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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

Tulsa Geological Society

Abstract


Pennsylvanian Sandstones of the Mid-Continent, 1979
Pages 97-113

Major Structural and Stratigraphic Features of the Anadarko Basin

James L. Evans

Abstract

The Anadarko basin of western Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle continues to be one of the most active and prolific petroliferous provinces of the continental United States. More than 150 companies and an equal number of independent geologists are actively engaged at the present time in the exploration for additional oil and gas reserves in this Mid-Continent basin.

The sedimentary sequence in the Anadarko basin is represented by a wide variety of lithologic units ranging in age from Cambro-Ordovician through Permian. Important reservoir rocks are present and proven in each of these major systems. Regional facies changes from dense limestones to porous dolomltes, from porous sandstones to tight limestones, and regional pinchouts of sandstones in sand-shale sequences all provide the necessary trapping mechansims for the accumulation of hydrocarbons. In addition, three major unconformities truncate downdip reservoir rocks to create long regional trends of oil and gas production. The possibility of discoveries of additional trends of this nature is considered excellent as demonstrated by current industry activity.

The southern boundary of the Anadarko basin is formed by the Amarillo-Wichita Mountain Front fault system. This fault system is characterized by substantial vertical block uplift and regional left-lateral strike-slip movement. The combination of these two Pennsylvanian-age tectonic movements creates a complex zone of tensional block faulting, compressional overthrusting, step faulting, and vertical dipping formations.


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