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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

Tulsa Geological Society

Abstract


Tulsa Geological Society Digest
Vol. 36 (1968), Pages 94-94

Muddy Sandstone Development in the Recluse Field, Campbell County, Wyoming: Abstract

John Woncik1

Abstract

The Powder River Basin of Wyoming is the scene of intensive exploration drilling in search of oil production from the Muddy Sandstone (Newcastle Sandstone of Lower Cretaceous Age).

In June of 1967, the Recluse Field was opened by the drilling of the Apache Corporation No. 1 U.S. Fagerness, in the NW NW of Section 15-56N-74W, Campbell County, Wyoming. The Muddy Sandstone was encountered at a depth of 7,586 feet and a drill stem test from 7,550-7,641 feet recovered oil flowing at the rate of 20 BOPH. In a period of 16 months, over 80 producing wells have been drilled on 80-acre spacing. A reserve of 30 million barrels of primary oil has been established.

Subsurface studies show an elongate sand body running over eight miles in a northwest-southeast direction. The average width is one and one-half miles. Oil accumulation is due to stratigraphic entrapment. The deposition of the Muddy Sandstone appears to be a barrier-island-type deposit. The sandstone attains a thickness of forty feet. Thinning takes place at its base in a southwest direction and thins at its top in a northeast direction. This same geometry is present in the Galveston barrier island.

Studies of modern depositional environments such as the coast of the Gulf of Mexico can be of benefit in reconstructing ancient depositional environments of the Lower Cretaceous of the Powder River Basin of Wyoming. The length, width, direction, orientation and geometry of known modern barrier island deposits can be helpful in exploration and development of the Lower Cretaceous buried sand bodies.


 

Acknowledgments and Associated Footnotes

1 Senior Geologist, Apache Corporation, 823 South Detroit, Tulsa Oklahoma 74120

Copyright © 2006 by the Tulsa Geological Society