Micromagnetics and Paleotopographic Fracturing, Val Verde Basin

LAND, J. P., J. P. Land Associates, Inc., Houston, TX, ARTHUR F. OESTMANN, Independent Consultant, Midland, TX, and GILBERT THOMAS, Thomas and Associates, Denver, CO

Four types of data were studied to determine what evidence they contained as to the presence of fracture zones created by differential compaction of the sediments over basement paleotopographic highs.

Local structural deformation of sedimentary formations and/or the reduction/oxidation processes associated with the vertical microseepage of hydrocarbons give rise to high-wavenumber magnetic anomalies.

Gravity, micromagnetic, subsurface, and topographic data in cross section and map form show the relationship of micromagnetic evidence of fracturing to paleotopographic highs.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91011©1991 AAPG Southwest Section Meeting, Abilene, Texas, February 9-12, 1991 (2009)