--> Abstract: A Potential Neoproterozoic Hydrocarbon Play in the Mississippi Embayment, Southern Midcontinent, by Lisa K. Meeks; #90078 (2008)

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A Potential Neoproterozoic Hydrocarbon Play in the Mississippi Embayment, Southern Midcontinent

Lisa K. Meeks
DeGolyer and MacNaughton, Dallas, TX

Neoproterozoic petroleum systems on the Russian Platform have generated and trapped large volumes of hydrocarbons. The USGS estimates that there may be 2+ GOEB potential oil reserves in Neoproterozoic reservoir rocks of Eastern Siberia. Coeval Neoproterozoic successions occur along the southern margin of North America, particularly the Nonesuch and Chuar Formations that have been recognized as source rocks. Typically, carbonate reservoirs with evaporite seals have provided most Neoproterozoic carbonate plays, but there are promising opportunities associated with shale seals and sandstone reservoirs, especially in North America, where the Rome Trough in Kentucky has proven production in the Cambrian and potential in the Neoproterozoic. The Dow Chemical #1 Wilson drilled in Mississippi County, Arkansas, encountered 2200 ft of pre-Lamotte (Cambrian), red, arkosic clastics, indicating potential Neoproterozoic reservoir in the Mississippi Embayment. Limited seismic over the area indicates that the Mississippi Embayment is formed by a series of basement horst and graben structures that have been buried by Phanerozoic sedimentary sections. Current seismic coverage and quality does not allow for more detailed interpretation. Neoproterozoic basins in Australia, Canada and North America have been delineated and explored using seismic, and those basins may represent analogues to the structures and potential petroleum systems of the Mississippi Embayment. Neoproterozoic successions in the Mississippi Embayment may provide new exploration targets with great potential. Additional Neoproterozoic opportunities exist in North America’s mature basins and in mature basins worldwide.

 

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90078©2008 AAPG Annual Convention, San Antonio, Texas