ABSTRACT

Since 1936, when Sun Oil Company drilled into Midway Dome, there have been 48 shallow salt domes discovered in Mississippi. These are found in an area extending across south-central Mississippi, in the heart of the Interior Salt Basin. Oil and gas production has been found on the faulted crests of five of these domes, although none of the accumulations were of significant size. A great number of these domes have been explored for sulphur, but without success.

Most of the shallow domes are roughly cylindrical in shape, about one mile in diameter, and have very steep sides and narrow flanks. Where there is sufficient well control, the crests appear to be very complexly faulted. Overhang has been observed on several domes, and one dome covering an unusually large area may be tear drop shape. A large reverse fault has been observed on the flank of one of these domes.

Many shallow salt domes have had flank tests drilled on them, and very asphaltic accumulations have been found in sands against the salt. Most of these asphaltic shows have been tested and found to be non-commercial. In 1973, however, the Camp Shelby salt dome was drilled, and production was established in deep flank beds, as well as in a shallow horizon beneath the overhang.

There appears to be a close relationship between the growth of shallow salt domes and interdomal features, which are now having deep production established on them. Future drilling should establish significant reserves on shallow salt domes, as well as on related interdomal features.