Applications and Pitfalls in Use of Seismic Stratigraphy in Exploration (Minnelusa, Dakota), Powder River Basin, Northeastern Wyoming

Gary F. Lawyer, A. T. Warmath

Successful exploration for oil in mature basins can be enhanced by using detailed geologic models coupled with seismic stratigraphy. The Pennsylvanian-Permian Minnelusa Formation and the Lower Cretaceous Dakota Formation of the Powder River basin, Wyoming, are prime examples of two diverse geologic models for which seismic and stratigraphic interpretations reduce risk for explorationists. The question becomes what techniques are available and which techniques should be routinely used. Two inversion techniques, one amplitude with offset technique, and several color-enhanced methods are compared. Misuse of data and pitfalls are suggested with examples of false anomalies provided. Several actual prospect examples will be compared to demonstrate the results before and after d illing.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91030©1988 AAPG Annual Convention, Houston, Texas, 20-23 March 1988.