ABSTRACT

The continued development of Rose Run exploration in Ohio has sent many operators searching for alternative Knox reservoirs, such as the Beekmantown dolomite. The Beekmantown dolomite produces from stratigraphically controlled paleokarst reservoirs or porosity zones which are trapped and sealed by the Post-Knox unconformity (PKUNC). The Bakersville field in Coshocton County was the first Beekmantown field discovered in Ohio and until several years ago, was the only multiple well Beekmantown field in Ohio. In the last three years, the Washington field in Tuscarawas County has been discovered and developed along with reported Beekmantown discoveries in several other counties.

The primary obstacles to exploration for additional Beekmantown fields have been the subtle geology of the reservoir and the difficulty in imaging the reservoir with seismic surveys. Problem areas include no correlation between thinning Glenwood (Wells Creek) and production, the patterns of porosity development, similarities in seismic character of thick Glenwood and porous Beekmantown, and differences from the seismic criteria established for Rose Run exploration. Future success of the play depends on a better understanding of the stratigraphic and structural controls on porosity and paleotopography, and advancements in the seismic modelling of the Beekmantown reservoir. From detailed study of the geology and production of the Beekmantown fields as well as subsurface mapping and statistics, a geologic model can be produced to aid in geologic high grading of potential areas of exploration and to aid in seismic modelling.