--> Abstract: Predicting Subsurface Structure for Hydrocarbon Exploration, Wind River Basin, Wyoming, by S. L. Perry and M. S. Perry; #91017 (1992).
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ABSTRACT: Previous HitPredictingNext Hit Subsurface Structure for Previous HitHydrocarbonNext Hit Exploration, Wind River Basin, Wyoming

PERRY, SANDRA L., Barringer Laboratories, Inc., Golden, CO, and MICHAEL S. PERRY, General Atlantic Resources, Inc., Denver, CO

The Wind River basin of central Wyoming is a large, asymmetric sedimentary and structural basin formed during the Laramide orogeny. The subsurface is characterized primarily by thrusting and folding, often involving Precambrian crystalline basement rocks. Surface expression of these structures ranges from highly visible along the basin flanks to subtly expressed or not evident within the basin interior.

Delineation of basin interior folding and faulting is of prime interest to Previous HithydrocarbonNext Hit exploration because structural traps characterize oil and gas production for this area. Seismic data are available for most of the basin as local and regional lines. Seismic information is a necessary element in promoting the prospect for drilling, but tends to be costly, often depleting a sizable part of the exploration budget for a single prospect location. Therefore, a method for proposing and high-grading structural zones before seismic acquisition is desirable.

An integrated exploration approach was devised to provide an efficient and cost-effective method for targeting structural zones within the north and central sections of the basin interior. Landsat Thematic Mapper imagery was used in performing a statistical fracture analysis for the project area to propose regional structural zones. Those structural areas, where well-log analysis, cross sections, and production history were reviewed. Often, proposed zones suggested structural extensions to producing fields.

Well-log data were evaluated and used to further high-grade those proposed structural zones not associated with production. Based upon structure and isopach maps, land availability, and other economic considerations, several areas were further prioritized for seismic data review. Prospects were targeted in those high-graded areas with good seismic definition.

Structural zones generated by Landsat fracture analysis exhibited good correlation with subsurface structure as defined by seismic and well-log data for the project area. The integrated approach has shown to be highly efficient and cost effective in locating subsurface structures with Previous HithydrocarbonTop potential.

 

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91017©1992 AAPG Rocky Mountain Section Meeting, Casper, Wyoming, September 13-16, 1992 (2009)