January 2017 Outcrop by The Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists

OUTCROP Newsletter of the Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists

Volume 66 • No. 1 • January 2017

2017 Summit Sponsors Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Consider becoming a Summit Sponsor! Sponsorship Deadline - January 31, 2017 Summit Sponsors support the 2017 RMAG calendar of events and help RMAG provide the very best in symposia, short courses, social events and much more. RMAG publishes a monthly newsletter, The Outcrop, a quarterly scientiďŹ c journal, The Mountain Geologist, and regular guidebooks on a variety of subjects. Download the 2017 Summit Sponsor packet and apply online on the RMAG website (www.rmag.org).

OUTCROP | January 2017

Vol. 66, No. 1 | www.rmag.org

OUTCROP The Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists

910 16th Street • Suite 1214 • Denver, CO 80202 • 303-573-8621 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.

2017 OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT

TREASURER

Larry Rasmussen larryr@whiting.com

Karen Dean deankaren@comcast.net

PRESIDENT-ELECT

TREASURER-ELECT

Terri Olson tmolson8550@gmail.com

Robin Swank robin.swank@gmail.com

1st VICE PRESIDENT

SECRETARY

Steve Sturm 303petro.images@gmail.com

Jennifer Jones jaseitzjones@gmail.com

2nd VICE PRESIDENT

1st YEAR COUNSELOR

Cat Campbell CCampbell@bayless-cos.com

Jim Emme jim_emme@yahoo.com 2nd YEAR COUNSELOR

Rob Diedrich rdiedrich@sm-energy.com

RMAG STAFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Barbara Kuzmic bkuzmic@rmag.org MEMBERSHIP & EVENTS MANAGER

Hannah Rogers hrogers@rmag.org ACCOUNTANT

Carol Dalton cdalton@rmag.org PROJECTS SPECIALIST

Kathy Mitchell-Garton kmitchellgarton@rmag.org MANAGING EDITOR

Will Duggins will.duggins@i-og.net ASSOCIATE EDITORS

ADVERTISING INFORMATION

Rates and sizes can be found on page 24. Advertising rates apply to either black and white or color ads. Submit color ads in RGB color to be compatible with web format. Borders are recommended for advertisements that comprise less than one half page. Digital files must be PC compatible submitted in png, jpg, tif, pdf or eps formats at a minimum of 300 dpi. If you have any questions, please call the RMAG office at 303-573-8621. Ad copy, signed contract and payment must be received before advertising insertion. Contact the RMAG office for details. DEADLINES: Ad submissions are the 1st of every month for the following month’s publication. WEDNESDAY NOON LUNCHEON RESERVATIONS

RMAG Office: 303-573-8621 | Fax: 303-476-2241 | staff@rmag.org or www.rmag.org

Holly Sell holly.sell@yahoo.com Greg Guyer Greg.Guyer@halliburton.com Cheryl Fountain cwhitney@alumni.nmt.edu Ron Parker ron.parker@taskfronterra.com DESIGN/PRODUCTION

Nate Silva nate@nate-silva.com

The Outcrop is a monthly publication of the Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists

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Outcrop| | January 2017 OUTCROP

Rocky Mountain Section Annual Meeting

C A L L F O R PA P E R S

RM S - A APG B I L L I N G S M O N TA N A

NG PL I A EW

2017

JUNE 25-28

G RESOU

SUBMISSION DEADLINE FEBRUARY 28, 2017 http://rmsaapg2017.com/ For more information contact: General Chairman Robert Schalla (406) 294-3525 covecreekresources@msn.com

Technical Program Chairs Steve Van Delinder svandelinder@ballardpetroleum.com Mark Millard mmillard@sm-energy.com

OUTCROP Newsletter of the Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists

CONTENTS FEATURES

ASSOCIATION NEWS

6 In Memoriam: Donald F. Cardinal

2 RMAG 2017 Summit Sponsors

8 Lead Story: Coordinated Canyon Experiment

4 RMS-AAPG Call for Papers

DEPARTMENTS 12 RMAG Luncheon Programs: Pete Stark & Steve Trammel 16 RMAG Luncheon Programs: Christopher D. Laughrey 20 Welcome New RMAG Members! 20 In The Pipeline 23 Calendar

7 Hydrocarbon Source Rocks in Uncoventional Plays, Rocky Mountain Region: Now Available 17 3D Seismic Symposium: Recovery On The Horizon 19 RMAG Core Workshop 21 RMAG/DAPL GeoLand Ski Day 22 Colorado Science and Engineering Fair

Monterey Bay Coastline Photo Â© Mike Brake, Shutterstock

24 Advertiser Index 24 Outcrop Advertising Rates

Vol. 66, No. 1 | www.rmag.org

COVER PHOTO

OUTCROP | January 2017

IN MEMORIAM

Donald F. Cardinal his 50-plus years of service to the profession of petroleum geology receiving the AAPG Robert J. Weimer Lifetime Contribution Award. During his 50 year career, Don was an active member of WGA ; leading field trips, editing publications, and writing or co-writing more than 40 articles and field guides. His 1984 Catalog of Water Resistivities in Wyoming and part of South Dakota is still widely used today. As a result of the academic advising of several University of Wyoming graduate students and in collaboration with other Casper geologists, he helped develop a working stratigraphic model for the Minnelusa - Leo formations of eastern Wyoming. During the last 14 years of his life, he was the point-man and lead geologist for the most recent version of WGA’s Wyoming Stratigraphic Nomenclature Chart that includes a 1300 page data-set on Wyoming formations. Donald F. Cardinal, 83, passed away peacefully in his home in Casper, Wyoming and will be missed and fondly remembered especially by all those that had the privilege to know him personally and to work by his side. Ralph W. Specht Casper, Wyoming

OUTCROP | January 2017

Donald F. Cardinal, 10/28/1932 - 6/27/2016, is remembered as an outstanding member of the fraternity of Rocky Mountain geologists owing to his fervent dedication to the science and profession of geology, his business integrity, his assiduous attention to detail, a relentless work ethic and, a general fervor for and dedication to all things geological. His love for geologic science and the geologic profession was exemplified by his generous service to the Wyoming Geological Association, his comradery with fellow geologists, and mentorship of many younger geologists. Don grew up in South Dakota and Wyoming ; and after serving as a tank commander in the Korean War, he received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees in geology (1958) from the University of Wyoming. He started that same year with Mobil Oil Corporation as a junior geologist working out of Dallas, Oklahoma City and Turkey. Beginning in 1968, and for the next 5 years, he worked for Superior Oil Company in Casper conducting primarily subsurface and surface geologic studies. From 1973 1982, Don worked, based out of Casper, for several independent oil companies before becoming a Consulting Geologist in 1983. During his career with Independents and as a Consultant, Don’s

prospect origination resulted in the discovery of or participation-in more than a dozen oil fields in Wyoming, South Dakota, Colorado and Montana. He pursued his life’s passion for geology beyond his daily work, by affiliating with the American Association of Professional Geologists, American Institute of Professional Geologists, Wyoming Chapter - Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists, State of Wyoming Professional Geologists and serving as President of the Wyoming Geological Association. Don is WGA’s only two-time Frank A. Morgan Award recipient; he received the Distinguished Service Award in 1992, became a WGA Honorary Member, was awarded the 2000 Exemplary Member Award and, in 2015 Don was recognized for 6

Vol. 66, No. 1 | www.rmag.org

Available now as a digital download! Non-member - $70

Member - $50 Corporate - $300

Hydrocarbon Source Rocks in

Unconventional Plays, Rocky Mountain Region Editors: Michael P. Dolan, Debra K. Higley, Paul G. Lillis Introduction - Michael P. Dolan, Debra K. Higley, and Paul G. Lillis Marine mudstone source rocks in epicontinental basins: Development of a conceptual facies model and application to Cenomanian/Turonian mudstones of the Cretaceous Western Interior Seaway - BRUCE S. HART Overpressure development through time using 4D pressure-volume-temperature modeling in the deep Anadarko Basin, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas DEBRA K. HIGLEY

Stratigraphy and Depositional Origin of Tyler Formation (Pennsylvanian) Source Beds in the Williston Basin, Western North Dakota - TIMOTHY O. NESHEIM and STEPHEN H. NORDENG Vitrinite Reﬂectance of Cretaceous Coaly Material and Thermal Maturity of the Niobrara Formation, Denver Basin, Colorado, USA - DANIEL G. HALLAU, RYAN J. SHARMA, and ROBERT M. CLUFF Evolution of the Lower Tertiary Elko Lake Basin, a Potential Hydrocarbon Source Rock in Northeast Nevada - RONALD C. JOHNSON and JUSTIN E. BIRDWELL

The Chuar Petroleum System, Arizona and Utah - PAUL G. LILLIS

Geochemistry of the Green River Formation, Piceance Creek Basin, Colorado - JEREMY BOAK, SHEVEN POOLE, and JUFANG FENG

Insights into the Evolution of an Intracratonic Foreland Basin: A Regional Assessment of the Duvernay Formation - Matthew Davis, Glenn Karlen, Mark Tobey, and David Tivey

Source Rock Characterization of the Green River Oil Shale, Piceance Creek Basin, Colorado - JUFANG FENG, J. F. SARG, AND K. TÄNAVSUU-MILKEVICIENE

Petroleum system model of the Upper Devonian-Lower Mississippian Bakken Formation in the northern Williston Basin, Saskatchewan, southwestern Manitoba, and southeastern Alberta, Canada - DEBRA K. HIGLEY and NICHOLAS J. GIANOUTSOS

Geological, Geochemical, and Reservoir Characterization of the Uteland Butte Member of the Green River Formation, Uinta Basin, Utah - JUSTIN E. BIRDWELL, MICHAEL D. VANDEN BERG, RONALD C. JOHNSON, TRACEY J. MERCIER, ADAM R. BOEHLKE, and MICHAEL E. BROWNFIELD

The Integration of Geochemical, Stratigraphic, and Production Data to Improve Geological Models in the Bakken-Three Forks Petroleum System, Williston Basin, North Dakota - MARK MILLARD and RILEY BRINKERHOFF

Generation and Migration of Bitumen and Oil from the Oil Shale Interval of the Eocene Green River Formation, Uinta Basin, Utah- RONALD C. JOHNSON and JUSTIN E. BIRDWELL Silver Sponsor

Sponsored by:

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OUTCROP | January 2017

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LEAD STORY

Coordinated Canyon Experiment information on what triggers underwater sediment flows, how fast they move, and how far they travel. They will also try to measure how much coarse sediment is carried along near the seafloor and how much fine sediment is carried tens of meters above the seafloor. Finally, they will study how the sediment flows change the contours of the seafloor and the shape of the canyon over time. To make these measurements, the researchers will be pooling both their expertise and a wide variety of instruments. Robotic vehicles will be used to place instruments on the seafloor, provide communications links to shore, and make detailed maps of the canyon floor. Ten arrays of instruments will be installed on the seafloor to monitor movements of water and sediment at depths of 200 to 1,900 meters and distances of four to 40 kilometers from shore. These instruments will measure currents, sediment concentrations, and the physical properties of the seawater. The instruments will be left in place for up to 18 months, documenting any flows that take place during that time. In addition to the fixed instrument arrays, four beach-ball-sized “benthic event detectors” (BEDs) will be buried in the seafloor sediment. When sediment flows occur, the BEDs will be carried along with the sediment. Sensors inside each BED will record how fast they move, how far they go, and how they are tumbled by the flow.

Editor’s Note: on 12/13/2016 the BBC reported a large turbidity current had occurred in Monterey Canyon off the coast of California http://www.bbc.com/news/ science-environment-38310108. This lead is a background on the Coordinated Canyon Experiment performed by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI). More information can be found at: http://www.mbari.org/science/ seafloor-processes/geological-changes/ coordinated-canyon-experiment/ Underwater avalanches and turbidity currents carry huge amounts of sediment, organic material, and pollutants down submarine canyons and into the deep sea. Yet geologists know very little about how sediment moves during these events. Marine geologists from several countries are placing dozens of sophisticated instruments in Monterey Canyon. This international effort, the Coordinated Canyon Experiment (CCE), promises to give scientists a uniquely detailed and comprehensive view of sediment movement within the canyon The project is being led by MBARI geologist Charlie Paull, in collaboration with researchers from the United States Geological Survey, the Ocean University of China, the Nationa wl Oceanography Centre in Southampton, England, and the University of Hull, England. During the canyon experiment, Paull and his fellow researchers hope to gather OUTCROP | January 2017

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The illustration above (not to scale) shows the locations and depths of some of the instruments researchers are placing in Monterey Canyon as part of the Coordinated Canyon Experiment.

Vol. 66, No. 1 | www.rmag.org

OUTCROP | January 2017

Background image: Google Earth

LEAD STORY

Maps that illustrate locations and equipment to be deployed during the Monterey Coordinated Canyon Experiment

KES T

OSCIENCE L GE , LL RE

Thomas E. Hoak, Ph.D. Consulting Geoscientist Kestrel Geoscience, LLC

Structural Geology Seismic Interpretation Magnetic and Gravity Interpretation Basin Analysis and Restoration Regional Desk Studies Integrated Exploration Prospect Generation Presentation Graphics

OUTCROP | January 2017

Littleton, CO USA

Phone: (303) 933-5805 Cell: (720) 375-3015 kestrelco@comcast.net kestrelgeoscience.com

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LEAD STORY could involve all three of these processes. During the Coordinated Canyon Experiment, researchers hope to study all of these different types of sediment flows by gathering extremely detailed data from a wide variety of instruments over a large area. As Paull put it, “We want to determine not just when sediment moves in the axis of the canyon, but how it moves, how long it moves, and where it moves. The point is to cover as much of the canyon as possible, from the head down to a couple of thousand meters depth. Placing all of these instruments in the canyon involves a concerted effort throughout the month of October 2015. But that’s just the beginning. The CCE is scheduled to continue for another 18 months, until spring 2017. In fact, because it is so hard to communicate with instruments on the seafloor, the researchers won’t get detailed information from the instruments until April 2016. That’s when Paull will use MBARI’s underwater robots to service the instruments and retrieve the data.

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Unusual instruments such as the BEDs are necessary because the floor of Monterey Canyon is such an active place. If you could see Monterey Canyon from the sea surface, it would look somewhat like the Grand Canyon, with steep-sided walls and a narrow, winding canyon floor. Both canyons have central channels filled with sand. Sand in the Grand Canyon is moved down-canyon by the Colorado River. After studying the “river of sand” in Monterey Canyon for 15 years, Paull and colleagues have concluded that sediment moves down Monterey Canyon in a variety of ways. Some sediment flows consist of strong water currents carrying just a small amount of sediment. Other flows, known as turbidity currents, consist of dense, fast-moving slurries of sand and water that can travel kilometers down the canyon in a matter of minutes. Still other flows occur when sediment on the floor of the canyon becomes unstable and slumps down-canyon. To make matters even murkier, some canyon events

Vol. 66, No. 1 | www.rmag.org

OUTCROP | January 2017

RMAG LUNCHEON PROGRAMS Speaker: Pete Stark & Steve Trammel — January 4, 2017

Perspective 2017 – Growth Resumes While Challenges Abound Pete Stark, Senior Research Director and Advisor, IHS Steve Trammel, Research Director and Advisor, IHS production will be sufficient to offset the supply overhang so that U.S. oil production will resume growth during first quarter 2017. But moderate economic growth coupled with sluggish oil demand and uncertain above ground risks point to a slow and possibly volatile recovery of oil prices. Even though IHS Markit projects that the U.S. will once again lead world oil production growth – adding about 1.9 MMb/d over the next decade – the shape of

The surge in North American tight oil and shale gas production upset the supply – demand balance resulting in substantial adjustments to global oil and gas flows and prices. Multiple factors, including modest growth in energy demand, lack of agreement by OPEC members to curb production and ability of U.S. operators to sustain production in core plays in spite of sub-$45 oil have extended the period of time to rebalance oil markets. But it looks like the combination of reduced North American and non-OPEC oil

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RMAG LUNCHEON PROGRAMS

the industry will be much different. Efforts to reduce costs and to boost production efficiencies have significantly increased capital efficiency and lowered upstream breakeven costs over the last two years. This means that fewer larger volume wells from core sweet spots in plays with stacked pays where horizontal technologies can be leveraged will drive future production growth. The Permian Basin has become the poster child for an emerging “super basin” concept wherein future recoverable oil supplies could essentially double historic recoverable oil from a combination of conventional, unconventional and tight conventional reservoirs. This concept could substantially alter the future role of worldwide exploration. For the gas side of the energy industry the key theme has been “Playing Catch-Up with Demand”. Declining associated gas production and pipeline constraints limiting Appalachian production growth are affecting natural gas prices. Despite record inventories and excess Appalachian production capability, the market is correctly anticipating a tighter Henry Hub cash market this winter and throughout 2017. Yearover-year North America demand growth is expected to outstrip production by 5.6 Bcf/d this winter. We expect North American natural gas prices to rise significantly by the summer of 2017 which will reduce power sector gas demand and enable sufficient storage injections next summer in preparation for winter 2017/18. With the supply picture not anticipated to change substantially, power sector gas demand will be the primary lever to balance the market. Pipeline expansions, local inventories, and growing demand will affect North American regional natural gas markets unevenly this winter. Appalachia remains the focus of gas price–responsive flexible production—but this production is restrained by the pace of grid expansion to downstream markets and, where it does have excess pipeline capacity, to seasonal demand. In contrast, associated gas production from oil plays is not expected to begin growing materially until mid- 2017 and even then is likely to take longer to rebound given the slow recovery in oil prices and production. Rockies basis discounts narrow in November (following very wide summer spreads) driven by regional heating demand and assumed normal weather, plus Vol. 66, No. 1 | www.rmag.org

seasonal consumption climbs in California—requiring incremental Rockies gas. Nevertheless, basis discounts should remain much larger than a year ago owing to high inventories—both in the region and elsewhere—and as Rocky Mountains production faces strong competition from western Canadian and Appalachian supplies in downstream markets. Slowbut-steady declines in Rocky Mountains production because of low gas prices and competition from other RMAG publication Ad-‐-‐-‐prof ard size 5/8 X 1/1/2; 12 supply regions will provide somecsupport to2Rockies

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Advanced mass spec mud gases while drilling and data analysis for reservoir evaluation and intelligent completion design. Tracy Wicker-‐geologist, account manager tracy@crowngeochemistry.com 580-‐214-‐1271

THE BOOK CLIFFS, UTAH: A CASE STUDY IN COASTAL SEQUENCE STRATIGRAPHY

W.W. Little Geological Consulting, LLC 2016 Schedule 15-19 August 29 Aug – 2 Sept By arrangement

$2700 Professional/$1900 Student Information and registration: http://littleww.wordpress.com wwlittle@gmail.com

OUTCROP | January 2017

RMAG LUNCHEON PROGRAMS

price hubs as heating loads materialize. High eastbound flows on REX are the only bright spot for Rocky Mountains gas. Longer term, the petroleum industry is increasingly challenged by pro-environmental and anti-hydrocarbon sentiments and actions that reduce the demand outlook. Nevertheless, the gas business is

entering a new era—global markets--, as the first major US LNG export cargo departed the Gulf Coast for Brazil in February 2016, followed by many cargoes that sent LNG to more than a dozen countries in Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. We expect the US to become a net gas exporter soon. The oil outlook, though, is more daunting and the petroleum industry must consider how it will adjust to the onset of peak oil demand – possibly only a decade away.

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Philip H. “Pete” Stark is Senior Upstream Research Director and Advisor for IHS Energy in Englewood, Colorado. Prior to joining IHS in 1969, Stark was an exploration geologist for Mobil Oil. Dr. Stark has authored papers on E&P databases, hydrocarbon shows, horizontal drilling, US natural gas, global oil and gas resources, global E&P trends, giant fields and unconventional O&G. He co-authored special IHS studies of North American gas supplies, unconventional gas supplies, North American and global tight oil and global reserves replacement. Pete has participated in the AAPG Resources Committee and AAPG-SPE and Hedberg resource research conferences. He has served on the AAPG Corporate Advisory Board and boards of the AAPG International Pavilion and PPDM. Previously, he was chairman of the Board of Visitors for the University of Wisconsin Department of Geology and Geophysics. Dr. Stark holds a BSc in geology from the University of Oklahoma and MSc and PhD degrees in geology from the University of Wisconsin. The University of Wisconsin Department of Geology and Geophysics honored Dr. Stark’s contributions to the university and profession with a Distinguished Alumni Award. Pete received a 2011 Honorary Member Award from the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, the 2011 IHS Chairman’s Award and the 2015 COGA Lifetime Achievement Award. Pete also was named to the Denver and Houston Business Journal’s “Who’s Who in Energy” publications.

Come in out of the Cold for a Class! Basic Well Log Interpretation

Tuesday – Thursday, January 10-12, 2017, 8:30 am – 5 pm Colorado School of Mines, Ben Parker Student Center Fee: $750, includes food at breaks, class notes, and PDH certificate Instructor: Dr. Dan Krygowski, The Discovery Group, Denver, CO The course assumes no logging knowledge, and seeks to establish an understanding of basic petrophysical measurements and interpretation techniques which can be applied to routine tasks, and upon which more complex and advanced information and techniques can be built. The course:  Offers a "hands-on" approach to basic openhole well log analysis and interpretation.  Focuses on the traditional interpretation targets of lithology, porosity, and fluid saturation.  Introduces a variety of interpretation techniques in the context of the availability of newer, more extensive, data  Is organized by the targets, or goals of the measurements, rather than by the physics of the measurements. The course strives to provide a strong and coherent foundation for the understanding of other, specialized interpretation techniques involving well log data, which are not covered here. Course topics include:  An overview of petrophysical well log data acquisition  Description of correlation/lithology, porosity, and resistivity logs  Determination of lithology, porosity, and fluid saturation from logs  Interpretive techniques using logs individually and in combination  Interpretation exercises to reinforce the interpretation methods discussed Equipment Needed: Calculator with exponent functions, straight-edge, pencil or pen. Topics for each of the log measurements follow the same sequence and information:          

Measurement goals Physics of the measurement, including the volume of investigation Operational parameters; conditions under which the measurement is best made Measurement names; tool and curve names from different vendors Log example; usually in the context of other measurements Interpretation details; details of the measurement goals Secondary effects: the environments and assumptions which affect the measurement and its interpretation Environmental corrections Quality control An exercise related to the primary interpretive goal

Class Descriptions and Register Online: www.pttcrockies.org For more information, contact Mary Carr, 303.273.3107, mcarr@mines.edu

Vol. 66, No. 1 | www.rmag.org

OUTCROP | January 2017

RMAG LUNCHEON PROGRAMS Speaker: Christopher D. Laughrey — February 1 , 2017

The Stable Isotope and Noble Gas Geochemistry of a High-Nitrogen Natural Gas Reservoir, Northwestern Denver-Julesburg Basin Christopher D. Laughrey, Weatherford Laboratories, Geochemical Interpretive Services (OilTracers), Evergreen, CO The N2/Ar ratio is 7,933.3, a value that eliminates air contamination as a possible source of the nitrogen. The δ15N of the produced nitrogen gas is +20.4‰, a value compatible with a crustal or magmatic source. The 3He/4He ratio of the gas is 4.5 x 10-8 (R/Ra = 0.032), a value which eliminates a magmatic source from consideration and indicates a crustal origin for the nitrogen. There are three possible sources for the nitrogen: 1. N2 fixed as NH4+ in potassium-rich sediment, 2. N2 fixed in biotite and K-feldspar in crystalline rocks, and

Natural gas produced from the Permian Hartville sandstone in the Samson Oil and Gas Bluff #111 well in Goshen County, Wyoming is composed of 97.6% nitrogen, 2.05% methane, 0.17% carbon dioxide, and 0.15% helium. Argon and ethane through hexane+ hydrocarbons are present in trace amounts.

MENTOR!

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Congratulations to all mentees and mentors who were accepted into the 2016 RMAG Mentorship Progam!

W.W. Little Geological Consulting, LLC William W. Little, Ph.D. Senior Consulting Geologist 20 South 5000 West Rexburg, Idaho 83440-3613 Cell: 208/201-6266 wwlittle@gmail.com

Click here for more information. OUTCROP | January 2017

Website: http://littleww.wordpress.com

• Field Studies • Geological Mapping • Sequence Stratigraphy • Sedimentary Petrology • GIS Services • Training Courses

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OUTCROP | January 2017

RMAG LUNCHEON PROGRAMS The δ13C of the carbon dioxide in the gas is -1.6‰. The relative magnitude of isotopic offset between the carbon dioxide and methane is consistent with thermogenic CO2. Thermal degradation of carbonate minerals in the source rocks is the likely source of carbon dioxide in the gas. The 20Ne/22Ne ratio of 9.461 in the Bluff #1-11 gas approximates the air ratio of 9.80. The 38Ar/36Ar and 21Ne/22Ne ratios further constrain an atmospheric source for 20Ne and 36Ar components in the gas. R/Ra and 20Ne/4He suggest mixing of radiogenic crustal-produced He and Ne with groundwater-transported radiogenic He and atmospheric Ne components. Regional groundwater degassing of 20 Ne, 36Ar, and 84Kr is the source of the atmospheric noble gas components in the produced gas. High 20 Ne/36Ar and relatively low 132Xe/36Ar ratios reflect gas-water equilibrium in the Hartville sandstone reservoir. This interpretation has significant implications for seismic interpretation and operational decisions pertaining to field data. The geochemical data also reveal new complexities in our understanding of the tectonic setting and burial history of petroleum source rocks near the northern edge of the D-J basin.

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3. Denitrification of organic matter in hydrocarbon source rocks. The N2 concentration, the δ15N of the gas, and both the 4He/N2 and N2/20Ne ratios support an interpretation that the nitrogen produced from the Bluff #1-11 well was generated by denitrification of post mature organic matter. The methane δ13C of the Bluff #1-11 gas is -32.87‰ and the δ2H of the methane is -173.7‰. These isotopic values, in combination with the chemical composition of the gas, indicate that the methane is thermogenic and post-mature in origin. Ethane and propane δ13C are -27.9 and -32.3‰, respectively. The hydrocarbon gases exhibit a partial isotope reversal with respect to carbon number, i.e., δ13C1 < δ13C2 > δ13C3, which suggests mixing of wet and dry thermogenic gases in the Hartville reservoir, or in its petroleum source rock (Pennsylvanian-age Desmoinesian black shale and marlstone). Methane and ethane in the gas were generated through moderate to extensive cracking of oil. Propane was generated from oil-prone kerogen within the late oil window.

Christopher D. Laughrey studied geology, geochemistry, and planetary science at the University of Pittsburgh. Currently he is a Senior Petroleum Systems Analyst with Weatherford Laboratories’ Geochemical Interpretive Services (OilTracers) Group. He has 39 years of experience as a petroleum geologist and geochemist with specialties in gas isotope geochemistry, production monitoring and allocation, clastic and carbonate petrology, basin analysis, petrophysics, and both conventional and unconventional petroleum reservoir evaluation. Prior to joining Weatherford’s OilTracers group, Mr. Laughrey worked with Weatherford Laboratories in Golden, Colorado, the Dolan Integration Group, Geologic Mapping and Resource Evaluation (GMRE), Inc., the Pennsylvania Geological Survey, the University of Pittsburgh, and the Western Geophysical Company.

RENEW! OUTCROP | January 2017

Renew your dues for the 2016 year today! RMAG members make up the heart of the organization, and without our loyal membership, the RMAG would be unable to produce relevant publications, host strong technical talks, and provide great networking events. As a member you’ll enjoy discounted rates on events and publications, as well as access to the 6 most recent The Mountain Geologist issues, and much more.

CLICK HERE TO RENEW TODAY!

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March 2, 2017

| 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

USGS Core Research Center

RMAG Core Workshop Selected Rocky Mountain Tight Oil Sandstone Plays: Symposium and Core Workshop Presenters: Rich Bottjer, Coal Creek Resources; Gus Gustason, Enerplus; Kevin Smith, Garnet Ridge Resources This workshop will discuss current �ght oil sandstone plays in Cretaceous reservoirs in the Powder River and D-J Basins, Wyoming and Colorado, focusing on the Wall Creek-Turner, Codell, Sussex, and Parkman sandstones. Tight oil sandstone plays have developed where uneconomic ver�cal producers were drilled in the past and/or between exis�ng ver�cal oil fields where higher-permeability facies are present. In contrast to “conven�onal” ver�cal produc�on from sandstones in the same interval, these �ght oil reservoirs are areally extensive and generally contain a high percentage of burrowed or bioturbated lithofacies. Petrophysical evalua�ons of these �ght oil sandstone plays are challenging due to rela�vely high clay content, thinly interbedded sandstones and mudstones, and/or complex pore networks. These sandstones are characterized by moderate porosi�es, ranging up to 18%, but low permeabili�es, ranging from .001 to .1 millidarcies. Oil and gas resources are recoverable due to the development of mul�-stage fracture s�mula�ons in horizontally drilled wells. The reservoir characteris�cs of each play will be demonstrated with approximately 2000 feet of core and core analyses from more than 30 wells and par�cipants will have an opportunity to compare and contrast the different plays. This workshop and symposium will essen�ally be a re-presenta�on of a short course offered at the AAPG-ACE conven�on held in Denver in June, 2015. The format will be modified slightly but many of the cores shown will be the same.

Registration Opens 1/9/17 RMAG Member Price: $175 | Non-Member Price: $200 Student/Unemployed Price: $75 Register online at www.rmag.org.

email: staﬀ@rmag.org

phone: 303.573.8621

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910 16th Street #1214, Denver, CO, 80202

fax: 303.476.2241

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OUTCROP | January 2017

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WELCOME NEW RMAG MEMBERS!

lives in Parker, Colorado.

Making Debbie Vader Unconventional, is a VP Geology at Grayson Mill Conventional Energy in Friendswood, Texas.

Andrew Hennes

Travis Cooper

is an Exploration Manager at SM Energy Company in Denver, Colorado.

Philip Dalhof

is a student at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Laura Stamp

is a student in Boulder, Colorado.

IN THE PIPELINE JANUARY 31, 2017

JANUARY 4, 2017 RMAG Luncheon. Speakers: Pete Stark and Steve Trammel. “Perspective 2017-Growth Resumes While Challenges Abound.” Maggiano’s Little Italy, Downtown Denver.

RMS-SEPM Luncheon. Speaker: Vito Abreu. “A Simplified Guide for Sequence Stratigraphy: Nomenclature, Definitions, and Method.” RSVP to luncheons@ rmssepm.org or call 720-272-6697.

PetroFecta® from FEBRUARY 22, 2017 Fluid Inclusion RMAG 3D Seismic Symposium. Technologies

JANUARY 10-12, 2017 PTTC Rockies Short Course. Instructor: Dr. Dan Krygowski. “Basic Well Log Interpretation.” CSM, Golden, CO.

is a unique approach combining XRF (PDQ-XRF ®), Trapped Fluid Analysis

1 and 2 man Mudlogging Gas Referencing™ Geosteering

Summit JANUARY 17, 2017 Mudlogging Services DWLS Luncheon. Speaker Jennifer Market of WFT. “Understanding Mike Barber Acoustic Data in Unconventional Reservoirs.” Manager Serving the Rocky Mountain Region Call 303-770-4235. 230 Airport Rd. JANUARY 25, 2017 Unit D Heber City, Utah 84032

High Resolution Photography (FIS ®), and PETROLEUM ENGINEERING,INC.

SINCLAIR

® ) lofa i the from (RockEye www.sinc r e n entire g i n e ewellbore ring.com

well cuttings or core of any age.  Unconventional Wellsamples Modeling Specialist  Shale, CBM, Tight Gas, Primary, Secondary  Reserve Reports, Property Evaluations All analyses are conducted on the same  Production Forecasting 1 gram sample (up to 575 samples per well)

Ph (435)657-0586 Cell (435)640-1382 email: mbarber@summitmudlog.com

four days. (o) J o h n S i n c l with a i r an , P analytical h . D . , P .cycle E . of 307-587-5502

OCF Denver Chapter Luncheon. www.summitmudlog.com RVSP to 303-258-6401.

Licensed in CO, UT, MT, & WY

Susan Spancers

Susan Spancers MCEP, RFC, AACEP, NICEP, CSA RFC, AACEP, NICEP, CSAof Mind” HelpingMCEP, You Create Financial “Peace

Consulting Geologist CPG-AIPG

fax 303-679-8574

31634 Black Widow Way

Conifer, CO

OUTCROP | January 2017

OUTCROP

Helping You Create Financial “Peace of Mind”

303 766-9599

PG WY

Rocky Mountain Basins Wellsite to Petroleum Systems ArcGIS 303-679-8573

john@sinclairengineering.com

previewer software.

Neil H. Whitehead, III PhD

307-431-6382 (c)

Data provided on a DVD with

neil3@q.com

303 766-9599 Information about PetroFecta ® Services Include: How to createfinancial financial security Services Include: and How toFIT create security other services, Launch into Launch intoretirement: retirement: create-protect-distribute create-protect-distribute call 918.461.8984 Estate protection: Estate protection: Wills/Trusts-Probate-Incapacity Wills/Trusts-Probate-Incapacity or visit www.fittulsa.com Email: Spancers@Qadas.com Web: Email: Spancers@Qadas.com Web: www.susanspancers.com www.susanspancers.com Adv Svs offeredthrough through TLG, TLG Adv, Inc. Inc. SecSec andand Adv Svs offered TLG,Inc* Inc*and and TLG Adv, 26 West Dry Creek Circle #575, Littleton, CO 80120 26 West Dry Creek Circle #575, Littleton, CO 80120 303 797-9080 *Member NASD-SIPC 303 797-9080 *Member NASD-SIPC

80433-9610

Vol. 66, No. 1 | www.rmag.org

www.rmag.org

RMAG ♦♦ DAPL

GeoLand Ski Day 2017 SAVE THE DATE!!

Friday, February 24, 2017

Event Details https://dapldenver.org/event/2017-geoland-ski-day/ Now accepting sponsors - Submit Sponsorship: https://dapldenver.org/product/event-sponsorship/ Bus

$1,500+

Extreme Terrain

$1,000+

Double Black Diamond Black Diamond

$750+

Nastar

$500+

Blue

$250+

Green

$100+

$500+

Thank you to our 2017 sponsors!

[YOUR COMPANY!] For 2016 sponsorship opportunities, contact one of the committee chairs:

DAPL Chairs ♦♦ Meg Gibson ♦ meg@majorsgibson.com ♦♦ Patsy Botts ♦ 303-925-0696 RMAG Chairs ♦♦ Tom Sperr ♦ tsperr@bayless-cos.com ♦♦ Matt Silverman ♦ 303-382-0910 Vol. 66, No. 1 | www.rmag.org

OUTCROP | January 2017

Colorado Science and Engineering Fair We may award up to four students, but it depends on how many projects are deemed worthy of an award. The judging process consists of a kick-off meeting with all of the Special Awards judges at 11:30 on Thursday (usually led by Sam Bartlett of the AEG). The judges then go to the exhibit hall to view the projects of interest without the students present. The set-up is generally similar to that of a poster session. The judges have an opportunity to review the notebooks at this time. Then the students are allowed in to be interviewed about their projects. This is by far the most important part of the judging process. The judges return in the judgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s room to discuss the awards for their organization and submit the paperwork. The RMAG awards Certificates of Excellence and a cash award from the RMAG Foundation to each of the winners. The cash award is mailed later, but the certificates are left with the CSEF to be given out at the Awards Banquet on Saturday. I have been the Chair of the RMAG Science Fair Awards Committee for over 25 years. It is fun and rewarding to both the students and the judges to participate in this event. I wanted to describe the CSEF in detail because I am looking to have some new faces on the committee this year. I would like to see someone take over the chairing of this committee in 2018. Anyone who would be interested in joining us at the fair, and possibly taking over the following year, should email me at swager80228@yahoo.com and I will answer questions and get you specific logistical information.

By Susan Wager, Chair of the RMAG Science Fair Awards Committee The Colorado State Science Fair honors excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics; providing opportunities for students from all regions of the state to create and present their research in environments that nurture interests in science and technology; promoting professional skills, high ethical standards, diversity, and continuing intellectual development. Each year, the student winners from regional science fairs held throughout Colorado, gather at the Lory Student Center on the Colorado State University campus in Fort Collins, Colorado in April. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fair will be held April 6-8, 2017 and the judging will take place on Thursday, April 6th. There are two awards categories: the Grand Awards and the Special Awards. The RMAG has supported the CSEF for many years by participating in the Special Awards. The RMAG award is given to up to four students for Excellence in the Earth Sciences. We look at projects on the earth science, environmental, energy, engineering categories. The abstracts for the projects area available to judges online prior to the event so that we can know which projects are appropriate for our organization to review. In Special Awards, the awarding organization defines the criteria for making an award. Marty Hall

Program Development Manager Multi-Client Services

7765 Windwood Way P.O. Box 549 Parker, CO 80134 USA P: 720.851.6152 C: 303.885.8860

geokinetics.com marty.hall@geokinetics.com

OUTCROP | January 2017

Vol. 66, No. 1 | www.rmag.org

CALENDAR | JANUARY 2017 SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

NEW YEARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DAY

RMAG Luncheon.

11 PTTC Rockies Short Course.

MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY

DWLS Luncheon.

OCF Denver Chapter Luncheon.

31 RMS-SEPM Luncheon.

VOLUNTER!

As a diverse community of individuals working towards a worthy cause, we believe that your unique talents can bring us all forward. Volunteers are always needed and welcome! If you would like to volunteer for any of our committees or events, please contact the RMAG office at (303) 573-8621 or staff@rmag.org

Vol. 66, No. 1 | www.rmag.org

OUTCROP | January 2017

ADVERTISER INDEX

• Crown Geochemistry �� 13 • Donovan Brothers Inc. �� 13 • Geokinetics �� 22 • GeoSteering �� 11 • Kestrel Geoscience, LLC �� 10 • Louis J. Mazzullo, LLC �� 10 • MJ Systems �� 12 • Neil H. Whitehead, III �� 20 • PTTC �� 15 • Sinclair Petroleum Engineering, Inc. �� 20 • Spancers & Associates �� 20 • Stoner Engineering (SES) �� 14 • W.W. Little Geological Consulting, LLC �� 13, 18

OUTCROP ADVERTISING RATES 1 Time

2 Times

6 Times

12 Times

Full page (7-1/2” x 9-1/4”)

$330

$620

$1,710

$3,240

2/3 page (4-7/8” x 9-1/4”)

$220

$400

$1,110

$2,100

1/2 page (7-1/2” x 4-5/8”)

$175

$330

$930

$1,740

1/3 page horizontal (4-7/8” x 4-7/8”)

$165

$250

$690

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1/3 page vertical (2-3/8” x 9-1/4”)

$165

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$690

$1,200

1/6 page (2-3/8” x 4-7/8”)

$75

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$600

Professional Card (2-5/8” x 1-1/2”)

$20

$34

$84

$144

OUTCROP | January 2017

Vol. 66, No. 1 | www.rmag.org