--> ABSTRACT: Subsidence at Boling Salt Dome: Results of Multiple Resource Production, by William F. Mullican III; #91030 (2010)
[First Hit]

Datapages, Inc.Print this page

Subsidence at Boling Previous HitSaltNext Hit Previous HitDomeNext Hit: Results of Multiple Resource Production

William F. Mullican III

Removal of oil, gas, sulfur, ground water, and cap rock has caused extensive subsidence and collapse of the land surface over piercement Previous HitsaltNext Hit domes in the Houston Previous HitsaltNext Hit basin. Sour Lake, West Columbia, and Webster Previous HitsaltNext Hit domes exhibit subsidence and collapse produced by the removal of hydrocarbons trapped in supradomal and flanking strata. However, the most pronounced examples of subsidence and collapse exist where two or more resources are produced. Exploitation and multiple resources is characteristic of Boling, Spindletop, and Orchard Previous HitsaltNext Hit domes.

Boling Previous HitdomeNext Hit (Wharton and Fort Bend Counties) has experienced more overall subsidence and collapse than any other Previous HitdomeNext Hit in Texas. These processes are directly related to production of sulfur and hydrocarbons from the southeastern quadrant of the Previous HitdomeNext Hit. Greatest vertical movement due to subsidence and collapse is 35 ft (based on the Boling 7.5 min. topographic map, last surveyed in 1953). Most of the subsidence (83%) is attributed to sulfur production, whereas only 11 to 12% can be linked to hydrocarbon production.

Reservoir compaction is the dominant mechanism of land subsidence in areas of hydrocarbon production at Boling Previous HitdomeNext Hit. Trough subsidence, chimneying, plug caving, and piping are the characteristic mechanisms over sulfur fields developed at the Previous HitsaltNext Hit Previous HitdomeNext Hit. The structural and hydrologic stability of the surface and subsurface at Boling Previous HitdomeNext Hit is compromised by these active deformation processes. Damage to pipelines and well-casing strings may result in costly leaks which have the potential of being uncontrollable and catastrophic. Reduction in hydrologic stability may result if natural aquitards are breached and fresh water mixes with saline water or if hydrologic conduits to the diapir are opened, allowing unrestricted dissolution of the Previous HitsaltTop stock.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91030©1988 AAPG Annual Convention, Houston, Texas, 20-23 March 1988.