Deeper Geochemical Sampling Contributes to Texas Eastern Shelf Drilling Success

Michael S. Verseckes

Near surface geochemical techniques continue to provide valuable assistance to petroleum exploration along the Eastern Shelf of Texas. A recent group of combined geochemical and seismic surveys across approximately 340,000 acres in Shackleford, Stephens, Throckmorton, and Young Counties has already yielded more than 50 new producers. Since this program totalled over 10,000 near surface geochemical samples, it was important to determine an optimum sample depth. To do this, a series of random locations in the survey areas was chosen for vertical profiling. Drill cutting samples were collected at regular intervals from the surface to a depth of approximately 80 feet. These samples were analyzed for light hydrocarbon gas and aromatic content using standard industry procedures for acid extraction and single-scan fluorescence. The data was compiled and profiled. The results lend strong support for deeper geochemical sampling in this West Texas area.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91020©1995 AAPG Annual Convention, Houston, Texas, May 5-8, 1995