Preliminary regional sequence stratigraphic framework and characterization of potential fluvial reservoirs of the Upper Mesverde Group, Uinta Basin, Utah (OFR-569)

By: J. L. Aschoff

The Natural Buttes Gas Field, northeastern Utah, is one of the largest natural gas fields in the United States with more than 166 billion cubic feet of gas (BCFG) proved reserves. Natural gas production in the Natural Buttes area is primarily from tight-gas sands within Cretaceous and Tertiary strata, including much of the upper Mesaverde Group. Despite increased interest in the upper Mesaverde Group, pragmatic timelines and sound regional correlations for this interval in the Uinta basin are scant. Moreover, the regional sequence-stratigraphic framework and facies distribution is poorly understood. Carefully linking outcrop observations (i.e., detailed lithofacies, stacking patterns, flooding surfaces, regional unconformities, paleocurrents and detrital sandstone modes) to nearby subsurface data provides critical insight that can vastly improve regional correlations by and place productive facies within a regional context.

The goal of this pilot study was to construct a preliminary, outcrop-to-subsurface, sequence-stratigraphic correlation for the Price River and Farrer Formations from Price, UT to the Utah-Colorado state line. Deliverables for this study include: (1) a regional stratigraphic cross section; (2) 10 detailed stratigraphic profiles; (3) 2 interpreted outcrop photo mosaics with corresponding gamma-ray responses.

This Open-File release makes information available to the public during the review and production period necessary for a formal UGS publication. This map may be incomplete, and inconsistencies, errors, and omissions have not been resolved. While the document is in the review process, it may not conform to UGS standards; therefore it may be premature for an individual or group to take actions based on its contents.

Other Information:
Published: 2010
Pages: 15 p. + 25 p. appendices
Plates: 2 pl.
Location: Carbon County, Grand County, and Grand County