Subsurface geological model of basement structure in Ellis County using potential field data

Abstract

The petrophysical properties of the prolific oil producing Arbuckle reservoir unit in central Kansas are influenced by basement structural patterns. However, few studies have focused on the structural controls of the Precambrian basement on the reservoir units overlying it. The goal of the study is to model the Precambrian basement structure using potential field data to determine how Cambrian-Ordovician Arbuckle group is influenced by basement structure. Potential field data for this study covers an area between latitude 38° to 39° and longitude 98° to 100° and was collected by Kansas Geological Survey. To collect gravity data stations were placed about two miles apart in north-south direction and one mile apart in east-west direction. Aeromagnetic data was collected by flight lines spaced two miles apart at an elevation of 3000 feet above sea level. Results suggest that the Central Kansas Uplift has great influence in shaping this subsurface reservoir unit. Magnetic anomaly map shows two fault systems trending northeast of the study site affecting the reservoir unit of Arbuckle. The affected reservoir units are fracture controlled and appear to be situated in the structural highs with a bed dipping about 15–40 feet per mile. Understanding the structural control of basement rocks on overlying Arbuckle also has potential for assessing the future use of these reservoirs for salt water disposal or carbon dioxide sequestration.

AAPG Datapages/Search and Discovery Article #90221 © 2015 Mid-Continent Section, Tulsa, Oklahoma, October 4-6, 2015