--> Abstract: Computer Applications in Regional Study of Powder River Basin, by A. E. Kaplan, R. W. Gimlin, R. J. McGlew, F. P. Pratt; #90961 (1978).
[First Hit]

Datapages, Inc.Print this page

Abstract: Computer Applications in Regional Study of Powder River Basin

A. E. Kaplan, R. W. Gimlin, R. J. McGlew, F. P. Pratt

Vast quantities of Previous HitdigitalNext Hit geologic data are available to oil companies and other organizations through commercial services and vendors. Much more Previous HitdigitalNext Hit data will come from these sources and governmental agencies in the future.

Increased cost for trained explorationists has emphasized the need to use Previous HitdigitalNext Hit data files and computer Previous HitprocessingNext Hit for the compilation and display of geologic information. These data fall into five file categories: (1) Previous HitdigitalNext Hit well, (2) oil and gas production, (3) field and reservoir, (4) bibliographic index, and (5) geographic and political boundary. This information can increase utilization of exploration manpower and improve selection of exploration opportunities. Recent computer applications have been preoccupied with statistical techniques resulting in less attention to more fundamental approaches used by the everyday explorationists. A more fundamental approach to the practical use of geologic data and standard graphic output must be blended with the statistical approach.

The Powder River basin study was conducted to assess the practicality of using commercial data in regional geologic analysis. Bibliographic citations, literature, scout tickets, production history, reservoir information, structure maps, isopach maps, cross sections, isometric diagrams, and specialized maps were produced by means of the computer. Coherently assembled, this information produced timely reference material and exploration-resource information for exploration projects or historical reference. By computer techniques the material was assembled in a matter of weeks from commercially available data. The same compilation of material using traditional techniques could have required many years of an explorationist's time. Although the techniques described do not represent major breakthroughs in the Previous HitprocessingNext Hit of exploration data, they demonstrate the practicality of using commercial in ormation in regional geologic analyses.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90961©1978 AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma