--> Abstract: Early Cambrian Hydrocarbon Potential in Southwestern Ohio, by R. M. Sfara, B. H. Richard, and P. J. Wolfe; #90954 (1995).

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Abstract: Early Cambrian Hydrocarbon Potential in Southwestern Ohio

Ronald M. Sfara, Benjamin H. Richard, Paul J. Wolfe

A sedimentary basin, inferred to be of Early Cambrian age, has been recently identified in southwestern Ohio. A well drilled into this basin in 1926 penetrated 404 m of sedimentary rocks below the Middle Cambrian Mount Simon Sandstone. This is the only well in Ohio to have penetrated limestone below the Mt. Simon Sandstone. Since 1992 Wright State University has gathered about 35 km of seismic data in this area. The seismic data suggest that these strata dip south into a large basin. The seismic character of the limestone interval at the well extends to a thickness of at least 1000 m. In addition, material underlying the limestone has reflection characteristics similar to the Late Proterozoic Middle Run Sandstone that exists about 40 km to the southwest.

The surface on which the Mount Simon Sandstone was deposited appears to be a mature karst surface and there was a natural gas show at this horizon. An oil show existed in an 8 m thick arkose within the limestone. All of the limestone encountered in the well was rich in organic material.

Since there were gas and oil shows in the old well and the material appears younger than the Middle Run Sandstone, we feel this basin has hydrocarbon production potential.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90954©1995 AAPG Eastern Section, Schenectady, New York