--> ABSTRACT: Applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to Exploration Studies in the San Juan Basin, New Mexico, by Betty M. Miller; #91003 (1990).

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ABSTRACT: Applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to Exploration Studies in the San Juan Basin, New Mexico

Betty M. Miller

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is currently applying geographic information systems (GIS) technology to develop a geologic knowledge base that will provide the framework for an integrated basin analysis for the San Juan basin. GIS technology involves the integration of mapping and data-base functions that enable the user to integrate and manipulate spatial (coordinate) data with attribute (thematic) data in order to combine complex geographic, geologic, and geophysical data sets into resultant overlay and composite maps and to conduct multivariate exploratory data analysis and have access to a variety of options for analyzing these databases.

The San Juan basin, a 13,500-mi2 Laramide structural basin in northwestern New Mexico, was chosen for the pilot project. The basin encompasses a maximum of over 15,000 ft of Paleozoic to Eocene sedimentary rock and contains economic deposits of natural gas, oil, coal, and uranium. Successful exploration in this basin requires an understanding of the complex stratigraphy and structural geology controlling the distribution of these resources.

GIS technology applied to the San Juan basin includes both surface and subsurface data sets that establish a three-dimensional perspective of the basin's fundamental stratigraphic and structural framework and aid in the identification of its temporal and tectonic relationships relative to origin and occurrence of its resources. Among the digital data bases used for surface mapping is the US GeoData system from the USGS's national mapping program, which includes digital elevation models (DEM) for terrain elevations: digital line graphs (DLG) for planimetric information on boundaries, transportation, hydrography, and the U.S. Public Land Survey system; and land use and land cover (LULC) data. Additional data bases used for surface mapping include surficial geology, locations of oil and as wells, well status, and oil and gas fields. Data bases for subsurface mapping include structure contour, isopach, and facies maps for the major oil- and gas-producing formations; cross sections; paleogeographic reconstructions; geophysical and geochemical maps; and composited map products. Current technology and software being used include the GIS ARC/INFO system on the PRINE computer, the Petroleum Information-Well History Control System well data base, and mapping software such as Interactive Surface Modeling.

GIS technology provides the geologist with new tools for innovative research in geologic interpretation, for updating information data bases, for development of new concepts in basin analysis, and for applications to new resource appraisal methodology.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91003©1990 AAPG Annual Convention, San Francisco, California, June 3-6, 1990