--> ABSTRACT: Emerging Plays in Central Utah Based on a Regional Geochemical, Structural, and Stratigraphic Evaluation, by D. A. Sprinkel, J. R. Castano, and G. W. Roth; #91021 (2010)

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Emerging Plays in Central Utah Based on a Regional Geochemical, Structural, and Stratigraphic Evaluation

SPRINKEL, DOUGLAS A., T; JOHN R. CASTANO, DGSI, Houston, TX; and GEORGE W. ROTH

Regional geochemical, structural, and stratigraphic data indicate that central Utah may be under-explored for Permian, Triassic, and Cretaceous reservoirs. Petroleum samples, collected from oil and gas fields and outcrops, were geochemically analyzed and correlated with known genetic oil families in the Rocky Mountains. Structural and stratigraphic data were used to refine the geologic history and timing of petroleum generation in central Utah.

Geochemical correlation indicates a Permian and Cretaceous source for the petroleum of this region. The source of the Permian oil is probably the organic-rich shale of the Phosphoria or Park City Formations in the Uinta or Oquirrh basins, but the oil may also be derived from an unrecognized organic-rich lithofacies within Permian strata in the Sanpete-Sevier Valley area. The source of the Cretaceous oil and condensate is the organic-rich mudstone of the Mancos Shale in the Uinta Basin or the Indianola Group in the Sanpete-Sevier Valley. Vitrinite reflectance and C[7] maturity data indicate that the condensate and gas in fields on the Wasatch Plateau are thermally mature, whereas the local Cretaceous source rocks are immature.

Preliminary data indicate the flanks of the San Rafael Swell and the Circle Cliffs uplift are areas to explore for structural and stratigraphic traps associated with Permian and Triassic reservoirs. The data also indicate the Sanpete-Sevier Valley, Wasatch Plateau, and the southwest flank of the Uinta Basin are areas to explore for structural and stratigraphic traps associated with Cretaceous reservoirs.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91021©1997 AAPG Annual Convention, Dallas, Texas.