The Use of Modern 3D Seismic for Interpretation of a Structural and Stratigraphic Framework in the Main Canyon Area of the Northern Uncompahgre Uplift, Uintah County, Utah

Buzz Davis, Hal Harper, Dennis Nelson, Joe Kmeck, and Caleb Pollock
Pioneer Natural Resources, Denver, CO

Over 125 square miles of 3D seismic data were acquired and processed during 2005-2007 in the Main Canyon area of Uintah County, Utah. This higher resolution data has led to a more detailed interpretation of the structural and stratigraphic framework over the northern end of the Uncompahgre Uplift, with implications for the geologic evolution of the Uinta basin and the exploration for oil and gas in the region.

Through integrated interpretation of the 3D seismic volume (over 20+ seismic attributes) with well data, several modes of deformation were observed. Included in these observations are the confirmation of the Garmesa fault system, other deep rooted faults, left lateral basement movement and the identification of smaller thrust systems in the Cretaceous (Mesa Verde, Castlegate and Mancos-Niobrara) section. Various 3D azimuthal volumes have aided in fracture trend definition suggesting the presence of anisotropic stress fields. The new 3D seismic is also clarifying the understanding of the local stratigraphy by imaging lower Cretaceous Dakota channel systems and the relationship between the Paleozoic section and overlying unconformity.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90092©2009 AAPG Rocky Mountain Section, July 9-11, 2008, Denver, Colorado