--> Abstract: Carboniferous-Permian (Late Paleozoic) Hydrocarbon, System, Rocky Mountains-Great Basin U.S. Region, by J. A. Peterson; #90919 (1999).

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PETERSON, JAMES A.
Department of Geology, Univ. of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812-0001

Abstract: Carboniferous-Permian (Late Paleozoic) Hydrocarbon, System, Rocky Mountains-Great Basin U.S. Region

Carboniferous-Permian rocks make up an important closely-related regional hydrocarbon source-reservoir System covering most basins of the Rocky Mountains and Great Basin region. The System includes oil and gas accumulations in the Williston basin and Sweetgrass Arch areas of Montana and North Dakota; the Bighorn, Wind River, and Powder River basins of Wyoming; the Uinta, Sand Wash, and Piceance basins of Northeastern Utah and Northwestern Colorado; the Paradox basin of the Four Corners area; and the basins of east-central Nevada. More than 400 hydrocarbon accumulations, at least 20 greater than 100 MM bbls. each, are present, including the central Utah partly eroded Tar Sand Triangle stratigraphic trap heavy oil and tar accumulation, arguably the largest (possibly 30 billion barrels oil equivalent or more) original in-place hydrocarbon accumulation of the U.S.

Regional and local detailed palinspastic, stratigraphic, paleotectonic, source rock burial depths and maturity projections aid in geologic analyses of these extensive hydrocarbon deposits. The estimated volume of total original hydrocarbons generated and accumulated in these Late Paleozoic rocks elevates this System to a hiqhest rank in the Rocky Mountains U. S. oil and gas Province.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90919©1999 AAPG Rocky Mountain Section Meeting, Bozeman, Montana