index_ofr96-42

Possible Continuous-Type (Unconventional) Gas Accumulation in Lower Silurian "Clinton" Sands, Medina Group, and the Tuscarora Sandstone in the Appalachian Basin: A Progress Report of 1995 Project Activities

Robert T. Ryder¹, Kerry L. Aggen², Robert D. Hettinger², Ben E. Law², John J. Miller², Vito F. Nuccio², William J. Perry, Jr.², Stephen E. Prensky²,John R. SanFilipo¹, and Craig J. Wandrey²

Open-File Report 96-42

This report is preliminary and has not been reviewed for conformity with U.S. Geological Survey editorial standards and stratigraphic nomenclature.

Any use of trade names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the USGS.

¹ U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia 22092

² U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, Colorado 80225

CONTENTS

Introduction

Objectives and research strategy

Sandstone character and depositional sequences along selected transects

Gas production and decline of selected wells

Data storage and digital maps

Structure-contour and drilling-depth maps

Reservoir temperature and pressure

Downdip limit of water production

Burial, thermal, and petroleum generation history models

Fractures and their detection with log suites

Seismic profiles

Environmental impact associated with development of continuous gas accumulations

Summary of FY95 accomplishments

References cited

ILLUSTRATIONS

Figure 1. Map of the northern part of the Appalachian basin province (067) showing oil and gas plays in the Lower Silurian "Clinton" sands, Medina Group sandstones, and Tuscarora Sandstone

Figure 2. Map of the northern part of the Appalachian basin province (067) showing oil and gas plays in Lower Silurian sandstones and lines of transect

Figure 3. Map of Chautauqua County, New York showing location and identification numbers of drill holes used in transect B-B'

Figure 4. Preliminary stratigraphic interpretations of the Niagaran Provincial Series along transect B-B'

Figure 5. Shoreface stacking patterns in the Medina Group along transect B-B'

Figure 6. Map of six counties in northwestern Pennsylvania showing the location and identification numbers of drill holes used in transect C-C' and in the east-west cross section in deWitt and others (1975)

Figure 7. Preliminary east-west cross section through northwestern Pennsylvania from seven drill holes used in deWitt and others (1975)

Figure 8. Correlation of Medina Group sandstones and overlying Clinton Group carbonates and shale between three selected wells along transect C-C'

Figure 9. Map of the northern part of the Appalachian basin province (067) showing oil and gas plays in Lower Silurian sandstones and location of drill holes along transect A-A'

Figure 10. Correlation of "Clinton" sands and Medina Group sandstones between selected drill holes along transect A-A'

Figure 11. Map of northeastern Ohio and adjoining Pennsylvania showing land use-land cover and hydrocarbon production status by 1/4 sq mi cells for wells penetrating "Clinton" sands and Medina Group sandstones

Figure 12. Map(part) of oil and gas fields that produce from the "Clinton" sands, Medina Group sandstones, and Tuscarora Sandstone. Sample from Morgan, Noble, and Washington Counties, Ohio

Figure 13. Structure contours drawn on the top of the Packer Shell/Reynales interval in north-central Ohio

Figure 14. Map of the northern part of the Appalachian basin province(067) showing drill holes used for burial, thermal, and petroleum generation models

Figure 15. Burial, thermal, and petroleum generation history model for the Amerada No. 1 Ullman drill hole, Noble County, Ohio

Figure 16. Single-fold seismic line in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, showing typical quality of the GEOFILE data set in this area

Figure 17. Sketch map showing the general location of seismic lines available for purchase from Western Atlas (lines 1-5) and Geodata (line P-7) Corporations

TABLES

Table 1. Name, identification number, and location of drill holescorrelated along transect B-B'

Table 2. Stratigraphic nomenclature of Niagaran Series in Niagaran Escarpment region of New York and adjoining Ontario, Canada

Table 3. Drill holes used in the preparation of transect C-C'

Table 4. Stratigraphic sequence, geochemical data, and thermal maturation indices used to constrain the burial, thermal, and petroleum generation history model for the Amerada No. 1 Ullman, Noble County, Ohio

APPENDICES

Appendix I. Selected Clinton/Medina/Tuscarora bibliography

Appendix II. Contacts with State geological surveys and agencies

Appendix III. Project members and their contribution(s).

Created by the EERT WWW Staff.

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