About This Item

Share This Item

The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Special Volumes

Abstract


Pub. Id: A081 (1987)

First Page: 589

Last Page: 599

Book Title: SG 25: Exploration for Heavy Crude Oil and Natural Bitumen

Article/Chapter: Preliminary Geologic Analysis of the Tar Sands Near Sunnyside, Utah: Section VI. Recovery

Subject Group: Oil--Methodology and Concepts

Spec. Pub. Type: Studies in Geology

Pub. Year: 1987

Author(s): C. J. Schenk, R. M. Pollastro

Abstract:

Sandstones that crop out along the Roan Cliffs near Sunnyside, Utah, are estimated to contain approximately 6 billion barrels of bitumen, making it one of the largest deposits in the United States. Little is known of the geologic aspects, particularly sedimentology, mineralogy (especially clays), and diagenesis, of these sandstones. These aspects of tar sands must be characterized before the feasibility of bitumen recovery can be assessed.

Preliminary results of this ongoing study indicate that the sandstones were deposited in fluvial and marginal lacustrine environments. Sandstone geometry is dependent on depositional environment: Fluvial sandstones tend to be more extensive basinward but are less laterally extensive than the marginal lacustrine sandstones. The sandstones are mainly feldspathic arenites, containing both plagioclase and K-feldspar. Authigenic cements include calcite, dolomite, ankerite, siderite, and analcime. Authigenic clay minerals include kaolinite, illite, and smectite. The percentages of clays and cements vary considerably from sample to sample, particularly between bitumen-bearing sandstones and adjacent lithologies. Some of these authigenic minerals have replaced framework grains. Dissolution ha produced secondary porosity, and the bitumen appears to occupy secondary porosity, preferentially in the coarser grained sandstones.

Pay-Per-View Purchase Options

The article is available through a document delivery service. Explain these Purchase Options.

Watermarked PDF Document: $14
Open PDF Document: $24