Thrust Faults and Sedimentation Patterns in Deeper Zones of Ventura Avenue Oil Field, Ventura Basin, and Their Effects on Oil Production and Future Potential in Field

Robert N. Hacker

The Ventura Avenue oil field was discovered in 1918 and, thus far, has produced over 900 million bbl of high gravity oil from 3,380 ac, or an average of over 265,000 bbl/ac. The anticline is over 8 mi long and more than 1 mi wide at its maximum. The vertical relief exceeds 7,000 ft.

Commercial production has been obtained from above 2,500 ft to below 16,000 ft from a sand/shale sequence consisting of more than 65% sand ranging in age from middle Pico (Pliocene) to upper Miocene.

The precise limits of production have not been completely defined vertically or horizontally. Deeper zone development and extensions of present producing intervals are postulated based on thrust faulting parallel to the fold axis at depth as well as sedimentation patterns in the lower Pliocene and upper Miocene sediments.

Excellent consistent dipmeter results and core data from the Miocene Monterey formation in the deepest wells indicate that the structure continues to exist at depth.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91024©1989 AAPG Pacific Section, May 10-12, 1989, Palm Springs, California.