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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

Environmental Geosciences (DEG)

Abstract

Environmental Geosciences, V. 17, No. 4 (December 2010), P. 193–207.

Copyright copy2010. The American Association of Petroleum Geologists/Division of Environmental Geosciences. All rights reserved.

DOI:10.1306/eg.06231010011

Characterizing oil field salinization using airborne, surface, and borehole geophysics: An example from the Upper Colorado River Basin, Texas

Jeffrey G. Paine,1 Edward W. Collins2

1Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, University Station, Box X, Austin, Texas 78713; [email protected]
2Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, University Station, Box X, Austin, Texas 78713

AUTHORS

Jeff coordinates near-surface geophysics projects at the Texas Bureau of Economic Geology. His principal research interest, geophysical applications in the shallow subsurface, combines an academic background in geophysics and diverse professional experience with near-surface strata. He specializes in applying geophysical methods to help solve geological, hydrological, environmental, and engineering problems.

Eddie has worked as a geologist at the Bureau of Economic Geology since 1978. He has been part of a variety of projects that have involved geologic mapping, physical geology, stratigraphy, structural geology, and environmental geology in all parts of Texas. Eddie is a member of AAPG, GSA, and is a former president of the Austin Geological Society.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This work was conducted under Master Service Agreement No. BEG-09-06 between TRC Environmental Corporation and the Bureau of Economic Geology, The University of Texas at Austin. TRC staff Arsin Sahba, Matt Webre, and Barrett Clark provided project guidance, field assistance, and well and water sample data. Railroad Commission of Texas staff Bill Renfro and Brian Floyd provided project oversight and field assistance. We thank the technical reviewers of the initial manuscript who provided many helpful suggestions that improved the technical content and clarity of the article. Publication was authorized by the Director, Bureau of Economic Geology, The University of Texas at Austin.

ABSTRACT

Multidisciplinary investigations of natural and oil field salinization along the upper Colorado River, Texas, present an opportunity to integrate results from a stream-axis airborne geophysical survey, ground and borehole geophysical surveys, and well drilling and sampling. Airborne electromagnetic (EM) induction measurements along 437 km (272 mi) of river and tributary stream axes identified discrete salinized streambed segments, including several near oil fields. Identification of these salinized streambed segments allowed more intensive and invasive investigations to be focused on the most significant near-river sources of salinity. One of these streambed segments lies adjacent to an oil field, where production began in the 1950s before discharge of coproduced brine into surface pits was prohibited in Texas. Monitor wells drilled after the airborne survey verified groundwater salinization in the oil field but did not adequately delineate salinization nor identify specific salinity source areas. Subsequent ground and borehole geophysical surveys complemented airborne EM induction and well data by establishing lateral and vertical salinization bounds in the oil field, discovering possible salinity source areas, and determining optimal locations for additional wells.

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