Chapter 4
Integrated Microbial and 3-D Seismic Surveys Discover Park Springs (Conglomerate) Field and Track Microseepage Reduction

Daniel C. Hitzman
Geo-Microbial Technologies, Inc.
Ochelata, Oklahoma, U.S.A.

Brooks A. Rountree
Geo-Microbial Technologies, Inc.
Ochelata, Oklahoma, U.S.A.

James D. Tucker
Geo-Microbial Technologies, Inc.
Ochelata, Oklahoma, U.S.A.
Now with Aera Energy, LLC, Bakersfield, California, U.S.A.

Sam Smith
Consulting Geologist
Wichita Falls, Texas, U.S.A.

ABSTRACT

The integration of microbial hydrocarbon microseepage signatures and 3-D seismic data directed explorationists to a new play concept and resulted in discovery of the Park Springs (Conglomerate) field in Montague County, Texas. A standard 3-D geophysical survey identified a prospective Ellenburger structure at a depth of approximately 2200 m (7200 ft) in the northern portion of the 5.6-km² (3.5-mi²) survey area. A reconnaissance hydrocarbon microseepage survey of the area was conducted in December 1995, using the Microbial Oil Survey Technique (MOST). The Ellenburger structure was detected by a positive, but small, hydrocarbon microseepage signature. A much stronger and larger microbial anomaly was found above a structural trough, located 1 mi (1.6 km) south.