Late Precambrian Rifting in the Mid-Continent: Its nature, extent, and exploration significance

Randy Keller1,   Matt Hamilton2,   Olubunmi Elebiju3

¹Univeristy of Oklahoma , ²University of Oklahoma , ³Oklahoma University

In addition to many older Precambrian features, the mid-continent region contains two globally significant rift zones, the Mid-Continent Rift (MCR) system and the Southern Oklahoma Aulacogen (SOA). The MCR is traditionally viewed as ending in central Kansas and the SOA can be interpreted as ending in the Texas panhandle. However, we have employed new data and public-domain compilations of gravity and aeromagnetic data for the U. S. to construct a series of maps using a variety of digital filtering techniques in order to better delineate anomalies and interpret regional-scale structures. As expected, the MCR zone is the dominant feature on in the northern portion of these maps. However, we used directional filtering and deep-drilling data to facilitate the study of basement features due to other tectonic events. It appears possible that the MCR could extend further southward beneath the much younger Anadarko Basin of Oklahoma and abut the SOA. A picture is emerging in which the SOA fans out as it extends northwestward from the Texas panhandle in a similar fashion to the way the Kenya Rift widens southward into Tanzania. Data from the EarthScope project will soon be providing badly needed data on the deep structure of these features, but what we know now suggests that they produced late Precambrian and Cambrian basins that are worth considering as exploration targets. Recent successes in the lake of the East African Rift prove that such basins can contain complete petroleum systems.

AAPG Search and Discover Article #90097 © 2009 Tulsa Geological Society, Tulsa, Oklahoma

 

 

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