OUTCROP Newsletter of the Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists
Volume 62 • No. 12 • December 2013
20th Annual 3D Seismic Symposium 20/20 3D
Vision E
3 D
WAVE
SEISMIC ATTRIBUTE CHARACTERIZATION
More information, as well as Exhibitor and Sponsor forms, available at www.3dseismicsymposium.com
Friday, Febuary 14, 2014
Sheraton Downtown Denver Hotel Sponsored by Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists & Denver Geophysical Society
Vol. 62, No.12
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The Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists 910 16th Street • Suite 1214 • Denver, CO 80202 • 303-476-2241 The Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists (RMAG) is a nonprofit organization whose purposes are to promote interest in geology and allied sciences and their practical application, to foster scientific research and to encourage fellowship and cooperation among its members. The Outcrop is a monthly publication of the RMAG.
2013 Officers and Board of Directors RMAG Staff
Executive Director Emily Tompkins etompkins@rmag.org Office & Programs Manager Carrie Veatch, MA cveatch@rmag.org Accountant Carol Dalton cdalton@rmag.org
Co-Editors
Kristine Peterson k.peterson@laramidegeo.com Holly Sell holly.sell@yahoo.com
President – Debra Higley-Feldman higley@usgs.gov
Treasurer – Mike Kozimko mkozimko@yatespetroleum.com
President-Elect – Matt Silverman MSilverman@bayless-cos.com
Treasurer Elect – Reed Johnson reed.johnson@cometridgeresources.com
Secretary – Jacinda Nettik Brown jacinda@caerusoilandgas.com
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RMAG October Board of Directors Meeting
By Jacinda Nettik Brown, Secretary (jacinda@caerusoilandgas.com) The Board of Directors meeting Money will not be included in the 2014 budget for GSW. In was held on October 16, 2013 at Please note by the time the end a motion to approve the second floor conference room this article is published the budget as amended was of the RMAG office building. This passed. meeting was lengthy with several in the Outcrop the RMAG Next, a motion to approve motions up for discussion and Office will have moved to its the modified by-laws was put votes. on the table. This was seconded We began this meeting new location. RMAG will be with discussion and passed with approval of last month’s in the same building, but with amended corrections and minutes and followed up with the additions. The modified ByContinuing Education report by in a new suite. laws went out to members on Laura Mauro Johnson. She noted November 1. that the first ever RMAG Sporting New business included the Public Affairs Committee Clay Tournament was well attended. Look for this to stance that RMAG is not an advocacy group so they be an annual event. The next topic was the AAPG will offer appropriate information and materials to its Geoscience Technology Workshop (GTW). A motion members but will not take a position on matters of approving RMAG to partner in the AAPG GTW passed. controversial nature. Partnering will provide RMAG members a discounted Please note by the time this article is published in the price when registering as well as give RMAG a voice Outcrop the RMAG Office will have moved to its new in planning of the workshop. location. RMAG will be in the same building, but in a Reed Johnson gave the Financial Report and then new suite. You can now find them at 910 16th Street the office staff reviewed the revised 2014 budget with Mall, Suite 1214, Denver, CO 80202. the board. Not included in the budget was money for Last, I’d like to thank my fellow board members RMAG’s participation in GeoScienceWorld. A lengthy Matt Silverman, Laura Wray and John Ladd for covering discussion ensued about RMAG’s participation in GSW my RMAG Secretary duties while I was on a maternity and the financial implications. A motion was passed to leave bonding with my new baby boy. defer the GSW participation discussion until next year.
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Vol. 62, No.12
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December 2013
OUTCROP Newsletter of the Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists
CONTENTS Features
8 Lead Story: RMAG Onthe-Rocks Field Trip
association news 2 20th Annual 3D Seismic Symposium 13 RMAG Awards 14 The Mountain Geologist Goes AllDigital Beginning in 2014 16 RMAG/PTTC Geosteering Forum Call for Abstracts 17 2014 Rocky Mountain Section-AAPG Annual Meeting Call for Papers! 19 Studies in Geology 65 Pre-Sale Form 20 Colorado School of Mines Invites Applications for the Robert J. Weimer Distinguished Chair in Sedimentary and Petroleum Geology
23 The Artists of RMAG 25 20th Annual 3D Seismic Symposium Invitation and Speaker Commitment Form 28 We want you back! We need you! 29 2013 RMAG Dues Renewal 31 Authors and Editors Needed: RMAG Oil & Gas Fields of Colorado 32 Connect with RMAG Online! 33 Thank you to 2012 RMAG Foundation Donors 34 RMAG 2013 Summit Sponsors 39 RMAG Presents NAPE on the Rocks 41 Submit a Manuscript to The Mountain Geologist
Departments 4 RMAG October Board of Directors Meeting
COVER PHOTO Water levels of flooded lakes are recorded by cottonwood trees in Bear Creek Lake Park in Lakewood. Flood waters have receded since the mid-September, 2013 rains along the Front Range of Colorado. Bear Creek dam was completed in 1982. The September floods brought the water level of the lake to a new record high of 5593.2 ‘ at midnight on September 16, 2013. The water level was as much as 43 ‘above normal. The view is to the southwest with a backdrop of the Dakota Hogback. Photo by Debra Higley
4 6 22 32 35 40 43 43
Advertising Rates President's Column Check it out! New Members RMAG Luncheon Programs In the Pipeline Advertisers Index Calendar of Events
Volume 62 • No. 12 • December 2013
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President’s Column By Debra Higley
Praise and thanks! One nice thing about December is that rocks are more visible because they aren’t covered by a bunch of greenery. However, I do look forward to spring, a time of renewed growth and an explosion of colors. Not visible in this summer’s photo are slabs of Permian Lyons Sandstone, and various sized boulders that were transported to the yard by glaciers and a 1992 Ford Ranger. RMAG was founded in 1922, and we currently have more than 2,000 members. During this time, rocks have not changed, other than a bit of erosion here and there and new interpretations. Our organization and science have undergone numerous changes over the decades. What remains strong is our love of geoscience and of sharing our knowledge. RMAG volunteers and sponsors have kept RMAG strong and flexible. Congratulations to the 2014 RMAG Board members and best wishes for a wonderful new year. I have learned a lot over the last 2 years about teamwork, planning, finances, and other aspects of our organization, and thank all of you for allowing me to serve you. It has been a good year of building on our RMAG infrastructure, expanding the reach of our publications, and providing service to RMAG members through our events, information, and publications. I would like to thank our office staff, Emily Tompkins, Carrie Veatch, Carol Dalton, and all my fellow Board members for donating so much of their time, energy, and expertise.
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Vol. 62, No.12
Thanks also for your input and humor during our meetings and email streams. This is also the first year that the RMAG Board has had two pregnant officers, Laura Mauro Johnson, 2nd VP, and Jacinda Nettik Brown, Secretary. Their boys were the youngest attendees for Board meetings, up to the dates of their June births. Matt Silverman, President Elect, has been invaluable as a source of information and for overseeing a number of committees and events. Larry Rasmussen, 1st VP, has been very active on the Board and as the contact with the Publications Committee; he will chair that committee next year. Laura Mauro Johnson, 2nd VP, is a very active and efficient Board contact with the Continuing Education committee, which she will co-chair next year. Mike Kozimko, Treasurer, oversaw RMAG finances over the last two years with the assistance of Reed Johnson, Treasurer Elect, and Carol Dalton, Bookkeeper. Jacinda Nettik Brown provided excellent minutes of Board meetings and synopses for the monthly Outcrops. Our two counselors, John Ladd (2nd Year) and Laura Wray (1st year) gave us historical and bylaws perspectives on our RMAG plans, and were also active contacts within RMAG committees. It has been my privilege to serve with you.
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December 2013
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LEAD STORY – RMAG On-the-Rocks Field Trip Vineyards and Adobes and Gravels – Oh My! Wine Tasting and Geologic Exploration of the North Fork Valley, Western Colorado, September 7, 2013 By Sandra Mark
How fortunate were the 23 participants of the grand finale of the 2013 On-The-Rocks field trip season! Not only did we get a preview of new mapping and compelling new geologic interpretations, but we discovered a little known wine-growing area of Colorado. With the capable guidance of Dr. Dave Noe of the Colorado Geological Survey, we explored the landscapes of the North Fork Valley, home to the West Elks American Viticultural Area. Because the trip was interspersed with wine tasting, participants enjoyed being conveyed in comfortable vans, driven by designated drivers. The trip was unique in that the owner and wine-maker of a local winery (Alfred Eames Cellars) and his family joined the trip in their own vehicle. Eames had taken some geology courses in college and was curious about what he sees out his back door. Having them along was a great example of local outreach; he and his family were totally engaged the entire day. Here follows a series of photos from the field trip, with many of the annotations taken from the excellent guidebook that was prepared by Dr. Noe.
Geological Survey, scale 1:24,000. Noe, D.C., Logan, Z.D., McCall, K.J., and Warden, G.W., in preparation, Lazear quadrangle geologic map, Delta County, Colorado: Colorado Geological Survey, scale 1:24,000. Noe, D.C., and Rodgers, E.L., in preparation, Hotchkiss quadrangle geologic map, Delta County, Colorado: Colorado Geological Survey, scale 1:24,000. Noe, D.C., and Zawaski, M.J., 2013, Orchard City quadrangle geologic map, Delta County, Colorado: Colorado Geological Survey, 33 p., 12 plates, scale
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Lead Story 1:24,000. Available for free download at http://geosurveystore.state. co.us/p-1452-orchard-city-quadrangle-geologic-map-delta-county-colorado. aspx.
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Group photo taken in the Puesta del Sol Vineyard at Alfred Eames Cellars, Paonia, Colorado. From left: Dick Castle, Peggy Castle, Ron Parker, Devin Petersen, Pam Petersen, Doug Brown, Rob Taylor, Logan MacMillan, Alfred Eames Petersen, Fred Mark, Mary Pritchett, Andy Parker, Ron Pritchett, Sandra Mark, Dale Murphy, Randa MacMillan, Leaf Petersen, Dave Noe, Elaine Bateman, Mike Seal, Rozolen Stanford, Denis Foley, Celia Greenman. Photo by Ron Parker.
Confluence of the North Fork and Gunnison Rivers above Pleasure Park, Gunnison Gorge Conservation Area. Dr. Dave Noe points out alluvial terraces of the Gunnison and North Fork Rivers. Older rocks in view are the Dakota Sandstone, and Morrison Formation. Photo by Sandra Mark
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Lead Story
Continued from page 9
Ron Pritchett partakes of wine tasting at Mesa Winds Winery, Hotchkiss, Colorado. Photo by Sandra Mark.
A landslide head scarp along the southern edge of Redlands Mesa exposes up to 140 feet of middle Pleistocene-age debrisflow deposits. The clasts (commonly as large as 6 feet long) are comprised of basalt derived from Grand Mesa, which was periodically glaciated during the Pleistocene. Many of the wineries that we visited on the field trip are sited atop mesas that are underlain by similar gravel deposits. Below is “Mancos Blonde�, oxidation of the shale, a near-surface weathering phenomenon commonly seen when the Mancos is overlain by a gravel deposit. Photo by Ron Parker.
Alfred Eames Cellars. It is the only winery in the West Elks American Viticultural Area that is located on the porphyry clast, gravelly mud deposits to the south of the North Fork River. Photo by Sandra Mark.
The 'Adobes Triangle', bounded by the towns of Paonia, Hotchkiss, and Crawford, consists of exquisitely exposed outcrops of Mancos Shale. At this stop, we were in the middle of the Smoky Hill Member. A number of thick-shelled Inoceramid fragments were collected. Landsend Peak in the background. Photo by Ron Parker. Terror Creek Winery, Paonia, Colorado, has the distinction of being the highest winery in the world (elevation 6400 feet). The winery and tasting room offers spectacular views of the vineyards and the West Elk Mountains (Oligocene laccoliths.) Photo by Ron Parker. Vol. 62, No.12
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December 2013
Rocky Mtn. PTTC Workshops GeoGraphix Training: An Overview and Refresher Course
Wednesday, November 20, 2013, 8:30 am – 5 pm, Colorado School of Mines, Berthoud Hall Rm. 201 Fee: $250, includes food at breaks, workbook, and PDH certificate. Instructor: Fred Poland, Littleton, CO
Well Bore Integrity throughout its Life Cycle
Tuesday, December 10, 2013, 8:30 am – 5 pm, Colorado School of Mines, Ben Parker Student Center Ballroom A Fee: $250, includes food at breaks, workbook, and PDH certificate. Instructor: Talib Syed, PE
Carbonate Depositional Systems and Seismic Sequence Stratigraphy Tuesday-Wednesday, January 21-22, 2014, 8:30 am – 5 pm, Colorado School of Mines, Ben Parker Student Center Ballroom E Fee: $500, includes food at breaks, workbook, and PDH certificate. Instructors: Dr. John Humphrey and Dr. Joseph Richard Sarg
Basic Well Log Interpretation
Monday-Wednesday, February 18-20, 2013, 8:30 am – 5 pm, Colorado School of Mines, Ben Parker Student Center Ballroom BC Fee: $650, includes food at breaks, class notes, and PDH certificate Instructor: Dr. Dan Krygowski, The Discovery Group, Denver, CO Limit: 60 persons
Stranded Gas to Value
Tuesday March 5, 2014, 8:30 am – 5 pm, Colorado School of Mines, Ben Parker Student Center Ballroom AB Fee: $250, includes lunch, class notes, and PDH certificate Multiple speakers Limit: 100 persons
Well-Log Sequence Stratigraphy: Applications to Sandstones and Shales
Tuesday – Thursday, March 11-13, 2014, 8:30 am – 5 pm, Colorado School of Mines, Berthoud Hall rm. 243 Fee: $700, includes food at breaks, class notes, and PDH certificate Instructor: Dr. Jeff May
Class Descriptions and Register Online: www.pttcrockies.org For more information, contact Mary Carr, 303.273.3107, mcarr@mines.edu
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Vol. 62, No.12
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December 2013
RMAG Honorary Membership 2013 Charles W. Spencer
The Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists is pleased to present Honorary Membership, the association’s most prestigious award, to Charles W. (Chuck) Spencer. Chuck earned this award through many years of contributions and accomplishments to the geologic profession and, in particular, to the RMAG. Though Chuck worked at Texaco for a 15-year stint between 1959 and 1974, he is probably best known for his work on behalf of the United States Geological Survey (USGS). His first effort with the USGS began in 1955 when he was hired to study both minerals and ground water in the eastern United States. However, in 1959, Chuck transferred to the oil and gas division in the western United States. Apparently the oil and gas arena was quite enticing since that was the area of focus for the rest of his career, both in government and in industry. After moving on from his managerial role at Texaco (first as District Geologist and then as manager of the Rocky Mountain Division Lab), Chuck once again joined the USGS where he became one of the first proponents of
unconventional resources; specifically basin-centered, tight gas sand accumulations. On this subject, he and his team wrote extensively with one of his many papers earning him and his co-author, Ben Law, the 1981 AAPG A.I. Levorsen Award. Chuck’s contributions to the science supporting oil and gas exploration also earned him the 1994 RMAG Outstanding Scientist award. It is fitting to say that his legacy of work has earned him high regard and respect, not only from within the United States, but from around the world. Chuck is not only known for his contributions to the characterization of unconventional resources, but he has also been lauded for his participation in the local and national geologic community. For example, he has been an active member in the RMAG since 1961. Chuck chaired the 1975 Symposium and Field Trip, served as a trustee to the RMAG Foundation, contributed to the research committee, and edited special RMAG publications. When RMAG President Neal Harr passed away in 1979, Chuck stepped up from his Vice President position to President to lead the RMAG through a time of sorrow and transition. On the national stage, Chuck served as a delegate to the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), authored or coauthored many papers and talks for that association, and was selected President of the Rocky Mountain Section of the AAPG in 1984-1985. Because of his active service, Chuck has received several awards Quality Mudlogging from both the RMAG and AAPG. In 1982, Chuck received the RMAG Geologic Interpretation Distinguished Service to the Earth Wellsite Geology | Geo-Steering | Coring Supervision Sciences Award and in 1993 he Serving the Williston Basin Horizontal Bakken, was presented with the AAPG Public and Rocky Mountain Mission Canyon, Red River, Service Award. Region Dupero, Three Forks and The membership of the RMAG Ratcliff formations believes that there is one more Joseph H. Large award that Chuck deserves. It is President with great honor that the RMAG www.rpmconsultinginc.com bestows the 2013 RMAG Honorary 1600 Broadway, Suite 1510, Denver, CO 80202 Membership Award to Charles W. (Office) 303 595 7625 | (Fax) 303 595 7628 (Chuck) Spencer. Continued on page 14 »
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RMAG Best Luncheon Speaker Award 2013 Jeffrey A. May
The Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists is please to give the Best Luncheon Speaker Award to Jeffrey A. May. On July 10, 2013 Jeff gave a presentation to an RMAG luncheon audience titled “The Sedimentology of Mudrocks: Organics, Organisms, and Occasional Occurrences”. He discussed the relationship between compositional variability and the interaction between
detrital input and biologic productivity along with the preservation versus destruction of organic material. Randomly selected reviewers judged all the luncheon presentations and Jeff’s scores were the highest of the year. Congratulations Jeff and thanks for a great presentation!
The Mountain Geologist Goes All-Digital Beginning in 2014 February 2014 Dear Past Non-RMAG Member Subscribers to The Mountain Geologist, We are proud to announce that our journal The Mountain Geologist has gone all-digital beginning in 2014, and the printed issues have been discontinued. We look forward to being a paperless journal! Our members went digital in 2013, and only non-member subscribers received print issues in 2013. This means we will no longer be mailing print issues of our journal, and we will no longer be offering subscriptions to The Mountain Geologist. Subscribers to the 2013 volume 50 were notified of the change in October/November, 2013. It will be possible to receive our digital issues for personal use in one of two ways: either by becoming a member of the Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists for $41 annually (http://www.rmag.org) which will enable downloading issues from the website, or by payper-view from AAPG’s DataPages (http://www.datapages.com). University and corporate subscription options are also available through DataPages. We are currently exploring other subscription options; please let us know directly if you wish to be appraised of developments in this area. Respectfully, Joyce Trygstad Nelson Executive Editor, The Mountain Geologist jtpetr@aol.com Emily Tompkins Executive Director, Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists etompkins@rmag.org
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RMAG President's Award 2013 Kurt D. Reisser
Geophysical Society further enhance his background of knowledge and organization capabilities. Kurt received the RMAG Outstanding Explorer Award in 1988 as a result of his 1985 discovery of Luckey Ditch field in southwest Wyoming, when he was Central Rocky Mountain District Geologist with Sun Exploration and Production Company. He received the Distinguished Service to RMAG Award in 2010 in recognition of almost a decade of contributing his expertise. He has served as coordinator of and contributor to numerous RMAG committees and events that include RMAG luncheon speakers (2005-2008), 2nd Vice President in 2008, chair of the Continuing Education Committee in 2009, Sponsorship Chair for the RMAG/COGA Energy Epicenter in 2010, co-chair for the 2010 RMAG Fall Symposium on New Drilling and Completion Techniques. Kurt initiated the RMAG Summit Sponsorship Committee in 2011 and serves as chairman. The Summit Sponsorship Committee provides for a stable funding source for RMAG and also increases our contacts with and support for the organizations that so generously sponsor RMAG events. For this, and his years of service to the scientific community, the Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists is pleased to present to Kurt Reisser the Presidents Award.
The Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists is pleased to present to Kurt Reisser the Presidents Award. Kurt is being awarded this honor for his service to RMAG and to the scientific community. Kurt has more than 37 years of experience as a petroleum geologist in exploration, acquisitions, and divestitures in the U.S. and abroad. As is the case with most petroleum geoscientists, he has worked for multiple companies while living in New Orleans, Denver, and Dallas, and through time has worn numerous leadership hats. The scientific community has benefited from his extensive background of experience, enthusiastic sharing of knowledge and abilities, and his contacts within industry, organizations, academia, and government. His memberships with the Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists, American Association of Petroleum Geologists, Houston Geological Society, and Denver
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RMAG/PTTC GEOSTEERING FORUM IMPACTING THE BOTTOM LINE
Presented by The Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists and PTTC TUESDAY, APRIL 29th, 2014
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS Deadline January 31, 2014 Maximize your visibility and work by actively participating in this PREMIER event! RMAG and PTTC are pleased to announce their 1st Geosteering Forum. The objectives are to examine advanced geosteering techniques and applications in horizontal wells among geoscientists and engineers. Topics include software analysis, downhole tools and techniques, and their usefulness in well planning, stratigraphic interpretation, staying in-zone, dealing with hazards, drilling efficiency, and maximizing productivity of horizontal wells. Topics include but are not limited to the following: • Geosteering techniques and applications • Case histories • Pros/cons of software packages • Downhole tools and techniques • Well planning/stratigraphic interpretation • Dealing with hazards and drilling efficiency • Analyzing geosteering data to understand and boost production • The relative merits of remote, on-location and in-house geosteering Target Audience: geoscientists, drilling engineers, and reservoir engineers
Feb 17th, 2014 Registration Opens $200 member, $250 nonmember
Marriott Denver City Center Downtown For EXHIBITOR, SPONSOR, and ABSTRACT info visit WWW.RMAG.ORG or contact the RMAG office staff@rmag.org 303-573-8621
Vol. 62, No.12
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December 2013
CALL FOR PAPERS! 2014 Rocky Mountain Section-AAPG Annual Meeting Abstract deadline Jan. 31, 2014 Look for more details in December...
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October 2013
Coming in September! Order your copy today!
—— PRE-SALE FORM ——
Studies in Geology 65
Application of Structural Methods to Rocky Mountain Hydrocarbon Exploration and Development
Edited by: Constance N. Knight, Jerome J. Cuzella, Leland D. Cress Co-published by The American Association of Petroleum Geologists The Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists With increasing industry emphasis on developing “unconventional” tight reservoirs and on enhancing recovery from existing fields, geologists are facing new challenges. Identifying fracture characteristics within petroleum systems is essential. Understanding the timing of tectonics and the formation of structures is important, as these factors strongly influence hydrocarbon generation, migration, entrapment, and preservation. The purpose in publishing this collection of key papers is to aid future works in addressing complex interrelationships between structural geology and hydrocarbon exploration and development. The first four chapters of this book focus on structural concepts and techniques. The second part of this book is a collection of Rocky Mountain fault and fracture studies. These well-documented studies are valuable reference materials for all petroleum geologists. I agree to pay the RMAG:
RMAG member—$159 X ___ (# ordering) = _____ + sales tax + shipping* non-member—$249 X ___ (# ordering) = ______ + sales tax + shipping* *shipping is based on UPS rates, therefore we will charge you based on your shipping zip code
Name as it appears on card: _______________________________________________________ Billing address on card: ___________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ Credit Card Number: _____________________________________________________________ Verification/security code: ____________________ Expiration Date: ______________________ Signature: _______________________________________________ Date: _________________ Email address for receipt: __________________________________________________________
More information is available on the RMAG website under Publications. Questions? Would you like to pay by check? Please call the RMAG office (303) 573-8621 or email staff@rmag.org OUTCROP
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December 2013
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GSW has an opensource site for references at http:// www.opengeosci.org/ that you might find useful. It is formatted for geoscientists. References link back to the original sources, such as AAPG Bulletins, but a nice way to search by author, formation name, or other parameters and bring up abstracts and figures.
»
Vol. 62, No.12
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December 2013
The Artists of RMAG For several months this past year, we ran an “ad” in the Outcrop seeking the artists of RMAG to submit their geologic works for a virtual art show. We know that there
are more of you out there, but only three brave hearts submitted their work. We salute the artists of RMAG.
“Anorthosite at Split Rock” Oil painting by Don Stone These majestic anorthosite bluffs rise 130 feet above the lake level at Split Rock State Park, Minnesota, on the northwest shore of Lake Superior, the world’s largest lake. The famous Split Rock Lighthouse (built in 1910) sits on the Proterozoic anorthosite, a phaneritic igneous rock composed predominantly of plagioclase feldspar, accounting for its light, weathered color. The anorthosite is intruded into Duluth gabbroic volcanics that erupted from the Midcontinent Rift System ~1.1 billion years ago. I viewed this striking georama from a cruise ship passing along the base of the cliffs and converted it to an oil painting on a 42” by 32” canvas just this year.
“Chaco Canyon Summer Solstice” Oil on canvas, 12”x16” by Sandra Mark, 2-13 Cliff House Sandstone (Late Cretaceous) forms the backdrop for the ruins of Chaco Culture National Historical Park, San Juan Basin, Northwestern New Mexico. Ancestral Puebloans built great houses in numerous communities along Chaco Wash and the surrounding area between 850 AD and 1250 AD. The painting depicts Zuni Dancers during the summer solstice, 2010 in the plaza of Pueblo Bonito. For more information on Chaco geology and culture: http://3dparks.wr.usgs.gov/coloradoplateau/ chaco_strat.h Continued on page 24 »
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The Artists of RMAG
Continued from page 23
Three Geologic Art Quilts Fabric quilts approximately 2.5 feet on a side by Barbara Rogers These quilts were inspired by the covers of her husband, Jim’s AAPG Explorer and Bulletins. Barbara captures the overall impression of the geologic exposure by her choice of “rock” fabric and stitchery.
»
Vol. 62, No. 12 No.12
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December 2013
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www.rmag.org
20th Annual 3D Seismic Symposium
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December 2013
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www.rmag.org
We want you back! We need you! The RMAG is facing a serious membership dilemma. During 2013, over 700 RMAG memberships have lapsed.
Vol. 62, No.12
Every RMAG member is being requested to keep his/her online membership profile information up to date.
were very concerned that their memberships had lapsed. Every RMAG member is being requested to keep his/ her online membership profile information up to date. We need your help to resolve this problem. If (after reading the profile article of this issue) you require assistance using the online RMAG website and database, please contact the RMAG office.
»
T h e r e c e n t l y c r e a te d membership committee, the RMAG board of directors, and the RMAG office staff are working to resolve membership issues. We need your help. Recently Debra Higley, Dudley Bolyard, Matt Silverman, and Connie Knight contacted some of the “lapsed” members by phone and by email. Of the members contacted, most
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December 2013
Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists, RMAG 910 16th Street Mall, Suite 1125, Denver, CO 80202 (303) 573-8621 phone (303) 628-0546 fax www.rmag.org staff@rmag.org
2013 RMAG Dues Renewal 2013 RMAG Dues Renewal Name: _____________________________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________________ City: ________________________________ State: _________ Zip code: ______________ Current email address: _______________________________________________________ 2013 Dues: $41.00 (December 1, 2012 - November 30, 2013) **$25.00 (June 1, 2013 – November 30, 2013)** half year dues + late fee Other Optional Contributions: RMAG Contribution:
$_________
(which supports the calendar of 2013 of RMAG events, including short courses, symposia, social events, monthly luncheons, and more)
RMAG Foundation General Fund Contribution:
$_________
(which helps support the following: Norman H. Foster Scholarship, University of Colorado (Bolyard) Scholarship, Colorado School of Mines (CSM) Scholarship, Colorado State University (CSU) Scholarship, Veterans Memorial Scholarship, Stone/Hollberg Graduate Scholarship in Structural Geology, Philip J. McKenna Scholarship, Babcock Scholarship)
Total Contribution Payment:
$_________
All contributions are tax deductible under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS. Please return this form with payment: Payments may be made by check (payable to RMAG) or credit card (please either fill out the enclosed credit card authorization form or go to www.rmag.org to pay online). Easy steps to update your membership online: 1. Go to RMAG website at www.rmag.org 2. Click on MEMBERSHIP 3. Under MEMBERSHIP, click on Member Log In 4. Under the Member Login box, click where it says “Forgot your information? Click here” 5. Enter your current email address 6. You will then receive an email with your login information If this is unsuccessful, please contact the RMAG office at (303) 573-8621 or by email at staff@rmag.org for further assistance. OUTCROP
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www.rmag.org
PetroFecta® from Fluid Inclusion Technologies is a unique approach combining XRF (PDQ-XRF ®), Trapped Fluid Analysis (FIS ®), and High Resolution Photography (RockEye ®) of the entire wellbore from well cuttings or core samples of any age. All analyses are conducted on the same 1 gram sample (up to 575 samples per well) with an analytical cycle of four days. Data provided on a DVD with previewer software. Information about PetroFecta ® and the umbrella of FIT services, call 918.461.8984 or visit www.fittulsa.com
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Vol. 62, No.12
3/19/13 1:24 PM
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December 2013
Authors and Editors Needed: RMAG Oil & Gas Fields of Colorado! RMAG is working toward the publication of a guidebook dedicated to short field studies of a set of selected oil and gas fields in Colorado. In large part the format will be similar to earlier publications of this type: a several page article that will include a one page summary with a small set of maps and cross-sections adequate to give the reader a lot of information in a short amount of time. The RMAG committee working on this publication has selected 85 fields for review. In addition, we expect to have extended discussion around several large “resource play� areas such as the Piceance Basin or the Greater Wattenberg complex including the recent horizontal Niobrara play. The committee is currently looking for authors to do field studies and to put together material for publication. Each author may contribute one or multiple field studies. We will also need a group of editors for both technical and copy (grammatical and graphical) review.
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Please volunteer! Committee contacts below: Dean DuBois, Committee Chair 720-876-5366 dean.dubois@encana.com
Marshall Deacon 303-228-4215 mdeacon@nobleenergyinc.com
James Milne 303-894-2100 x5117 james.milne@state.co.us
Tom Feldkamp 303-228-4146 tfeldkamp@NobleEnergyInc.com
James Rogers 303-832-2328 jim_rogers1@comcast.net
Chris Martin 720-440-6134 CMartin@bonanzacrk.com
Steve Cumella 720-979-0718 steve.cumella@endeavourcorp.com
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New Members
Welcome to New RMAG Members... Gregory Hinds works for Jagged Peak Energy.
Kasey Hundt works for Newfield Exploration.
Christopher Ladd lives in Denver, CO.
Joe Crownover works for Buckley Powder Company.
Joseph Cain works for Montrose GIS & Geologic.
Dan Bentley lives in Billings, MT.
Ethan Melville lives in Rapid City, SD.
Eric Pasternack works for Outsource Petrophysics, Inc.
DONOVAN BROTHERS INCORPORATED
Zeyneo Oner works for the South Dakota School of Mines.
Wellsite Drilling Engineering • Well Plans • Geomechanics Formation Evaluation • Optimize Drilling Using Logs
Jeff Hamlin works for Kodiak Oil & Gas.
Bill Donovan
Geologist • Petroleum Engineer • PE
John Buggenham works for Whitewater Exploration.
780 E. Phillips Dr. S. • Littleton, CO 80122 (720) 351-7470 (voice) • (303) 794-7470 (message) donovan@petroleum-eng.com www.petroleum-eng.com
Richard Sorensen works for Cirque Resources.»
Connect with RMAG Online!
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December 2013
THANK YOU TO 2012 RMAG FOUNDATION DONORS The Trustees of the RMAG Foundation wish to acknowledge the generous support of the Foundation’s donors in 2012. Approximately $35,000 was raised for student scholarships and the general fund which supports geologic endeavors within the geologic community at large. The Foundation, a tax-exempt organization under section 501 (c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code (Tax ID # 84-0730294), relies on these donations for its ongoing contributions which are made each year from the interest accrued by the fund. In addition to the individuals, companies, and corporations on the facing page who gave in 2012, the Foundation would like to recognize a major gift to the scholarship funds by the RMAG Golf Tournament contributors. Thank you to all who organized and played in that tournament! If any donor has failed to be thanked individually by letter, please contact:
Vol. 62, No. 8 OUTCROP
RMAG Foundation, #165 Independence Plaza 1001 16th Street, B-180 Denver, CO 80265
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November 2013 www.rmag.org
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www.rmag.org December 2013
RMAG Luncheon Programs – December 4th
The Golden Thrust System – Peculiar Geometries Associated with Backthrusts in a System of Stacked Triangle Zones along the Eastern Flank of the Colorado Front Range By Ned Sterne, December 4, 2013
The rare exposures of the fault show it to have a variety of attitudes and age juxtapositions and when viewed individually have been used to support either of these two other models. .
Since the first observations in the Golden, Colorado area during the Hayden Survey, geologists have puzzled over the peculiarities of the Golden Fault. The fault is expressed over a strike distance of approximately 20 miles and reaches its point of maximum stratigraphic separation at Clear Creek where the upper part of the Cretaceous Pierre Shale is juxtaposed against the lower part of the Pennsylvanian Fountain Formation, an attenuation of 9,000’ of section. The fault approximately parallels the upper part of the Pierre for the whole of its length on the east, and ramps across older units on the west as its gains separation. The fault embays west to its point of maximum separation. Geologists have presented numerous interpretations for the geometry of the fault. The earliest considered it a peculiar east-dipping, west-directed, youngerover-older fault. Subsequent workers saw it as a west-dipping, east-directed, older-over-younger reverse fault. The rare exposures of the fault show it to have a variety of attitudes and age juxtapositions and when viewed individually have been used to support either of these two other models. To accommodate such disparate data, the author proposes a modified triangle zone model – one that allows backthrusts within the intercutaneous wedge. Such a construct anticipates a linked system of thrusts displaying Continued on page 36 »
Luncheon Reservations & Information
»
Your attendance is welcomed and encouraged. Bring a guest or new member!
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Call 303-573-8621, email staff@rmag.org, or register online.
www.rmag.org
»
Luncheon will be held at the Marriott City Center at California and 17th St. Please check the event listing in the lobby for the room. Check-in/walk-in registration begins at 11:30 a.m., lunch is served at 12:00 noon, and the talk begins at 12:20 p.m. The luncheon price is $30.00. To listen only to the talk, walkin price is $10.00. If you make a reservation and do not attend the luncheon, you will be billed for the luncheon. Online registration closes at 4:00 p.m. on the Thursday before the luncheon. Cancellations are not guaranteed after that time.
RMAG Luncheons
Continued from page 35
a variety of geometries with both east- and west-dipping thrusts that show both standard older-over-younger and nonstandard younger-over-older age juxtapositions that explain the apparently conflicting field data. It also explains the peculiar map pattern created by the westward embayment of the Golden Thrust. A full explanation of the mountain front also requires that such triangle zones stack through the sedimentary section. Preferred detachments near the top of basement, in the Cretaceous Benton, the lower Pierre Shale and the upper Pierre Shale are occupied then abandoned as the thrust system steps its way up section and to the erosional or free surface. Such geometries make it necessary to rethink how geologists interpret geologic maps and construct cross sections. Unless the attitude and direction of slip of a thrust are known, multiple interpretations of the geologic structure are possible. When younger-over-older thrust relationships come into the mix, the interpretive process becomes more challenging but also more interesting. Armed with some additional ways to think about structural geometries, the incomplete information available to geologists can build into a family of permissible and testable hypotheses that address the complexity seen in the rocks. Outcrop geology, trench, adit and well information, and seismic data will be presented to show the variety of geometries seen at Golden and elsewhere along the mountain front and to support this structural model. »
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Vol. 62, No.12
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December 2013
RMAG Luncheon Programs – January 8th
The Unconventional Oil & Gas Revolution: Another Look Under the Hood
By Pete Stark, IHS Senior Research Director and Advisor and Steve Trammel, IHS Research Director and Advisor, January 8, 2014
The implications of the unconventional oil and gas revolution are enormous. This discussion will review insights about the opportunities and challenges that will shape the eventual size of the prize for unconventional oil and gas. .
Unprecedented breakthroughs in liberating production from source rocks and tight reservoirs have stimulated dramatic shifts in oil and gas supplies and market factors. After an extended scramble to secure and evaluate leases, the unconventional revolution is entering a new phase with focus on efficient play development and expansion of supplies. The “shale gale” unlocked a 100 year supply for natural gas. But it also triggered excess production capacity and a collapse of gas prices that have forced massive adjustments across the supply chain. 2014 shapes up as a transformational year as gas markets adjust to abundant low-cost gas and NGL supplies and demand improves along with the economy. The “great revival” of U.S. oil production will continue to lead the world in annual supply growth. The unconventional oil and gas revolution is an invaluable engine for job creation – 2.1 million jobs by 2012 – and economic growth, delivering $75 billion in federal and state taxes and $283 billion to US GDP during 2012 alone. But heightened public concerns about perceived risks from horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing and complacency with “the way things are” undermine our collective ability to maximize the advantage of this huge bonus for U.S. energy. So, for those who do not want shale gas or tight oil we will review what it would be like in the US if the unconventional revolution did not happen. For those who do want shale gas and tight oil, we also will review some of the significant trends in the evolution of US unconventional plays. The mighty Marcellus has become the “king kong” play for U.S. natural gas - far surpassing even optimistic views from two years ago. The Eagle Ford and Bakken – Three Forks duke it out for leadership in U.S. tight oil. The Eagle Ford has surged into the lead for oil supplies but what is the long term outlook? The Permian smorgasbord is the third leg of the tight oil stool and the combination of Niobrara, Mississippi Lime, Granite Wash (and Oklahoma cousins), Wasatch, Tuscaloosa Marine and Utica comprise the fourth leg that will drive U.S. tight oil production beyond 4 MMb/d by 2020. To connect the dots, U.S. infrastructure is expanding at an unprecedented pace as is investment in energy dependent chemical and manufacturing plants. Looking abroad, international shale gas and tight oil potential rivals that of North America but the road to implementation is challenged by more potholes than pavement. The implications of the unconventional oil and gas revolution are enormous. This discussion will review insights about the opportunities and challenges that will shape the eventual size of the prize for unconventional oil and gas.
Continued on page 38 »
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www.rmag.org
RMAG Luncheon Programs – January 8th
Ordovician-sourced Oils from the Williston Basin, USA: Where did they come from and where have they gone? By John B. Curtis, Colorado School of Mines and John E. Zumberge, GeoMark Research, Ltd., February 5, 2014
These oils are also characterized by relatively high C19 tricyclic terpane and C24 tetracyclic to C23 tricyclic terpane ratios as well as having the most positive (enriched) stable carbon isotope compositions of oils from the Williston Basin.
Using multivariate statistics, over 350 Williston Basin oils were grouped into families which share common sources based on genetic-specific biomarkers and stable carbon isotope compositions. Ninety (90) Middle Ordovician-sourced oils were identified by their unique n-paraffin distributions (odd over even carbon number preference around n-C17 and n-C19 and greatly diminished isoprenoids) due to the microorganism G. prisca. These oils are also characterized by relatively high C19 tricyclic terpane and C24 tetracyclic to C23 tricyclic terpane ratios as well as having the most positive (enriched) stable carbon isotope compositions of oils from the Williston Basin. Most of these oils were produced from the Ordovician Red River Formation, and source rock evaluation of Red River cores and cuttings (e.g., TOC and Rock-EvalTM data) suggests that the Red River is also the principal source rock unit. Estimates of oil thermal maturity based on biomarkers show that the most mature oils exist within the basin depocenter while the least mature oils are located along the Cedar Creek Anticline. Furthermore, another smaller set of oils (<10) contain G. prisca biomarkers (albeit diminished) but have very negative (depleted) stable carbon isotopic compositions; these oils may have been generated from shales of the Ordovician Winnipeg Group. Finally, a few oils with predominantly Mississippian carbonate biomarkers (i.e., Lodgepole Formation source) appear to have an Ordovician component as revealed by principal component analysis. These oil data and observations have been integrated with mapped source rock occurrence, quality and thermal maturity to yield new insight into the Ordovician petroleum systems of the US portion of the Williston Basin. Âť
Outcrop Deadlines
for the Outcrop advertising is the 1st of the month, the deadline for other content is the 5th of the month. Vol. 62, No. 12
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December 2013
The Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists PRESENTS
NAPE ON THE ROCKS Dec 11th, 2013 3-5pm
Welcome reception for nape rockies COLORADO Convention Center
Sponsorship Opportunities Available! Contact Sue Jackson at sjackson@ubiterra.com
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www.rmag.org
In the Pipeline December 4, 2013 RMAG Luncheon. Speaker Ned Sterne. “The Golden Thrust System – Peculiar Geometries Associated with Backthrusts in a System of Stacked Triangle Zones along the Eastern Flank of the Colorado Front Range." December 9, 2013 DWLS Holiday Party. Marlowe’s 4:30-7:30 PM. December 10, 2013 PTTC Course. Instructor Talib Syed. “Wellbore Integrity Throughout Its Life Cycle.” CSM, Golden, CO. December 10, 2013 Desk and Derrick Luncheon. For reservations, please contact RSVP@ deskandderrick.org December 11, 2013 RMAG NAPE on the Rocks. Welcome Reception. Colorado Convention Center, 3-5PM. December 11-13 , 2013 NAPE Rockies. Colorado Convention Center, Denver, CO. December 12, 2013 DGS Luncheon. December 13, 2013 DIPS Luncheon. Speaker John Fredrick.” New Zealand Oil and Gas Potential.” »
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If you have any events that you would like to post in this column, please submit via email to Holly Sell at holly.sell@yahoo.com or to the RMAG office at rmagdenver@ aol.com for consideration.
Vol. 62, No.12
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o t t ip r c s u n a M a Submit viewed , online, peer-re ly er rt a u q a is Geologist eologists The Mountain Association of G in ta n ou M ky ountain by the Roc itors for The M d E journal published . 0 0 6 2 t ou geology culation is ab on or relate to s since 1964. Cir cu fo at th ts p me manuscri Geologist welco environs. ntain region and ou , please M ky oc R . .S ntain Geologist ou of the U M e Th r fo t p manuscri d under When writing a le G u id e ” fo u n ty S r o th u “A te: www. w n lo a d a b le the RMAG websi re fe r to th e d o on ” st gi lo eo G g to this The Mountain uscript accordin “Publications – an m r u yo te ri w d editors. por tant to both authors an rmag.orgg It is im r fo e m ti on si quiries to itigate revi ; please send in style guide to m 3 1 0 2 in ed at d ublished is being up refer to issues p The style guide or om l.c ao r@ ditor at jtpet the Executive E ise. hen questions ar in 2012-2013 w te (1964the RMAG websi Back issues on e bl la ai av is d index .org). See A bibliography an age, www.rmag p eb w st gi lo eo Geologist, Mountain G to The Mountain 2009, see The ex d In d an hy ly 2011, e Bibliograp tain Geologist, Ju n also, “Cumulativ ou M e Th , op h Michele Bis 1999-2010” by Mountain 9-80 . v. 48, no. 3, p. 5 ble on DVD (The la ai av e ar al rn the jou Mountain Back issues of 22, no. 4; The v. , 5 8 9 1 t p ce rough the -2005 ex o. 4) available th Geologist 1964 n , 2 2 v. , 5 8 9 1 te. Some -2010 with the RMAG websi Geologist 2006 on e lin on or , 1 2 3-573-86 RMAG office for e th om fr RMAG office, 30 le b la avai copies are also issues in hard $15.
»
OUTCROP
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www.rmag.org
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Vol. 62, No.12
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December 2013
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MJ Systems ................................ 22
Weber Law Firm, LLC ........................ 21
Dolan Integration Group ..................9
Mazzullo Energy Corp. ................. 7
Whitehead, Neil H. ............................ 21
Donovan Brothers Inc. .................. 32
Noble Energy ................................ 8
Fluid Inclusion Technologies .30, 40
PTTC ............................................ 11
December 2013 anuary MONDAY
SUNDAY
1
TUESDAY
1
2
3
8
9
10
DWLS Holiday Party
WEDNESDAY
PTTC Course
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
4
5
6
7
11
12
13
14
RMAG Luncheon: Ned Sterne
Desk & Derrick Luncheon
THURSDAY
RMAG NAPE DGS DIPS Luncheon Luncheon OTR Welcome NAPE Rockies, Colorado Convention Center, Denver, CO
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
CHRISTMAS RMAG Office CLOSED December 23rd through January 1st
29
30
OUTCROP
NEW YEAR'S EVE RMAG Office CLOSED
31
43
www.rmag.org