OUTCROP Newsletter of the Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists
Volume 63 • No. 3 • March 2014
2014 Award of Excellence For Teaching of Earth Science Sponsored by the
Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists THE WINNER RECEIVES A Plaque and a $1000 Cash Award If you teach earth science in K-12 and think you qualify, contact the RMAG office at 303-573-8621 for an application. Deadline is May 2. Previous winners were also selected to receive the Teacher of the Year Award from the American Association of Petroleum Geologists at the national and regional level. The RMAG is a professional organization representing over 2000 earth scientists working in the Denver and Rocky Mountain area. In its capacity as the leading geologic organization in the Rocky Mountain area, each year the RMAG Foundation provides funding for an annual award presented to a teacher in recognition of his or her commendable efforts in introducing young minds to the earth sciences. Check out the RMAG website at www.rmag.org.
Vol. 63, No. 3
2
March 2014
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.
2014 Officers and Board of Directors RMAG Staff
Executive Director Emily Tompkins etompkins@rmag.org Office & Programs Manager Carrie Veatch, MA cveatch@rmag.org
President – Matt Silverman MSilverman@bayless-cos.com
Treasurer – Reed Johnson rdjohnson@resoluteenergy.com
President-Elect – Marv Brittenham, brittmh@aol.com
Treasurer Elect – Paul Lillis plillis@usgs.gov
Accountant Carol Dalton cdalton@rmag.org
Secretary – John South j.south@fronterrageo.com
Kristine Peterson k.peterson@laramidegeo.com
OUTCROP ADVERTISING RATES
Holly Sell holly.sell@yahoo.com Greg Guyer Greg.Guyer@halliburton.com
Cheryl Whitney c.whitney@laramidegeo.com
Design/Production
Wednesday Noon Luncheon Reservations
RMAG Office: 303-573-8621 Fax: 303-476-2241 staff@rmag.org www.rmag.org
Counselor (1 Year) – Terri Olson Terri_Olson@eogresources.com
2nd Vice-President – Michelle Bishop mbishop@indra.com
Co-Editors
Debbie Downs debradowns@att.net
Counselor (2 Year) – Laura L. Wray laura.wray@wpxenergy.com
1st Vice-President – Michael Dolan mdolan@digforenergy.com
Ad Size
Cost Per Insertion 1 Time
2 Times (each)
6 Times (each) 12 Times (each)
Full page
$330
$310
$285
$270
2/3 page
$220
$200
$185
$185
1/2 page
$175
$165
$155
$145
1/3 page
$165
$125
$115
$100
1/6 page
$75
$60
$55
$50
Business Card
$17
$17
$14
$12
Advertising rates apply to either black and white or color ads. Submit color ads in RGB color to be compatible with web format.
ADVERTISING
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.
HELPFUL HINTS
Ad copy, signed contract and payment must be received before advertising insertion. Contact the RMAG office for details.
PROFESSIONAL CARDS Will be actual size. Both black and white, and color art will be accepted. If you are submitting digital files, please save in PC format. Please submit png, jpg, eps, pdf or tif files for ads, artwork or photos at a minimum of 300 dpi. When saving pdf files, export at the highest quality available. An advertising agreement will be sent to you.
OUTCROP
DEADLINES: ad submissions are the 1st of every month for the following month's publication. The Outcrop is a monthly publication of the Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists 910 16th Street, Suite 1214 • Denver, CO 80202
3
www.rmag.org
RMAG January Board of Directors Meeting By John South, Secretary, (j.south@fronterrageo.com)
The 2014 board meeting and the 3-D committee did was held on January 15, 2014. heroic work to save the event for We have turnover in This was the second time we 2014, and deserve our undying committees on a regular had assembled, although the first gratitude. meeting was not in an official Further discussion was basis and there are some capacity as the acting board. conducted on plans for a fall committees that need more Those of us who are new to our symposium to begin in 2015. positions owe a great deal to all It is planned to be an exciting volunteers to be committee prior board members who have event that will be a “can’t miss” chairs, co-chairs, and helped to establish this wonderful meeting for our members society, and in particular, we are and beyond. Some new and members. If you are willing very grateful to the 2013 board revamped publications are and able to serve on a for their commendable service. moving forward that will be very Hopefully, past board members exciting for the Rocky Mountain committee, please visit the will be thanked by the members of geology community, including RMAG web site for more RMAG when you see them. Emily a newer digitization of the Big Tompkins and Carrie Veatch have Red Book. We have turnover in information. done much to help each board committees on a regular basis member fully understand their and there are some committees roles and to streamline the transition into the board. that need more volunteers to be committee chairs, Following the financial report from Paul Lillis, Emily co-chairs, and members. If you are willing and able to and Carrie shared with us the nightmare that was the serve on a committee, please visit the RMAG web site result of the scheduling conflict by the planned host for more information. venue for this year’s 3-D Seismic Symposium. RMAG
»
OUTCROP ADVERTISING RATES
Ad Size
Cost Per Insertion 1 Time
2 Times (each)
6 Times (each)
12 Times (each)
Full page
$330
$310
$285
$270
2/3 page
$220
$200
$185
$185
1/2 page
$175
$165
$155
$145
1/3 page
$165
$125
$115
$100
1/6 page
$75
$60
$55
$50
Business Card
$17
$17
$14
$12
Vol. 63, No. 3
4
March 2014
OUTCROP Newsletter of the Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists
CONTENTS Features
7 AAPG/RMS Cracking The Source Call for Papers! 12 Lead Story: Letter to RMAG 21 The Mountain Geologist Goes All-Digital Beginning in 2014 22 Volunteer Position Open for Executive Editor of The Mountain Geologist Quarterly Publication 25 Mineral of the Month: March 27 Several Positions Open for ASSISTANT EDITORS to The Mountain Geologist 27 Submit a Manuscript to The Mountain Geologist
Association News
2 2014 Award of Excellence for Teaching of Earth Science 19 Early Alert-RMAG Publication: Oil & Gas Fields of Colorado 24 Studies in Geology 65 PreSale Form 28 RMAG/DAPL GeoLand Ski Day 2014 Registration Form
29 We want you back! We need you! 30 2014 RMAG Dues Renewal 31 Authors and Editors Needed: RMAG Oil & Gas Fields of Colorado 31 Connect with RMAG Online! 35 RMAG 2014 Summit Sponsors 38 Submit a Manuscript to The Mountain Geologist
Departments
4 RMAG January Board 6 20 32 36 36 40 40
of Directors Meeting President's Column RMAG Luncheon Programs New Members In the Pipeline Check it out! Advertisers Index Calendar of Events
COVER PHOTO
Lower Yellowstone Falls in Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Wyoming. Under this January snow are brightly colored layers and streaks of hydrothermally altered volcanic tuffs and rhyolite lava flows. The rate of erosion may have been increased by faults and by flash flooding associated with Yellowstone Lake ice dams following the last glaciations. Photo by Debra Higley.
Volume 63 • No. 3 • March 2014
OUTCROP
5
www.rmag.org
President’s Column By Matt Silverman
Engagement One of the critical challenges facing RMAG members today is the War on Petroleum, focused by a vocal group of activists on their Great Satan du jour: fracking. The public and the decision-makers need our help in sorting fact from fiction on this issue, and I want to tell you about a way we can bring data-driven truths to the conversation. An objective, fact-based educational initiative on exploration and production (and hydraulic fracturing, in particular) is needed today more than ever. Now that
the anti-energy industry side has swept all four 2013 Front Range elections and a 2014 statewide ballot issue is likely in Colorado --- Ground Zero in the nation for this issue --- the timeframe to educate Coloradans is very limited. To create a permanent base of well-informed citizens, a Denver-based public television program, The Aaron Harber Show: The Energy Roundtable, is proposing the following: Continued on page 8 »
Continued on page 9 »
Vol. 63, No. 3
6
March 2014
American Association of Petroleum Geologists
Rocky Mountain Section Annual Meeting Colorado Convention Center, Denver, CO July 20-22, 2014
Call for Papers! To submit an abstract for poster or oral presentations, go to: www.aapgrms.org/2014/conference/technical-program
NEW deadline for abstracts: February 15, 2014
Technical Program themes —
Source Rocks and Petroleum Systems: Have we deciphered the codes?
Technology: Paradigm shifts
Exploration/Exploitation: Looking back; Looking ahead
Legendary Playmakers of the Rockies: A hotbed of notable people
Structure and Tectonics: Nothing less than world-class
Sedimentary Geology: Where the world comes to study
The Annual Meeting is expected to include:
2 days of Technical Presentations Including oral, poster, and core poster presentations
4 Field Trips
3 Short Courses
Student, Young Professional, and Teacher Opportunities
Several Social and Networking Events
Registration opens Spring 2014
Exhibition and Sponsorship opportunities still available
Visit aapgrms.org/2014 for more information OUTCROP
7
Hosted by the Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists www.rmag.org
President's Column Continued from page 6
A. A 12-program television series exploring all the issues related to oil and gas exploration and production, including hydraulic fracturing, along with examination of the costs and benefits of these processes (www.bit. ly/FracTV). B. The Publisher’s Advantage program, which includes arrangements between USA Talk Network (“USA-TN�) as well as both print and electronic publications, plus expansion to other electronic media (television and radio) partners. This is an exceptionally effective way to reach politically-active citizens, based on the very high correlation between those who read publications such as newspapers and those who actually vote. C. A statewide Town Hall tour utilizing highlight footage from “The Energy Roundtable� in conjunction with the Colorado Department of Natural Resources and the Colorado Oil & Gas Conservation Commission, along with other statewide and regional entities as well as local media, non-energy business and additional sponsors. D. A Social Media initiative to expand the reach of the educational programming via the strategic use of key clips from the series as the basis for the creation of informed dialog for targeted demographics throughout the State. This statewide initiative’s goals are to (1) take advantage of the credibility of USA-TN’s television programming and its nonpartisan image in Colorado as well as the reputation of the program’s host, Aaron Harber, for being impartial, accurate, and independent, (2) Vol. 63, No. 3
present the facts in an easily-digestible manner so the public becomes better informed, and (3) provide a forum for reasoned, mutually-respectful discussion which will establish new avenues of civil communication. (Full disclosure: Aaron and I are old friends, and I’ve supported his programs for years.) USA-TN may have more expertise in energy than any other over-the-air broadcast entity. Its nationally recordsetting +50 energy-related programs (with over different 100 guests) are all available at www.bit.ly/EnergyShows. For more on The Aaron Harber Show, view this introductory video: www.bit. ly/ShowDemo. Go to www.HarberTV.
Well Site Geological Consulting and
Mudlogging Services ~ Since 1980 ~
‡ :HOOVLWH *HRORJ\ ‡ 0XG /RJJLQJ ‡ 5HPRWH 2Q VLWH *HRVWHHULQJ ‡ 0DVV 6SHFWURPHWU\ 8
com for The Aaron Harber Show website with guest lists and 24/7 viewable programs. I encourage you to visit these sites and support this unique project. You’ll find a rare, balanced inter face among informed participants including; energy industry representatives, academic experts, crucial regulators, and principal anti-fracking activists. The initial TV programs demonstrated an ability to get all sides together in a frank, productive discourse. For example, the following guests are among those on these first two shows. 1. Matt Lepore, Executive
OUR COMMITMENT ‡ 3URYLGH KLJKHVW TXDOLW\ RI JHRORJLFDO ZHOOVLWH VHUYLFHV WR RXU FOLHQWV ‡ 2IIHU UHDO WLPH LQWHUSUHWDWLYH LQWHJUDWHG VHUYLFHV VXFK DV JHRVWHHULQJ ‡ ,QWHJUDWH FRRUGLQDWH ORQJ WHUP UHVRXUFH SODQQLQJ ZLWK FOLHQWV ‡ ,QWHURSHUDWH PRUH ZLWK JHRORJ\ DQG GULOOLQJ RSHUDWLRQV DQG H[SORUDWLRQ WHDPV Info: ZZZ FROXPELQHORJJLQJ FRP
March 2014
President's Column
Director, Colorado Oil & Gas Conservation Commission, the State’s key regulator 2. Will Fleckenstein, Professor, Colorado School of Mines, a top technical expert on all aspects of E & P 3. Chris Wright, CEO, Liberty Resources, who has made over 100 presentations on fracking technology, including to the U.S. Attorneys General Association, the U.S. Judiciary Conference, and the U.K. House of Lords 4. Sam Schabacher, Mountain West Region Director, Food & Water Watch, a major statewide antifracking leader 5. Wes Wilson, former EPA hydraulic fracturing regulator, the leading technical statewide anti-fracking activist
series are produced. USA-TN will apply the principles of “Definitive Programming” (www.bit.ly/DefinitiveTV). This would give all participants an incentive to make only factual statements during the taping because they would have been advised, in advance, that their statements were going to be fact-checked while the programs were being edited (and key false statements would be highlighted). The Energy Roundtable Colorado initiative has the potential to have a tremendous impact in the State, the Rockies and beyond. For more information or to support this effort, contact Aaron Harber (303-666-6161 or Aaron@HarberTV.com) or the program’s Producer, Jana Martin (720-335-1414 or Jana@HarberTV.com). Now is the time, and this is a great way, for geoscientists like us to become engaged in the political process.
»
If financial resources permit, other guests will be invited to participate as additional programs in the
OUTCROP
9
www.rmag.org
Vol. 63, No. 3
10
March 2014
OUTCROP
11
www.rmag.org
LEAD STORY
Letter to RMAG
By Randi Marttinsen, AAPG President-Elect Dear RMAG members, There is an important vote very little time for “extra-curricular” activities and coming up in the AAPG House of Delegates (HOD) personal time has become very precious in dual career regarding an amendment to AAPG’s bylaws that would families. drop the 3 sponsor requirement for becoming an AAPG When I started working my boss came into my office Member. While it is fairly straightforward to become with membership applications for several professional an AAPG Associate, becoming an AAPG Member or organizations including RMAG and AAPG, strongly converting from Associate to AAPG Member is a bit encouraged me to join, and indicated the company would complicated and this amendment would simplify that pay for all memberships. I was already an AAPG Junior process. To see the actual amendment and the changes Member and converted to AAPG Active Member as soon to AAPG’s bylaws this amendment would make please as I became eligible. I believe every geologist in my office go to: http://www.aapg.org/bylawschanges.cfm was an AAPG member and I only had to walk a few steps The AAPG Advisory Council, the Executive Committee, to find three sponsors. It was not a burden; it was simply the Young Professionals, the International Regions, the a formality that my colleagues were expected to help me membership recruitment committee, the Division of Continued on page 14 » RMAG 2014 Ad2_Layout 1 2/4/14 2:49 PM Page 1 Professional Affairs (DPA), and many others are all strongly in favor of this amendment to drop the sponsorship requirement. However, there are those who oppose the amendment. Below A strong portfolio of 1.5 million net acres onshore are my thoughts on why AAPG should drop the sponsorship requirement. 1) Dropping the sponsorship requirement will not lower AAPG’s standards. I strongly disagree with the statement made by some that dropping the sponsorship requirement would put joining AAPG on the same level as signing up for a magazine subscription. As far as I know, one doesn’t have to have a geoscience degree or work in petroleum geoscience to sign up for a magazine. Dropping the sponsorship does not mean With a history in the Rockies that spans nine years, Newfield Exploration continues lowering our professional or ethical to grow, build and share—responsibly and sustainably. Key to our approach is maintaining a diversified portfolio of assets as we focus on driving advances in unconventional plays. standards. It’s all done with an equal focus on people—our own family of employees and our communities. 2) The corporate environment has An entrepreneurial spirit, sense of empowerment and access to the best in technology—these changed. Today’s work environment is are the hallmarks of Newfield. Join us. And grow with us. very demanding, and while companies are suppor tive of professional www.newfield.com memberships and ser vice, the everyday demands of the job leave
Newfield by the Numbers
Vol. 63, No. 3
12
March 2014
Lario Oil & Gas Company Established 1927
WWW.LARIOOIL.COM
Geochemistry for Energy Breaking News: COGCC Rule 609 requires Baseline Water Quality Monitoring.
ŽīĞƌƐ stable isotope analysis of dissolved hydrocarbons in water samples.
Proud sponsor of the Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists
WELLSITE GEOSCIENCE SERVICES
Our Services:
Stable Isotope Lab ŽŶƐƵůƟŶŐ ^ĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ Basin Studies
When time is money, Wellsite Geoscience is money well spent.
Whether you’re exploring a basin, producing a well or completing a shale play, time is money. That’s why Weatherford Laboratories brings a suite of formation evaluation technologies right to the wellsite. Utilizing mud gas and cuttings, these technologies provide detailed data on gas composition, organic richness, mineralogy and chemostratigraphy in near real time. As a result,operators now have an invaluable tool to assist with sweet spot identification, wellbore positioning, completion design and hydraulic fracturing. We call it Science At the Wellsite. You’ll call it money well spent.
Learn More digforenergy.com 303.531.2030 OUTCROP
SCIENCE AT THE WELLSITE™ Formation Evaluation ┃Well Construction ┃Completion ┃Production ©2013 Weatherford. All rights reserved
13
www.weatherfordlabs.com
www.rmag.org
Lead Story Continued from page 12
complete. Currently, many/most companies will only pay for 1-2 memberships and some companies do not allow members to solicit colleagues to join AAPG. Also, most company’s staffs are running "lean and mean." With the heavy workloads placed on geoscientists (24x7 thanks to cell phones etc.), finding time and making the effort to fill out an additional application and track down sponsors, is much more of a burden than it used to be. 3) Many qualified petroleum geoscientists, including some very high profile geoscientists, are not Members. They are Associates who should be Members. As I travel and teach, I regularly ask about membership amongst the geoscientists I meet. Most don’t know if they are Associates or Members…and some do not seem to care. However, many of these people are making contributions that are of great value to the AAPG. They attend meetings, take classes, present papers, help with field trips, and contribute in many valuable ways… but have never made the transition from Associate to Member. So, why should we care if they are Associates or Members? Well, if we are a professional association that has pride in the talents, skills and professionalism of our members we should care that they are ALL participating in the proper category of membership so that their contributions are recognized as part of the sum and substance of the AAPG. The associate category is for non-geoscientists. In fact, our bylaws indicate that only Members can refer to themselves as members of the Association. Furthermore, don’t we want these people who are actively engaged in our science to be involved in AAPG’s governance and future directions? I certainly do. 4) Feedback from AAPG’s international leadership
(as well as domestic leaders who travel abroad) indicates the sponsorship requirement poses a significant barrier for international geoscientists to become Members of AAPG. Asking a colleague, especially a “higher-up” colleague is culturally very difficult to actually demeaning for many geoscientists in the international community. Having to ask a colleague for a recommendation immediately changes the nature of the relationship to one of “supplicant” and “benefactor,” thereby reducing the status of the person making the request. In some cultures, the established formalities between “young” and “old” prohibit our younger geoscientists (and AAPG’s future) from even approaching their “seniors” for a recommendation. 5) The argument has been made that we need sponsors because we are a professional organization not just a scientific society. If we are working (or have worked) as geoscientists we are professionals. GSA and SPE both have as part of their mission professional development and both have detailed codes of conduct that their members are required to follow. In order to renew my GSA membership I must re-affirm that I will abide by GSA’s Code of Conduct. Obtaining three sponsors to vouch for us does not make us any more or less professional (or ethical for that matter). When I went to work I didn't really have a clear idea of what being a professional meant, nor was I interested in voting or holding office. All I cared about was the science. Furthermore, I didn't have a clue about the importance of networking. It was through my membership in AAPG and RMAG and my interactions with geoscience professionals that I learned what being a professional is all about. I came to understand that part of being a professional entails giving back to the profession and to the organization and to the members of the organization to which I belonged and from which I so greatly benefitted. I believe membership in AAPG provides a road to professional betterment in itself. 6 ) F i n d i n g s p o n s o r s to attest to an applicant’s ethics Continued on page 16 »
Vol. 63, No. 3
14
March 2014
Making Unconventional, Conventional
AS OUR TOUCH GETS LIGHTER…
THE OPPORTUNITIES GROW LARGER.
Our business is about more than exploration and production. It’s about improving the lives of those around us by helping the communities in which we live and work grow and prosper. It’s about providing our employees with opportunities to make positive contributions and constantly challenging ourselves to ffi ind better solutions. It’s about continuously striving to be a better industry partner and leaving behind a legacy of sustainability wherever we can.
PetroFecta® from Fluid Inclusion Technologies
Energizing the World, Bettering People’s Lives ®�
www.nobleenergyinc.com
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
Stay in the Zone
Premier geonavigation/geosteering services since 1995
previewer software.
Information about PetroFecta ® and other FIT services, call 918.461.8984 or visit www.fittulsa.com
Maximize Target Penetration Maximize Production Avoid Costly Redrills Senior geosteering staff on call 24/7 to keep you in-zone and respond to structural stratigraphic changes www.horizontalsi.com Denver, Colorado
KC Oren 303.249.9965
OUTCROP
15
Carrollton, Texas 972.416.1626
www.rmag.org
Lead Story Continued from page 14
or professionalism does not necessarily identify to this amendment and make your HOD representatives unacceptable applicants. Publishing the names of aware of your opinion. This amendment is important and applicants for membership in the Explorer provides a it deserves your consideration. RMAG’s delegates and much broader and more effective net to try and identify their contact info is available at: http://www.aapg.org/ professionally and ethically challenged applicants. house_of_delegates/delegates.cfm?society=14. If you I would think that applicants would only ask people want to share your thoughts with me, you can email me to be sponsors with whom they have had very positive at: rmartinsen@aapg.org. interactions. An applicant certainly would not ask a Randi S. Martinsen person with whom he/she has had unpleasant, let AAPG President-Elect alone unethical interactions to be a sponsor. Given our litigious society, in the unlikely event an applicant approached a potential sponsor with whom he/she has had unfavorable interactions, it is more likely that the potential sponsor would simply decline being a sponsor than he/she would fill out a negative review, and the applicant would simply go on to find another sponsor. Over the years many people, especially former students, have asked me to sponsor them for AAPG membership. I have always had reservations about stating that the applicants are ethical. I don’t believe that the types of interactions I have with most people allows me to know whether or not they are ethical. At best all I can truthfully state is that I have no knowledge to suggest otherwise. I believe many people sign sponsorships without any real knowledge of the ethical behavior of individuals. We just all give people the benefit of the doubt. Q Traditional and Roth IRAs Q College Funding Plans 7) Is it more important to go Q Mutual Funds Q 401(k) and 403(b) Plans out of our way to be exclusive (i.e. Q Common and Preferred Stocks Q Wealth Management Planning do everything possible, even if not Q Corporate and Municipal Bonds effective, to prevent a possible For sound recommendations and service you can count on, “unworthy” geoscientist from joining call today. AAPG) than it is to be inclusive and get as many geoscientists who should be There’s Wealth in Our Approach.™ members to be members? Personally, I would like to have an AAPG that Michael Slishinsky, CRPC encourages and welcomes into its fold Vice President - Financial Advisor all eligible geoscientists? I repeat, ALL Office: (303) 595-1157 • Toll Free: (800) 234-3703 michael.slishinsky@rbc.com • www.michaelslishinsky.com ELIGIBLE GEOSCIENTISTS! Dropping 1200 17th St., Suite 2200 • Denver, CO 80202 the sponsorship requirement does not lower our standards.
Wealth Planning Services
While I believe the reasons to drop the sponsorship requirement are compelling, I encourage you to read and consider the pros and the cons Vol. 63, No. 3
© 2013 RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC.
16
13-DV-1553_4.875x4.875 Create ad.indd 1
March 2014
11/19/13 11:08 AM
Fuel up your passion for the geosciences and register today to attend ACE 2014! • • • •
Network with more than 8,000 colleagues from more than 80 countries Expand your knowledge with 800+ oral and poster sessions Explore the latest discoveries and applications with 10 Field Trips and 19 Short Courses Learn about the innovative technology and services from more than 200 exhibitors
Visit AAPG.org/ACE and register online or download the forms now.
Ideas and Innovation – Fuel for the Energy Capital
6–9 April » Houston, Texas » George R. Brown Convention Center
ch ar 05 7 M $1 y 1 to r b up te ve gis sa Re and Organized by
OUTCROP
17
Hosted by
www.rmag.org
Inner Strength. At WPX Energy, we’re driven by our desire to be excellent operators. We’re recognized as an industry leader by regulators, the community and our peers. We take pride in doing things right – recycling water and running rigs on natural gas to help protect air quality. Our natural strength comes from our can-do attitude. We ,+1&+2 ))6 Ɯ+! 4 60 1, * (" ,2/ 20&+"00 0 #"/Ǿ 01/,+$"/ +! *,/" "ƛ& &"+1ǽ We’re WPX.
855.979.2012 | www.wpxenergy.com
© 2013 WPX Energy
Vol. 63, No. 3
18
March 2014
OUTCROP
19
www.rmag.org
RMAG Luncheon Program – March 5th
Fluvial megafans in the Uinta Basin, a consequence of extremely bad early Eocene weather?
By Piret Plink-Bjorklund, pplink@mines.edu, Colorado School of Mines
The early Eocene fluvial system exposed along the southern margin of the Uinta basin has received a considerable amount of attention. The peculiar nature of the fluvial succession of the Wasatch and Green River
Formations in the Uinta Basin has led to a number of interpretations, including fluvial channels, and deltaic mouth bars. Not surprisingly, as the fluvial succession is dominated by gradational planar laminations,
Luncheon Reservations & Information 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, walk-in 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.
Your attendance is welcomed and encouraged. Bring a guest or new member! Vol. 63, No. 3
20
Call 303-573-8621, email staff@rmag.org, or register online. March 2014
Fluvial megafans in the Uinta Basin, a consequence of extremely bad early Eocene weather? aggradational low-angle convex-up structures, scour-andfill structures and climbing-ripple laminations, common in mouth bars and turbidites. Moreover, architecturally, the channels are, in many places, amalgamated into thick, sharp-based tabular sandstone intervals, and show a stratigraphic large-scale upward increase in sand content. Thus, these fluvial systems are distinctly different from fluvial facies models. Rivers with distinctly flashy water supply, caused by extreme precipitation, are distinct from perennial rivers in terms of sedimentary structures, barforms and architecture. The figure shows three different types of flashy rivers and how they compare to a perennial system. LFR – lower flow regime; MFR – medium flow regime; UFR- upper flow regime; HDR – high deposition rate. Flashy rivers have a significantly higher proportion of upper flow regime and high deposition rate structures, whereas perennial rivers are dominated by medium flow regime structures and lack high deposition rate structures (a, b, c). Barforms in flashy rivers tend to be simple and thick (c, d). The dominance of the above sedimentary structures indicates upper flow regime
deposition and very high deposition rates. The extremely high deposition rates are also shown by the dominant downstream accretion of bars, and unit bar thickness of more than 10 m in places. At unit bar bounding surfaces trace fossils and pedogenic modification occurs, showing that the channels were dry for sustained periods at times. High degree of channel amalgamation in the proximal part of the succession indicates high channel avulsion frequency. Further distally and laterally the avulsions are indicated by splay packages. Collectively these features indicate a flashy river system with very high peak discharge, and intermittent sustained droughts. In fact these sediments are more similar to flash flood and megaflood deposits than fluvial facies models developed for perennial systems. The laterally extensive nature of this system across ca 200 km, together with the vertical trends of upward increasing and decreasing sand content and channel dimensions, indicate deposition in fluvial megafans. Moreover the channel dimensions indicate a large river system, rather than small rivers draining local uplifts. The fluvial megafan Continued on page 22 »
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 pay-per-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
OUTCROP
21
Emily Tompkins Executive Director, Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists etompkins@rmag.org www.rmag.org
Fluvial megafans in the Uinta Basin, a consequence of extremely bad early Eocene weather? systems are highly aggradational and capture large volumes of sediment. Thus, the volumes of siliciclastic sediment that reached the Lake Uinta are considerably smaller than the volumes captured in the megafans. The available absolute age dates, biostratigraphy and out stable isotope record show that the Wasatch and Green River Formation fluvial systems along the southern basin margin are of early Eocene age. Moreover, the data links the fluvial megafan progradation and retrogradation episodes to early Eocene global warming events (the PaleoceneEocene Thermal Maximum, and the six successive Early Eocene Climatic Optimum events) that caused extreme precipitation with intermittent droughts. Increase in extreme precipitation and development of fluvial megafans was not unique to early Eocene or the Uinta Basin. Such conditions were wide spread during early Eocene, and also occurred during Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic greenhouse conditions. Extreme
precipitation has also been predicted to increase in anthropogenic global warming conditions by the International Panel of Climate Change. Yet the extreme early Eocene weather was not the only control on formation of the Uinta Basin fluvial megafans. The uplifted Sevier and Laramide hinterland was also critical in providing the large amounts of sediment and allowing for large discharges, as a function of drainage basin size and gradients.
»
Volunteer Position Open for Executive Editor of The Mountain Geologist Quarterly Publication
WOLFCAMP & BONE SPRING PROJECT Unlocking the Potential of the Permian Delaware Basin Canadian Discovery Ltd. and partners are proposing a fully-integrated reservoir characterization study in the Delaware Basin of West Texas that will include: » » » »
The RMAG quarterly publication, The Mountain Geologist, is seeking a Volunteer to serve as Executive Editor. Applicants must be experienced geoscientists who have skills in marketing, writing, reviewing, digital publishing, time and people management, and in setting goals relevant to the role of The Mountain Geologist in the geologic community. If you have an interest in becoming involved in a solid, peer-reviewed, technical publication with a long history in the Rocky Mountain geologic community, please make an inquiry to Joyce Trygstad Nelson, Executive Editor, at jtpetr@aol.com or (303) 526-2180, or Larry Rasmussen, RMAG Publications Committee Chairman, at larryR@whiting.com.
Geology Subsurface pressure setting Geochemistry Reservoir characteristics
Contact Cheryl Wright to Pre-Subscribe* cwright@canadiandiscovery.com | 403.269.3644 www.canadiandiscovery.com *Six primary sponsors are required to proceed with study.
Canadian Discovery Ltd.
In Partnership with:
GDGC GRAHAM DAVIES
»
GEOLOGICAL CONSULTANTS LTD.
Vol. 63, No. 3
Continued from page 21
22
March 2014
RMAG Luncheon Programs – April 2nd
Roving Mars -- An Update on Recent Exploration of the Red Planet
By Ira Pasternack, Comet Ridge Resources, April 2, 2014
The talk will present examples of some of the Martian depositional environments capable of sustaining life including fluvial valley networks and deltaic sediment bodies in lacustrine basins.
Our knowledge of Martian geology has undergone tremendous growth over the last decade due to the highly successful surface rover and orbiter missions that have been surveying and sending data back from the planet since 2004. Much of these data are readily available for free download from various NASA or affiliated organization websites (i.e., http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/). The talk will include some of the author’s favorite downloaded imagery and brief historical review of earlier probes sent to explore Mars, will demonstrate they have not always been so successful. Since American astronomer Percival Lowell popularized Martian “canals” as indications of intelligent life during the early 20th century, the search for signs of life on Mars continues to be a major focus of exploration. Each of the rover landing sites was specifically selected to optimize the potential for finding evidence of past life. The talk will present examples of some of the Martian depositional environments capable of sustaining life including fluvial valley networks and deltaic sediment bodies in lacustrine basins. Mars has a much more complete stratigraphic record than the Earth because of the absence of plate tectonics and lack of crustal recycling. Mars is the location of one of the tallest mountain peaks identified in the Solar System, “Olympus Mons”--3 times the height of Mount Everest--as well as the largest known canyon, the 1900-mile-long “Valles Marineris”. Although the talk is well beyond the normal scope of Rocky Mountain region geology topics presented at RMAG luncheons, there are numerous Colorado connections to the recent Martian missions beyond the similar red color of the rocks. Colorado companies were responsible for the construction of various key components or instruments onboard the rovers and orbiters. There are also Colorado ties to some of the scientists responsible for conducting the Martian research.
»
RMAG Luncheon Programs – May 7th
Mississippian Heath Formation, a self-sourcing tight oil carbonate petroleum system, central Montana, USA By Richard J. Bottier, May 7, 2014
OUTCROP
23
www.rmag.org
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 Vol. 63, No. 3
24
March 2014
MINERAL OF THE MONTH: MARCH By Cheryl Whitney
Mineral Name: Rhodochrosite Chemical Composition: MnCO31 Color: Pink, red, brown, yellow1 Streak: White1 Luster: vitreous to pearly1 Crystal System: Trigonal1 Specific Gravity: 3.71 Hardness: 3.5-41 Index of Refraction: 1.58-1.811 Crystal Habit: Rhodochrosite has many different crystal habits, including rhombohedral, scaleohedral, columnar, bladed, granular, massive, botryoidal and stalactitic. The picture on the right is of the stalactitic variety. Locations: The most notable locations are Cavnic, Romania, Butte, Montana, and Leadville, CO.2 Photo courtesy of Colorado School of Mines Mineral Museum Rhodochrosite is a manganese carbonate found in ore deposits at moderate temperatures, in metamorphic deposits at high temperatures, and in sedimentary deposits.2 Fun Fact: Rhodochrosite is the Colorado State Mineral. It is used in creating stainless steel and aluminum alloys. Before the mineral was sought after for its aesthetics, it was disposed of in mine tailings.2 1 Klein, Cornelis, and Cornelius Searle Hurlbut. The 22nd Edition of the Manual of Mineral Science: (after James D. Dana). New York; Toronto: J. Wiley, 2002. 2 Abdullah, Mansur G. “Rhodochrosite (mineral).� Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Jan. 2010. Web. 05 Feb. 2014.
...Next Month: Amazonite Have a mineral you want to see? E-mail c.whitney@laramidegeo.com.
Neil H. Whitehead, III Consulting Geologist PhD
CPG-AIPG
PG WY
Rocky Mountain Basins Wellsite to Petroleum Systems ArcGIS 303-679-8573
fax 303-679-8574
31634 Black Widow Way
OUTCROP
25
Conifer, CO
www.rmag.org
neil3@q.com 80433-9610
Vol. 63, No. 3
26
March 2014
Several Positions Open for ASSISTANT EDITORS to The Mountain Geologist
DONOVAN BROTHERS INCORPORATED Wellsite Drilling Engineering • Well Plans • Geomechanics Formation Evaluation • Optimize Drilling Using Logs
Bill Donovan
Geologist • Petroleum Engineer • PE
780 E. Phillips Dr. S. • Littleton, CO 80122 (720) 351-7470 (voice) • (303) 794-7470 (message) donovan@petroleum-eng.com www.petroleum-eng.com
The Mountain Geologist is looking for additional, volunteer, Assistant Editors to join the present staff. Assistant Editors copy edit submitted and revised manuscripts for adherence to The Mountain Geologist’s “Author Style Guide” and for readability. They help in all phases of manuscript publication. At least one editor will have some paleontological background. Another editor will focus on reviewing revised manuscripts and PDF proofs. Assistant Editor skills/background include having excellent command of English and several years experience in one or more earth-science disciplines, being detail-oriented, and having some experience with online publishing or related. Sometimes fast turnarounds are required. Please contact Joyce Trygstad Nelson, Executive Editor, jtpetr@aol.com.
»
Submit a Manuscript to The Mountain Geologist is a quarterly, online, peerreviewed journal published by the Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists since 1964. Circulation is about 2600. Editors for The Mountain Geologist welcome manuscripts that focus on or relate to geology of the U.S. Rocky Mountain region and environs. When writing a manuscript for The Mountain Geologist, please refer to the downloadable “Author Style Guide” found under “Publications – The Mountain Geologist” on the RMAG website: www.rmag.org It is important to write your manuscript according to this style guide to mitigate revision time for both authors and editors. The style guide is being updated in 2013; please send inquiries to the Executive Editor at jtpetr@ aol.com or refer to issues published in 2012-2013 when questions arise.
page, www.rmag.org). See also, “Cumulative Bibliography and Index to The Mountain Geologist, 1999-2010” by Michele Bishop, The Mountain Geologist, July 2011, v. 48, no. 3, p. 59-80 . Back issues of the journal are available on DVD (The Mountain Geologist 1964-2005 except 1985, v. 22, no. 4; The Mountain Geologist 2006-2010 with 1985, v. 22, no. 4) available through the RMAG office, 303-573-8621, or online on the RMAG website. Some issues in hard copies are also available from the RMAG office.
»
Back Issues A bibliography and index is available on the RMAG website (1964-2009, see The Mountain Geologist web OUTCROP
27
www.rmag.org
RMAG ♦♦ DAPL
GeoLand Ski Day 2014
**Ski Downhill - Cross Country – Snowboard** COPPER MOUNTAIN RESORT Friday, March 7, 2014 7:30 am 12:30 pm TBA 3-5:30 pm 7:00 p.m.
Schedule of Events
Buses Depart from Heritage Square in Golden: Coffee/donuts Lunch on your own; Re-group opportunity Solitude Station Mid-mountain Lodge, American Eagle Lift Nastar Race and other events (details provided on bus) Après Ski Party: Kokopelli Trail Room/Jills Deck: Beer/Wine/Dinner Center Village Area (Base of American Flyer Lift) Arrive back to Heritage Square
For Sponsorship Opportunities or Additional Information, Please Call:
RMAG Chairs ♦♦ Chris Gough ♦♦ 303-893-9020 ♦♦ Larry Bennett 720-536-2901 DAPL Chair ♦♦ Patsy Botts 303-925-0696 (x120) DAPL at 303-446-2253, fax 303-595-9701 ♦♦ RMAG at 303-573-8621
REGISTRATION FORM (PLEASE REGISTER EARLY!)
Name: _________________________________________________________________ Company: _________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________ Phone: _________________________________________________________________ E-mail Address: ______________________________________________________________ Please Reserve:
Downhill Lift Tickets, Bus Ride and Apres Ski Party Downhill Lift Tickets and Apres Ski Party (No bus) Bus Ride and Party Only Apres Ski Party Only
# _____ (X $135) = # _____ (x $110) = # _____ (x $ 85) = # _____ (x $ 60) = Total Enclosed
$___________ $___________ $___________ $___________ $___________
Deadline for reservations is Monday, March 3, 2014 No cancellations after Friday, February 28, 2014
Make checks payable & mail to: RMAG/DAPL Ski Day, 535 16th Street, Suite 850, Denver, CO 80202 OR GO ON LINE at www.RMAG.org (click on “ski button”)
Vol. 63, No. 3
28
March 2014
We want you back! We need you! The RMAG is facing a serious membership dilemma. During 2013, over 700 RMAG memberships have lapsed.
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
Project Planning | Acquisition | Permitting | Surveying | Safety Compliant | Results All crews utilizing OYO GSX Wireless System and AHV-IV 364 Commander Vibrators or Shothole
alaleasl
www.breckex.com
Texas Office • Ph: 254-559-7566 • Fax: 254-559-6337 2301 US Hwy 180 East • P.O. Box 789 • Breckenridge, TX 76424 Denver Office • Ph: 303-563-5301 • Fax: 303.260.6401 600 17th Street, Suite 2800 S • Denver, CO 80202
OUTCROP
29
www.rmag.org
Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists, RMAG 910 16th Street Mall, Suite 1214, Denver, CO 80202 (303) 573-8621 phone (303) 628-0546 fax www.rmag.org staff@rmag.org
2014 RMAG Dues Renewal 2014 RMAG Dues Renewal
Name:____________________________________________________________________________________ Last
First
Please select one: No change in contact information Please update my contact information:
Address: __________________________________________________________________________________ City: ___________________________________ State: ______________ Zip Code: _____________________ Email address: _____________________________________________________________________________ 2014 Dues:
$41.00 (December 1, 2013 - November 30, 2014)
Other Optional Contributions: RMAG Contribution:
$_________
RMAG Foundation General Fund Contribution:
$_________
Total Contribution Payment: All contributions are tax deductible under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS.
$_________
(which supports the calendar of 2014 of RMAG events, including short courses, symposia, social events, monthly luncheons, and more)
(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)
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.
PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW SUITE NUMBER – 910 16TH STREET MALL, SUITE 1214, DENVER, CO 80202 Vol. 63, No. 3
30
March 2014
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. Please volunteer! Committee contacts below:
Connect with RMAG Online! You can now connect to the RMAG on Linkedin, Twitter, and Facebook.
CONNECT WITH US ON LINKEDIN! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK! FOLLOW US ON TWITTER!
Dean DuBois, Committee Chair 720-876-5366 dean.dubois@encana.com
1 and 2 man Mudlogging Gas Referencing™ Geosteering
Summit Mudlogging Services
James Milne 303-894-2100 x5117 james.milne@state.co.us
Mike Barber
Manager Serving the Rocky Mountain Region
James Rogers 303-832-2328 jim_rogers1@comcast.net
230 Airport Rd. Unit D Heber City, Utah 84032
Ph (435)657-0586 Cell (435)640-1382 email: mbarber@summitmudlog.com www.summitmudlog.com
Steve Cumella 720-979-0718 steve.cumella@endeavourcorp.com Marshall Deacon 303-228-4215 mdeacon@nobleenergyinc.com Tom Feldkamp 303-228-4146 tfeldkamp@NobleEnergyInc.com Chris Martin 720-440-6134 CMartin@bonanzacrk.com OUTCROP
31
www.rmag.org
New Members
Welcome to New RMAG Members... Cole Archer lives in Littleton, Colorado.
Stephen Heron lives in Boulder, Colorado.
Liz Arthur works as an Account Manager at Weatherford Laboratores.
James Hollis works as a CEO at NEOS GEOSOLUTIONS.
Roger Barnaby works as a Senior Geological Advisor at Core Lab.
J o n H u f n a g e l w o r k s a s a G e o p hy s i c i s t a t ConocoPhillips.
Fredrick Barrett is retired.
Kevin Klammer works as a geophysicist at Unit Petroleum Company.
Tyson Berndt lives in Shawnee, Kansas.
Shawn Kramer works as a Geoscience Technician at Noble Energy, Inc.
Henry Biggartworks as a Western US Area Manager at Geokinetics USA, Inc.
Carolan Laudonworks as a VP E&P Consulting at Global Geophysical Services, Inc.
Alex Biholar works as a Geophysicist at Devon Energy. Lise Bisson works at Ninyo & Moore.
Matthew Legatt works as an Asset Manager at Newfield.
Joseph Bowens works as an Account Executive at OGRE Systems, Inc.
Heloise Lynn works as a Consultant.
Mark Brooks works at WPX Energy.
Melissa Marietta works at Integral Consulting.
Micah Burson works at Exploration Geophysics, Inc. Connor Burt is a student at CU Boulder. Kyle Deatrick works as a Research Assistant at Institute of Tectonic Studies/UTEP. Michael Deaver works at Buckley Powder Co. Joseph DeDominic works as a President/COO at Anschutz Exploration Corp. Jason Fredricks works as a at University of Colorado-Boulder. Steven Fryberger work at Enhanced Oil Recovery Institute, University of Wyoming. Tanya Given lives in Denver, Colorado. Amy Gough works as a at Keele University. Zack Heiderworks as a Staf f Geosteering Technologist at Anadarko Petroleum Corporation.
Quality Mudlogging Geologic Interpretation Wellsite Geology | Geo-Steering | Coring Supervision Serving the Williston Basin and Rocky Mountain Region Joseph H. Large President
www.rpmconsultinginc.com
Curtis Helms works as a Geoscientist at Trey Resources, Inc.
Vol. 63, No. 3
Horizontal Bakken, Mission Canyon, Red River, Dupero, Three Forks and Ratcliff formations
1600 Broadway, Suite 1510, Denver, CO 80202 (Office) 303 595 7625 | (Fax) 303 595 7628
32
March 2014
New Members
Howard Melcher works as a Geologist at Liberty Oilfield Services.
Adam Smith works as a District Geologist at Samson Resources.
Jay Merrill lives in Ft. Collins, Colorado.
Melanie Starrworks as a at Anadarko Petroleum.
Julian Michaels lives in Denver, Colorado.
John Still works as a Geologist at QEP Resources.
Lawrence Monson works as a Geologist at GeoMon Consulting.
Sabrina Trask lives in Westminster, Colorado.
Marie Olivier is a student member living in France.
Carol Villagomez works as a Sales Representative at FairfieldNodal.
Jessica Parris works as a Geosteering Technical Sales at Diversified Well Logging, Inc.
Brent Wagner works as a at Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
Justin Reuter works as a Geophysicist at Wolverine Gas & Oil Corporation.
John Whisler works as an Executive Vice President.
David Richards works as a President at FaultSeal Americas LLC.
Douglas White lives in Lake George, Colorado.
Bryan Whitby works at Diversified Well Logging, Inc. Kelly Williams works as a Scientist at Conestoga-Rovers & Associates.
Jennie Rietman lives in Golden, Colorado. Michelle Robbins works as a Geological Tech Lead at WPX Energy.
Kandi Withers works as an Acquistion Specialist at Petroleum Abstracts/University of Tulsa.
Art Rowley works as a Geology Manager, Piceance Asset at WPX Energy.
Spencer Yonker works at Bloodhound Rental Support Services.
Âť
Charles Sheppard works at EOG Resources, Inc.
OUTCROP
33
www.rmag.org
For Independents and Small Companies • •
R
JLog® Petrophysical Software Consulting and Training
Jack Bowler – Bowler Petrophysics, Inc. 303 860 1641 www.jlog.biz jack@bowler-petrophysics.com
Logs Since 1971
S LOGS G LO LOGS OVER 6 MILLION WELL LOGS FROM THE ARCTIC TO THE GULF OF MEXICO
MP
CA WOLF
T
CAR
DIU
M
EAGLEFORD Y
LBAN NEW A
MONTNEY FAY E
KS
FOR E E R H
TTE VIL LE
BAKKEN VILLE
S HAYNE
WOODFORD
HORN
RIVER
DUVERN
AY
BARNETT N IOBRARA UTICA
www.mjlogs.com 1-800-310-6451
Vol. 63, No. 3
34
March 2014
OUTCROP OUTCROP
35 35
www.rmag.org www.rmag.org
In the Pipeline March 5, 2014 RMAG Luncheon. Speaker: Piret Plink-Bjorklund. “Fluvial megafans in the Uinta Basin, a consequence of extremely bad early Eocene weather?” www.rmag.org.
April 2, 2014 RMAG Luncheon. Speaker: RMAG Luncheon. Speaker: Ira Pasternack. “Roving Mars – An Update on Recent Exploration of the Red Planet.”
March 7, 2014 RMAG GeoLand Ski Day. Copper Mountain, resort. www.rmag.org.
April 29, 2014 RMAG/PTTC Geosteering Forum. Registration, Sponsorship and Exhibits Now Open!
March 11 – 13, 2014 PTTC Course. “Well-Log Sequence Stratigraphy.” Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO.
May 7, 2014 RMAG Luncheon. Speaker: Richard J. Bottier. “Mississippian Heath Formation, a self-sourcing tight oil carbonate petroleum system, central Montana, USA.”»
March 25, 2014 RMS-SEPM Luncheon. Speaker: Doug Edmonds. “Numerical Modeling of Deltas with Applications to Facies Models and Reservoir Architecture.” http://dwls. spwla.org/Monthly_Meetings.htm.
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.
Check it Out! We have been waiting for the Third Edition of Gary L. Prost’s book, Remote Sensing For Geoscientists since over a year ago when he asked for permission from RMAG for use of figures in the book. This classic reference has been carefully updated and includes numerous examples from the Rocky Mountain Region. CRC Press, 674 pages, Third Edition, 2014. $112.46 on Amazon.com. The Great Courses, www.THEGREATCOURSES.COM has a number of geology offerings: Plan your next vacation with The World’s Greatest Geological Wonders: 36 Spectacular Sites, Professor Michael E. Wysession, Washington University in St. Louis. The course consist of thirty-six lectures and is available as either a DVD or video download. The Origin and Evolution of Earth: From the Big Bang to the Future of Human Existence, Professor of Earth Sciences, Robert M. Hazen, George Mason University. A new offering featuring a new way of looking at the earth record through mineral evolution and interaction of life. The course details a new conclusion that the vast majority of mineral species exist due to interaction with life. The course consists of 48 lectures, available on Video DVD or Audio CD or download.
Vol. 63, No. 3
All of THE GREAT COURSES offerings go on sale at least once per year (often 70% off) so catch them on sale. »
36
March 2014
Outcrop Deadlines
LOCATION we’ll lease it, permit it, gather it and sell it
for the Outcrop advertising is the 1st of the month, the deadline for other content is the 5th of the month. OUTCROP
your ideas - we make them happen LEASING - PERMITTING - DAMAGES - ROW
303-279-0789 37
www.rmag.org
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.org 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 -2010 with website. Some AG M R e th Geologist 2006 on e onlin 3-573-8621, or RMAG office for e th om fr RMAG office, 30 le b la avai copies are also issues in hard $15.
»
Vol. 63, No. 3
38
March 2014
Why can Weatherford deliver more real time data at the wellsite than any other mudlogging company?
Tim has cabin fever.
EXCELLENCE FROM THE GROUND UP
TM
Our Global Operations Manager for Surface Logging Systems, Tim, is all smiles these days. That’s because he and his team recently designed a new state-of-the-art mudlogging cabin. The spacious interior makes room for more laboratory services at the wellsite. Now exploration companies have access to more data in real time, so they can make better decisions faster. Combined with Weatherford’s patented GC-TRACER™, IsoTube® AutoLoader™ and other Isotech technologies, it’s one more way Weatherford Mudlogging is committed to Excellence from the Ground Up.
SURFACE LOGGING SYSTEMS www.weatherford.com/surfacelogging mudlogging.services@weatherford.com
OUTCROP
39
www.rmag.org
Advertisers Index AAPG.....................................7, 10, 17
Fluid Inclusion Technologies..... 15
Noble Energy................................ 15
Bowler Petrophysics...................... 34
Geosteering................................... 9
Quantum Water Consulting......... 25
Bradsby Group.................................37
Gustavson, John B...................... 34
RBC Wealth Management.......... 16
Breckenridge Expl. Inc.................. 29
Horizontal Solutions Intl..6, 15, 34
RPM Geologic, LLC...................... 32
Canadian Discovery....................... 22
Karo, James C............................. 37
Stoner Engineering, LLC.............. 26
Columbine Logging...........................8
Kestrel Geoscience, LLC............ 14
Summit Mudlogging Services..... 31
Daub & Associates.........................27
Kluth and Associates.................. 16
TGS................................................ 11
Decollement Consulting, Inc........ 33
Lario Oil & Gas Company............ 13
Weatherford Laboratories.....13, 39
The Discovery Group, Inc................27
MJ Systems................................. 34
Weber Law Firm, LLC................... 31
Dolan Integration Group................ 13
Mazzullo Energy Corp................. 34
Whitehead, Neil H........................ 25
Donovan Brothers Inc.....................27
Newfield Exploration.................. 12
WPX Energy.................................. 18
MARCH 2014 SUNDAY
anuary MONDAY
1 TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
2
3
10
1
RMAG 5 Luncheon
6
7
8
12
13
14
15
18
19
20
21
22
25
26
27
28
29
4
Speaker: Piret PlinkBjorklund
9
SATURDAY
11
RMAG GeoLand Ski Day
PTTC Course
16
17 St. Patrick's Day
23
24 30
Vol. 63, No. 3
31
RMS-SEPM Luncheon
40
March 2014