--> Abstract: Red Wing Creek Field--Cosmic Impact Structure, by Elmer S. Parson, Gordon W. Henderson, Louis J. Conti; #90977 (1975).

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Abstract: Red Wing Creek Field--Cosmic Impact Structure

Elmer S. Parson, Gordon W. Henderson, Louis J. Conti

Red Wing Creek field is near the center of the Williston Basin in McKenzie County, North Dakota. The discovery well was drilled by True Oil Company in August of 1972. The primary trapping mechanism is structural. Subsurface data show that Triassic, Permian, and Pennsylvanian formations are missing over the center of the structure. Replacing these units are rocks of Mississippian age which have undergone intensive deformation in an uplifted structural cone approximately 3,000 ft high and 3 mi in diameter at its base. Formations above and below the structure show little tectonic disturbance.

Mission Canyon Formation of Mississippian age is the primary producing zone. The discovery well has more than 1,600 ft of net pay which is the best well in the field. Porosities range as high as 25 percent but most of the reservoir has porosities in the range of 6 to 10 percent. Oil/water contact is placed at 7,600 ft subsea. Reservoir studies indicate approximately 100,000,000 barrels of oil in place.

To date the field has 12 producing wells and 8 dry holes. Two wells have been drilled to the Red River Formation of Ordovician age. There has been no commercial production above or below the Mississippian.

Present data show that the field is producing from the central peak of an astrobleme, or meteorite impact structure of Jurassic age. Proof of this origin is based on geometry and shock deformation features, which include monolithologic breccia, shatter cones, and shock-deformed quartz. The feature has been modified by subsequent salt collapse and differential compaction.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90977©1975-1976 Distinguished Lectures