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A major unconformity between Permian and Triassic strata at Cape Kekurnoi, Alaska Peninsula: Old and new observations on stratigraphy and hydrocarbon potential

Professional Paper 1739-E
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/pp1739E

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Abstract

A major angular unconformity separates carbonates and shales of the Upper Triassic Kamishak Formation from an underlying unnamed sequence of Permian agglomerate, volcaniclastic rocks (sandstone), and limestone near Puale Bay on the Alaska Peninsula. For the first time, we photographically document the angular unconformity in outcrop, as clearly exposed in a seacliff ~1.3 mi (2.1 km) west of Cape Kekurnoi in the Karluk C–4 and C–5 1:63,360-scale quadrangles. This unconformity is also documented by examination of core chips, ditch cuttings, and (or) open-hole electrical logs in two deep oil-and-gas-exploration wells (Humble Oil & Refining Co.’s Bear Creek No. 1 and Standard Oil Co. of California’s Grammer No. 1) drilled along the Alaska Peninsula southwest of Puale Bay. A third well (Richfield Oil Corp.’s Wide Bay Unit No. 1), south of and structurally on trend with the other two wells, probed deeply into the Paleozoic basement, but Triassic strata are absent, owing to either a major unconformity or a large fault.

Here we briefly review current and newly acquired data on Permian and Triassic rocks of the Puale Bay-Becharof Lake-Wide Bay area on the basis of an examination of surface and subsurface materials. The resulting reinterpretation of the Permian and Triassic stratigraphy has important economic ramifications for oil and gas exploration on the Alaska Peninsula and in the Cook Inlet basin. We also present a history of petroleum exploration targeting Upper Triassic reservoirs in the region.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title A major unconformity between Permian and Triassic strata at Cape Kekurnoi, Alaska Peninsula: Old and new observations on stratigraphy and hydrocarbon potential
Series title Professional Paper
Series number 1739
Chapter E
DOI 10.3133/pp1739E
Edition Version 1.0
Year Published 2008
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Contributing office(s) Energy Resources Program
Description 13 p.
Larger Work Type Report
Larger Work Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Larger Work Title Studies by the U.S. Geological Survey in Alaska, 2006
Country United States
State Alaska
Other Geospatial Cape Kekurnoi
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
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