faults, a model containing the Nu pattern indicates the trend and location of the anticline better than existing models. Correlation of Nu patterns with faults in known oil fields indicates that cross-lineaments at tips of Nu patterns tend to be normal faults. Lineament analysis was used to delineate the Overland Dome oil and gas field, Carbon County, Wyoming, and to select each well site. To date, each of the 10 wells drilled into the Niobrara Formation (drilled 1 to 2 mi or 1.6 to 3.2 km apart to outline the 7 mi or 11.3 km long field) has tested at 150 to over 600 bbl of oil per day in contrast to numerous dry holes within the field which were not located by lineament analysis.

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