March 2020 Outcrop

OUTCROP Newsletter of the Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists

Volume 69 • No. 3 • March 2020

The Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists

2020 Summit Sponsors

WE LOOK FORWARD TO PARTNERING WITH OUR SPONSORS!

OUTCROP | March 2020

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Vol. 69, No. 3 | www.rmag.org

OUTCROP The Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists

1999 Broadway • Suite 730 • Denver, CO 80202 • 800-970-7624 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.

2020 OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT

2nd VICE PRESIDENT-ELECT

Jane Estes-Jackson janeestesjackson@gmail.com

Peter Kubik pkubik@mallardexploration.com

PRESIDENT-ELECT

SECRETARY

Cat Campbell ccampbell@caminoresources.com

Jessica Davey jessica.davey@sproule.com

1st VICE PRESIDENT

TREASURER

Ben Burke bburke@hpres.com

Chris Eisinger chris.eisinger@state.co.us

1st VICE PRESIDENT-ELECT

TREASURER ELECT

Nathan Rogers nathantrogers@gmail.com

Rebecca Johnson Scrable rebecca.johnson@bpx.com

2nd VICE PRESIDENT

COUNSELOR

Dan Bassett dbassett@sm-energy.com

Donna Anderson danderso@rmi.net

RMAG STAFF DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Kathy Mitchell-Garton kmitchellgarton@rmag.org DIRECTOR OF MEMBER SERVICES

Debby Watkins dwatkins@rmag.org CO-EDITORS

Courtney Beck Courtney.Beck@halliburton.com Nate LaFontaine nlafontaine@sm-energy.com Jesse Melick jesse.melick@bpx.com Wylie Walker wylie.walker@gmail.com

ADVERTISING INFORMATION

DESIGN/LAYOUT

Rates and sizes can be found on page 41. 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 800-970-7624.

Nate Silva nate@nate-silva.com

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.

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

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WEDNESDAY NOON LUNCHEON RESERVATIONS

RMAG Office: 800-970-7624 Fax: 323-352-0046 staff@rmag.org or www.rmag.org

Outcrop | March 2020 OUTCROP

R ocky M ountain a ssociation of G eoloGists

D enveR a thletic c lub 1325 Glenarm Place Denver, CO 80204

Data Science

April 7, 2020

SYMPOSIUM Keynote Speaker:

Rod Heard

CEO SmartBe Wealth

The Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists presents “Digital Workflows in Oil & Gas�

Data analytics is leading companies to new ways of thinking and faster insights. Come learn about software development and incorporating analytics into your workflow and network with other geologists, geoscientists, and data science professionals.

Price: Member $225; Non-member $250; Student: $100 (limited number).

Register at www.rmag.org. email: staff@rmag.org | phone: 800.970.7624 OUTCROP | March 2020

1999 Broadway, Suite 730, Denver CO 80202

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fax: 323.352.0046 | web: www.rmag.org Vol. 69, No. 3 | www.rmag.org

follow: @rmagdenver

OUTCROP Newsletter of the Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists

CONTENTS FEATURES

ASSOCIATION NEWS

6 RMAG 2020 Summit Sponsorship

2 RMAG Summit Sponsors

18 Lead Story: 3D Petroleum Systems Modeling Reveals Basin Scale Sweet Spot for Shale Oil Plays within the Bighorn Basin

4 RMAG Data Science Symposium 11 RMAG On the Rocks Field Trips 13 RMAG/Mines Practical Python Short Course 15 RMAG Golf Tournament

DEPARTMENTS 10 RMAG February 2020 Board of Directors Meeting 14 President’s Letter 30 RMAG Luncheon programs: Edmund R. Gustason 32 RMAG Luncheon programs: Dr. Brian Toelle 38 Welcome New RMAG Members!

17 RMAG-DWLS Fall Symposium Call For Papers 29 RMAG Educational Outreach 33 Publish with The Mountain Geologist

COVER PHOTO Uplifted Fountain Formation Flatirons at Red Rocks Park on a cold morning in February.

Credit: Stephen Sturm

36 2020 RMAG Foundation Scholarship Awards 37 RMAG Foundation 2019 Contributors

38 In The Pipeline 41 Calendar 42 Advertiser Index 42 Outcrop Advertising Rates

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RMAG Summit Sponsorship

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Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists 1999 Broadway, Suite 730 Denver, CO 80202 Phone: 800.970.7624 | email: staff@rmag.org

December 15, 2019 Ladies and gentlemen, First, we’d like to thank the companies that participated as a Summit Sponsor in 2019.

And thank you for the in-kind donations of employee time and meeting space for RMAG meetings and events. Without the support of the Summit Sponsors RMAG could not exist.

In 2019 RMAG put on eight continuing educations classes and seven field trips. Your dollars also support our excellent publications including the monthly Outcrop newsletter, the quarterly Mountain Geologist and our special publications such as Subsurface Cross Sections of Southern Rocky Mountain Basins. Our monthly luncheon talks are a continued success and are often sold out.

For 2020, we have already planned several excellent events including a Data Science Symposium in April, several geologic ‘basics’ classes, and a full slate of field trips. As in the past, our social schedule will include the golf tournament, clay shoot and the Rockbuster’s Ball.

If you are already a Summit Sponsor, we look forward to your continued support in 2020, and you might consider upping your contribution. If you are not already a sponsor, look closely at the many free benefits included with sponsorship.

Please feel free to contact our staff with questions about sponsorship by email: staff@ rmag.org or by phone at 800-970-7624.

We and the staff of RMAG wish you all a successful and prosperous 2020 and look forward to seeing you at our events.

Tom Sperr

Jane Estes-Jackson

2019 RMAG President

2020 RMAG President

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2020 RMAG Summit Sponsorship Platinum, Gold, & Silver Sponsors

Sponsorship Level Contribution Level Benefits Value

Platinum

Gold

Silver

$10,000

$5,000

$2,500

over $8,200

over $4,900

over $3,100

üLarge Logo & Link

üMedium Logo

üMedium Logo

RMAG Website Benefits Company logo on 2020 Summit Sponsor page on www.rmag.org

ü4 articles & 4 large ads ü2 articlesads& 2 medium

Articles and Ads on special Advertisers’ web page

ü4 small ads

Publication Advertising The Outcrop (receive benefits for 12 issues, monthly online publication)* Company logo listed as a 2020 annual sponsor in The Outcrop

ü full page ad

ü 2/3 page ad

ü1/2 page ad

üLarge Logo

üMedium Logo

üSmall Logo

ü

ü

ü

üLarge Logo

üMedium Logo

üMedium Logo

ü

ü

ü

Event Advertising (included for all events except where noted) Company logo looping in PowerPoint presentation Company logo on 2020 Summit Sponsor signage at all events** Opportunity to offer RMAG approved promotional materials

*12 months of Outcrop advertising: In order to receive 12 full months, company logos and ad art must be received no later than the 20th of the month in which you register. If received after the 20th of the month, ad will start in the month following the month after you register, and you will receive 11 total months (e.g., ads received March 25th will appear in the May issue and run through the following March). **All logos and advertising information must be received no later than March 20, 2020, to be included in Summit Sponsor signage. Previous Summit Sponsors need to submit only advertising information.

RMAG 2020 Educational Events†

Platinum

Gold

Silver

Number of registrations for each type of educational event are suggested; however, you may use your registration points for any of RMAG’s 2020 symposia, core workshops or short courses. For example, a Gold sponsor may use 4 of their 6 points to send a group to the Fall Symposium.

Short Course registrations

ü2 ü4 ü4

ü2 ü2 ü2

ü1 ü1 ü1

Total Registration Points

10

6

3

Platinum

Gold

Silver

Symposium registrations Core Workshop registrations

RMAG 2020 Social Events†

Golf and Sporting Clay registration points may be used for RMAG educational event registrations. For example, a Platinum Sponsor may use one of their golf teams (4 points) to send 4 people to a short course.

ü 2 teams of 4 players ü 1 team of 4 players ü 2 individual players

Golf Tournament player tickets Total Golf registration points

8

4

2

ü 2 teams of 5 players ü 1 team of 5 players ü 2 individual players

Sporting Clay Tournament player tickets Total Sporting Clay Points RMAG 2020 Luncheons & Field Trips

8

4

2

Platinum

Gold

Silver

Number of tickets for field trips and luncheons are suggested; however, you may use your tickets for any of RMAG’s 2020 field trips or luncheons.

For example, a Gold sponsor may use all 3 of their points to send a group on a field trip.

Field Trip tickets (may be used for any 1-day field trip during 2020)

ü2

ü1

ü1

RMAG Luncheon tickets

ü3

ü2

ü1

†Registration points may be used for any RMAG educational event. One registration point = one admission ticket to event. Luncheon and field trip tickets are not eligible to use for educational or social events.

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Vol. 69, No. 3 | www.rmag.org

2020 RMAG Summit Sponsorship All sponsor benefit event tickets must meet RMAG event registration deadlines.

All benefits end 12 months after registration.

Discount for Platinum and Gold Sponsorships offered to returning 2019 Summit Sponsors only.

RMAG 2020 Summit Sponsorship Opportunities Platinum Sponsor Gold Sponsor Silver Sponsor

Deadline for sponsorship: January 31, 2020. Specify type of payment on signed form, and send logo to staff@rmag.org by 1/31/2020. No benefits will be provided without payment.

Company: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Company Representative: ________________________________________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip: ____________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone: ___________________________________ Email: __________________________________________________________ Payment by Credit Card Select a card: Amex

M/C

VISA

Discover

Name as it appears on Credit Card: _____________________________________________________________________

Credit Card #: _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Exp. Date: _______________________Security #: ____________________________________________________________

Signature: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Payment by Check Mail checks payable to RMAG: Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists (RMAG) 1999 Broadway, Suite 730 Denver, CO, 80202

RMAG events are subject to change. Cancellation or rescheduling of events does not give sponsor right to refund. Summit Sponsors will receive benefits at any new events added into the RMAG schedule for 2020.

email: staff@rmag.org

Thank you for your generous support!

phone: 800.970.7624

1999 Suite 730 Denver, CO, 80202 Vol. 69,Broadway, No. 3 | www.rmag.org

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follow: @rmagdenver OUTCROP | March 2020

RMAG FEBRUARY 2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

By Jessica Davey, Secretary jessica.davey@sproule.com

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sponsors so far. There is a happy hour poster session in the works to follow the Symposium. Register to join in the fun! The Membership Committee successfully kicked off the 2020 Mentorship Program with a fun party at Maggianno’s on February 12th. Keep on the lookout for an announcement for the RMAG Trivia Night, which will take place on the evening of April 6th, just before the Data Science Symposium.

The Publications Committee has been busy discussing what counts as a publication and what doesn’t.

The Committee is toying with starting a podcast for RMAG; hopefully soon, we can listen to RMAG technical pieces on our commutes into work! The On the Rocks Committee reported that the 2020 field trip

Greetings, fellow rock lovers! I hope you all had a delightful Valentine’s Day! The February RMAG Board of Directors meeting took place on the snowy afternoon of February 19, 2020, at 4:00 PM. All of the Board Members were present except for Cat Campbell, Pete Kubik, and Debby Watkins. Treasurer, Chris Eisinger, and Treasurer-Elect, Rebecca Johnson Scrable, reported that the RMAG investment account is holding strong. The RMAG Summit Sponsorship is off to a good start; please consider participating as a sponsor for 2020 to keep it running steady.

The Continuing Education Committee reported there is a full lineup of speakers for the Data Science Symposium, coming up on April 7th, along with five

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RMAG 2020 ON THE ROCKS FIELD TRIPS Save the Dates!

Registration and details coming soon to www.rmag.org May 2

July 25

Corral Bluffs Fossil Trip: The Rise of the Mammals Colorado Springs, CO Trip limit: 30 Sold Out! Contact RMAG to be put on wait list

Florissant Fossil Beds & Fossil Dig Florrisant, CO Trip limit: 20 Family Trip

May 16

Golden Rocks!

The Geology and Mining History of Golden, CO Trip limit: 20

Cripple Creek/Victor Area Mine Tours Victor, CO Trip limit: 26 Family Trip

June 27-28

September 26-27

Wyoming Impact Craters Douglas, WY Trip limit: 32

email: staff@rmag.org | phone: 800.970.7624 Vol. 69, No. 3 | www.rmag.org

1999 Broadway, Suite 730, Denver CO 80202

August 8

Picketwire Dinosaur Trackway La Junta, CO Trip limit: 30

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING paleolithic ancestors loved rocks so much they started collecting and gifting their favorites to their loved ones (that’s what I would have done, anyway).

As always, thank you for reading, and I look forward to seeing you at the next RMAG luncheons and events!

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schedule is almost finalized! I don’t know about you, but I am looking forward to some warm weather and field trips! Keep your eye on the RMAG website for the field trip descriptions. The Educational Outreach Committee has released the Teacher of the Year application, which is due May 8th. Please consider nominating a deserving teacher for this incredible honor.

It makes me happy as a geologist that we gift beautiful stones to our loved ones on Valentine’s Day and other special occasions; I’ve been wondering how this became a tradition in the first place. A quick online search turned up with a fascinating article published in The Siberian Times. A collection of beads carved from ostrich eggshells estimated to be between 45,000 and 50,000 years old (Upper Paleolithic) was discovered in the Denisova Cave (think Denisova hominin bones). An additional Siberian Times article discusses the discovery of a chlorite bracelet in the same Denisova cave system which the Denisovans shared with Neanderthals between 287,000 and 55,000 years ago! I like to think our

SOURCES:

The Siberian Times Reporter. (2019, February 4).

The Siberian Times. Retrieved from https://siberiantimes.com/science/casestudy/news/homosapiens-or-denisovans-who-made-stunning-cavejewellery-and-artefacts-up-to-48000-years-ago/ Zubchuk, T. (2016, October 31). Paleolithic jewellery: still eye-catching after 50,000 years.

Retrieved from The Siberian Times: https:// siberiantimes.com/other/others/news/n0789paleolithic-jewellery-still-eye-catching-after50000-years/

COLORADO BORN. COLORADO BUILT. Colorado Committed.

WE ARE GREAT WESTERN. WE ARE

#Com�� t� oC�l �a��

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Vol. 69, No. 3 | www.rmag.org

RMAG/Mines Partnership Short Course

Practical Python for Earth Scientists Date: May 20, 2020 Location: Catalyst Health Tech Center (3513 Brighton Blvd, Denver, CO 80216) Instructors: Matthew Bauer, P.G., with breakout sessions from Zane Jobe & Thomas Martin Registration: csmspace.com/events/ practicalpython/registration.cpes Please note: Registration will be handled by Colorado School of Mines’ Continuing Education & Professional Development Department. Contact Learn@mines.edu with questions.

Who is this course for?

This course is tailored for geologists, geophysicists, petrophysicists, petroleum engineers, production engineers, landmen, and anyone else that would like to gain skills in practical python programming, data mining, and machine learning.

While this course will use examples from the petroleum industry, any earth scientist will benefit from learning about geospatial and subsurface data analysis.

Course Goals: •

Introduce the python programing language for the geoscientist.

•

Introduce python libraries that allow integration into other software programs through reading, manipulating, and writing LAS well logs and shapefiles.

•

Provide hands on examples of the application of Data Mining, Machine Learning, and Data Analytics to solve problems faced by a petroleum geologist.

•

By the end of the course students should be able to adapt the provided examples for use with their own data.

Price:

Course registration fee includes Continuing Education Credits through Colorado School of Mines.

email: staff@rmag.org | phone: 800.970.7624 Vol. 69, No. 3 | www.rmag.org

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$400 thru 5/4/2020 $450 after 5/4/2020

Regist- https://csmspace.com/ events/practicalpython/ ration: Closes May 18, 2020 fax: 323.352.0046 | web: www.rmag.org OUTCROP | March 2020

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PRESIDENT’S LETTER

By Jane Estes-Jackson

Where Do We Go From Here?

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The RMAG has had strong ties to the oil and gas industry since it was founded 98 years ago by seven prominent Denver petroleum geologists. Fifty charter members attended the inaugural meeting held on January 26, 1922. At that time the meetings were open “to all persons interested in the petroleum industry.” The original bylaws were drawn up in 1947, and the organization became a non-profit in 1954. The original objectives of the organization were “to promote interest in geology and allied sciences and their practical application; to foster scientific research; to encourage fellowship and cooperation among its members; facilitate professional development; and disseminate geologic information.” Of course the RMAG has always been open to all geologists, but historically the majority of the membership has been in the oil and gas sector. While technical programs and luncheon topics over the years have included other, broader geologic topics the ones featuring petroleum-related themes have generally been much more successful.

The petroleum industry has always been cyclical, and the fortunes of the RMAG are strongly correlative to those cycles. When the price of oil goes up, so does the number of members, and when the price of oil drops (and stays down for an extended period of time), the number of members drops as well. During an extended downturn like the one that we are currently in, it is even more critical to stay relevant to the membership.

What is the best way to achieve that? One

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possibility under consideration is to redefine the membership qualifications. The current bylaws state “Any person holding a degree in geology, geophysics, geochemistry, paleontology, petroleum engineering or other allied earth sciences may apply for membership. Any person who is not qualified for full or student membership and who is a graduate of a college of acceptable academic standards, and has a minimum of twelve (12) months of geologically related experience, may apply for election as an Associate Member.” Both Active and Associate members pay the same dues rate, but Associate members are not allowed to vote or hold office.

I personally don’t think it is fair to charge someone for a full price membership without giving them full member benefits. I also think that it is in RMAG’s best interest to find a way to include those people who want very much to be members but don’t necessarily meet all of the qualifications. For this reason the Board is now considering removing the distinction between Active and Associate members. Any modification to the membership status necessitates a change to the bylaws, which requires a vote by the members, and I anticipate that will happen in the next few months.

A huge challenge for RMAG as well as other professional organizations is to attract young professionals as members. This group in particular isn’t going to participate in something unless they see a value in it. One of the outcomes of the current downturn is that many companies are no longer providing in-house training to

Vol. 69, No. 3 | www.rmag.org

Reserve your spot today!

1 :30pm Shotgun At Arrowhead Golf Club Registration includes entry, 18-holes of golf, cart, dinner, and chances to win contest and door prizes.

Register Today!!

Teams of 4 and Individuals are welcome to register.

Be an RMAG Sponsor!

Member Team: $600 Non-Member Team: $700 email: staff@rmag.org

Member Individual: $150 Non-Member Individual: $175 fax: 323.352.0046

phone: 800.970.7624

Vol. 69, No. | www.rmag.org 1999 Broadway, Ste.3730, Denver, CO 80202

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PRESIDENT’S LETTER

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their early career geoscientists. With this in mind, the Continuing Education Committee is working on developing a core curriculum of short courses designed in particular to help those members who are getting started in their careers.

It is also important to deliver value to those members who are not affiliated with oil and gas.

The Mountain Geologist provides a venue for those in academia to publish their work, and the OnThe-Rocks field trips are a great way for members with a wide variety of geologic interests to get involved. But there is much room for improvement in this area, and I welcome suggestions on how best to achieve this.

Evolution, or survival of the fittest, is how organisms adapt to a changing environment. Organizations, including RMAG, must also evolve in order to survive. My long term goal for the RMAG is for it to continue to be a vibrant and sustainable organization for the next 100+ years.

KC Oren President

Denver Office: Brooks Tower 1020 15th Street Denver CO 80202 Postal Address: Frisco CO 80443-0063 Email: KC@GeoStarSolu�ons.com

Phone: 303.249.9965 Web: GeoStar.Partners

Lateral Thinking. Experience our Edge!

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October 27, 2020

RMAG/DWLS Fall Symposium 2020

Call for Papers The Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists and the Denver Well Logging Society are teaming up again to present the 2020 Fall Symposium on October 27, 2020 at the American Mountaineering Center in Golden.

MAXIMIZING VALUE OF CORE AND FLUID ANALYSIS The technical program will be organized topically and will attempt to provide cross-disciplinary collaboration between the two societies. We welcome abstracts in the following categories: • Core facies modeling beyond cored well: capabilities and limitations • Recent improvements in core analysis techniques • Petrophysical calibration using advanced core analysis • Fluid Analysis: Advances & applications to reservoir characterization • Beyond basic core analysis: Geomechanics, wettability, etc.

• New analysis of old cores/cuttings: capabilities and limitations • Case studies, Applications in Modeling, Improvements in reservoir characterization

American Mountaineering Center

We are interested in recent multidisciplinary studies, new core and fluid analysis technology, improved interpretations of core data showing improvements in petrophysical correlation and reservoir characterization, applications of fluid analysis linked to petrophysical interpretations and reservoir characterization, and new insights into petroleum systems using core and fluid analysis in US basins.

We welcome abstracts for the technical talks with a minimum of 500 words and up to a single page in length. Send your abstracts today and join us for the RMAG/DWLS Fall Syposium 2020!

Deadline for abstract submission is May 1, 2020 Authors of accepted abstracts have the option to submit a 4-10 page technical paper with slides for course publication.

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1999 Broadway, Suite 730, Denver CO 80202

Send abstracts to: Ginny Gent ginny.gent@comcast.net

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LEAD STORY

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Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis Wyoming—home of the world’s largest hot spring.

Photo by Sascha Burkard

3D Petroleum Systems Modeling Reveals Basin Scale Sweet Spot for Shale Oil Plays within the Bighorn Basin

BY BRIAN TOELLE AND MARCIN PANKAU

ABSTRACT Exploration has traditionally been viewed as a spectrum with rank, pathfinding, basin-wide exploration efforts on one end of the spectrum and more localized, prospect creation on the other. Most operating companies are quite often focused on specific areas within the basins where their mineral rights are concentrated and so tend to focus their exploration efforts on the prospect generation side of this exploration spectrum. This has been a traditional methodology for conventional reservoirs.

However, when dealing with a new basin or a new type of reservoir, such as shale reservoirs, a pathfinding effort must take place in order to identify where in the basin the new type of hydrocarbon play may be located. Identification of these “basin-scale sweet spots” have often utilized certain methods and techniques. One method being employed in recent years is the study of the entire

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basin using 3-D Petroleum Systems Modeling. During this study we investigated Wyoming’s Bighorn Basin for the specific purpose of identifying potential shale oil plays that may be economically viable.

The main economic factor used to determine economic viability for potential plays was drill depth.

Successful shale reservoirs within the US have included shales at vertical drill depths of 10,000’ to 11,000’ (Haynesville) before the boreholes have been turned horizontal. Improvements in drilling techniques during the past decade have dramatically increased drilling speeds. This in turn has decreased the number of days a drill rig has been needed and significantly decreased overall project costs. The ultimate result has been that deeper formations, initially considered too expensive or borderline to develop during the early days of the shale revolution, are now being viewed again as having potential.

Previous studies conducted on the petroleum systems within the Bighorn Basin have been limited to 1D petroleum systems models. In these studies models of single wellbores in various locations within the basin have been performed in order to determine the characteristics of the petroleum systems at those single well locations. For some studies the results of multiple 1D models were assembled into a 3-D framework through surface gridding. However, the input data utilized was fairly limited.

In this particular study, data from hundreds of wells within the basin was downloaded from the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission database as well as the Wyoming State Geologic Survey and the USGS databases. These data sets were quality controlled and utilized to develop the basin’s structural framework within a Petrel project and resulted in a structural framework of greater detail than used by previous models. This structural framework was then used as a starting point for the full 3-D petroleum systems modeling effort within PetroMod. This study integrates multiple data types into a single large-scale model which is calibrated to yield highly accurate results. The project was performed in five phases: 1) Structural Framework Construction, 2) Geochemical Data Integration, 3) Preliminary 1-D Simulations, 4) 3-D Predictive Model

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Simulation and 5) 3-D Model Calibration. The resulting model is believed to be highly accurate due to the amount of data integrated during the structural framework construction and the degree of calibration performed.

Previous studies have indicated that the Permian aged petroleum systems within the Bighorn Basin have a high degree of thermal maturity. This conclusion was also supported by this study’s results. However, due to the drill depth needed to reach these formations they were judged to be non-economic at the present time. This study also determined that the lower Cretaceous formations have a high degree of thermal maturity. However, these formations are also believed to be below a viable economic window given the current level of drilling technology that exists today.

Results of the 3-D petroleum systems modeling conducted during this study determined that formations near the base of the upper Cretaceous, notably the Cody Shale, Frontier Formation and Mowry Shale, are within economically viable drill depths and are currently within the oil generation window. These formations have had oil shows reported on this side of the basin by various operators and should be considered the primary prospective formations at this time.

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INTRODUCTION

The Bighorn Basin is located in the north-central portion of Wyoming (Figure 1). A small portion of the basin extends into south-central Montana. The basin is bounded by a number of structural features, which were used by this study to define the basin’s limits. Basin formation initiated in the Cambrian resulted in the deposition of the Flathead Sandstone on the Precambrian Basement (Fanshawe, 1971).

Subsidence continued into Late Mississippian time.

During the Pennsylvanian, compressional folding occurred which was followed by erosion. Widespread emergence in the late Triassic was followed by submergence (Fanshawe, 1971). The basin’s present-day structure developed primarily during the Laramide Orogeny (Finn et al., 2010).

The present-day basin axis trends from northwest to southeast. In the southern portion of the

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FIGURE 1: Map showing the location the Bighorn Basin and other major basins and uplifts in Wyoming.

basin the axis turns to the east. The basin’s main fault systems were incorporated into the model’s structural framework. Figure 2 shows a generalized stratigraphic column for the upper Cretaceous and Tertiary units for the northern and southern portion of the basin, modified after Finn et al, 2010 and Fox and Dolton, 1996.

Hagen and Surdam performed one of the first maturation and thermal evolution studies of the Cretaceous source rocks within the basin in 1984. In their study, the authors used Lopatin’s (1971) method of calculating maturity using Time-Temperature Index (TTI). In 1996 Heasler et al performed a study

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using 1-D models on the effect of rapid sedimentation and uplift on the hydrocarbon maturation within the basin. This included reconstruction of burial history and calibration of heat flow and pressure, along with application of proper kinetic parameters.

In 1998, Johnson and Finn analyzed geothermal and geochemical data from 11 wells. In 2010, the United States Geologic Survey (USGS) performed an assessment of remaining undiscovered reserves in the Bighorn Basin (Roberts et al., 2008), using eleven 1-D models located in the north-central part of the basin.

The study reported here expanded on previously published work by taking advantage of a variety of tools, such as full 3D temperature, pressure, and

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FIGURE 2: Stratigraphic column for the Bighorn Basin, Wyoming showing the Upper Cretaceous and

Tertiary formations

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FIGURE 3: Perspective view of the Bighorn Basin as seen from the southeast showing the well locations, boreholes

and formation tops imported into Petrel project and used after quality control for the creation of basin’s structural framework. project and digitized. Data obtained from the traditional state and USGS databases included well locations, log data, and formation top marker data (Figure 3).

This data was entered into a Petrel database and quality controlled. For the quality control process two-dimensional surfaces were constructed of each of the 27 formations mapped and then reviewed.

Formation top markers which were entered into the database incorrectly or had been mis-identified originally by the operators were identified quickly as they stood out significantly from the local structural trends. These typically appeared as isolated anomalously high or low locations on the surface.

The surfaces were then edited to remove the abnormal data and the surfaces were re-gridded. Ideally, the well logs at these locations should have been interpreted and the correct formation top values obtained. However, due to the large amount of data being integrated into the model this was not practical. Given the size of the study area and the amount of data incorporated into the study it is believed that

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migration modeling. These results enhance the current understanding of the thermal history of the basin and provide more accurate interpretations with regards to potential undiscovered unconventional reserves throughout the entire basin.

METHODOLOGY

As mentioned above, this study was performed in five phases. The study’s process is described in detail here.

Phase #1: Basin Structural Framework Development During the first phase of this study, data was obtained from multiple public databases. These included the United States Geologic Survey, the Wyoming State Geological Survey database and Wyoming’s Oil and Gas Conservation Commission’s database. Additionally, data was assembled from an extensive literature search. Information taken from the literature included structural maps, isopach maps, and cross-sections, which were entered into a Petrel

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LEAD STORY

FIGURE 4: Perspective view of the center of the Bighorn Basin as seen from the south showing cross sections that

were imported into the Petrel project which were digitized and used to supplement structural control.

any discrepancy falls within an acceptable margin of error for the construction of the basin’s structural framework. Marker tops that were only slightly inaccurate were deemed to be relatively insignificant when evaluated at the basin scale.

The uppermost structural surface used in the model was the topographic (erosional) surface which was downloaded from United States Geological Surface National Elevation Database. As the uppermost structural surface, it served as a starting point for all the surface building along with the basin’s geologic map from which outcrop locations were derived.

A review of the basin’s data distribution revealed some areas where little to no well data was available in digital format. In order to incorporate these areas into the study additional log data in the form of tiff images were obtained. These logs were digitized

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using Neuralog and interpreted for the formations being utilized in the study.

The basin’s structural framework was also supported through the utilization of published maps.

This included structural and isopach maps. Additionally, cross-sections were imported into the Petrel project and the formations along the cross-sections digitized. Figure 4 shows some of the cross-sections in a near the middle of the basin.

The major faults present in the basin were located in accordance with the tectonic map published in the USGS report (Finn et al., 2010). The report indicates the location and extent of the faults. Fault lines were digitized and located on the surfaces that corresponded to the fault tip. Then a fault plane was constructed from the fault tip vertically down into the basement and gridded. While this method does not honor the true geometry of thrust faults, as there is

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LEAD STORY

FIGURE 5: Structural Framework and list of component surfaces assembled in Petrel. A) Perspective view of the

completed Structural Framework as seen from the southeast. B) Selected surfaces as seen from the same view point. C) List of formations composing the Structural Framework, their ages and Petroleum System Element classification.

no subthrust section, it was a necessary simplification due to the limitations of the software.

2-D surfaces for 27 formations were constructed in Petrel and transferred to PetroMod. Figure 5 shows selected formations and the resulting structural framework developed in Petrel along with a list of all 27 horizons included in its construction. This served as one of the main components for the petroleum systems modeling. Additional components included facies maps which were constructed based on

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mudlogs downloaded from the WOGCC.

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Phase #2: Geochemical and Thermal Data Integration The 3-D Petromod model was then populated with geochemical, geological, physical, and thermal data. This included: Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Hydrogen Index (HI), Vitrinite Reflectance (VR), facies, fault property, erosional, paleo-water depth, pressure, temperature, heat flow patterns, and

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LEAD STORY modeling, and erosion. Additionally, finer grid resolutions were defined until an optimum balance was obtained with simulation run time.

The final predictive 3D model was performed using the most geologically realistic parameters including the erosion map. This erosion map featured the results of the preliminary 1D models and was developed using the convergent gridding algorithm. This model included faulting, erosion, full 3D pressure and temperature modeling, and a finer cell size. This model served as a basis for further calibration and migration modeling that was performed in the next phase of the project.

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sediment-water interface temperature data. The data was incorporated into the model and then the simulation engine was used to model the processes, such as kerogen maturation, petroleum expulsion, migration and accumulation.

The TOC and HI maps were assigned for each source rock. Based on the TOC and HI distribution, the Petromod software determines the kerogen type and uses an appropriate kinetic model. Maps (surfaces) illustrating the distribution of the TOC and HI for source rock formations were created based on the published geochemical data in literature, such as Schrayer and Zarrella (1963), Nixon (1973) Burtner and Warner (1984), Hagen and Surdam (1984), Yin (1997), Finn (2008) and Denver Core Research Center.

Phase 5: 3D Petroleum Systems Model Calibration After multiple simulation runs and determination of proper inputs and methods it was necessary to calibrate the model in a true 3D manner. The calibration of the final 3-D model was performed by selecting multiple 1D models within the basin that would serve as calibration points. Those 1-D models had already been calibrated during the preliminary 1D modeling.

However, those preliminary 1-D models were fairly simplistic in nature when compared to full 3D models. 1D models are created without the horizontal influences of pressure and temperature. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust calibration at these locations with the influence of the various factors of the full 3D modeling.

For calibrating the heat flow, temperature logs were used. For calibrating the thermal maturity, heat flow and erosion were adjusted in order to match VR values measured at the well locations. The biggest factors affecting the accuracy of simulation were the heat flow and erosion. Those two characteristics were the main parameters adjusted during this calibration of the 3D model. The resulting model, a full, calibrated 3D petroleum system model, was the final result of this study.

Phase #3: 1D Petroleum System Model Generation Important components for petroleum systems models include heat flow and the erosional data. In order to obtain valid estimates of those values, ten initial 1D models were generated and then calibrated.

During this process, a forward, 1D model was created and simulated based on the initial inputs. These initial inputs were layer thickness, lithology, TOC and HI values, and formation ages.

Next, the results of the simulation were compared to the calibration data, which included temperature, pressure, and VR values. Values predicted by the initial 1D model were compared to the actual values which had been obtained by measurements made at those well locations. A good correspondence between the predicted and measured values validated the initial 1D model. However, if significant discrepancies were noted, the parameters of the 1D model were adjusted and additional modeling runs were performed until correspondence was obtained.

Phase #4: Predictive, 3D Petroleum System Model Generation Based on the previously described input data and results of 1D models, a number of 3D petroleum systems models were developed. Each predictive model was based on the results of the previous one. As the number of simulations increased, more options were enabled, such as 3D pressure and temperature

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RESULTS

Within the Bighorn Basin, there are two major petroleum systems: the Cretaceous Petroleum System and the Permian-Pennsylvanian Petroleum System.

The Cretaceous Petroleum System is composed of source rocks within the Lance Formation, Meeteetse

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LEAD STORY

FIGURE 6: Calculated Vitrinite Reflectance (VR) and Transformation Ratio maps for the top of the Frontier Formation.

Formation, Mesaverde Formation, Cody Shale, Frontier Formation, Mowry Shale, Muddy Sandstone, and Thermopolis Shale. As mentioned previously, the Permian-Pennsylvanian Petroleum System and the Lower Cretaceous are considered too deep to be economic at this time and are not discussed in this paper.

Figure 6 shows the calculated Vitrinite Reflectance and Transformation Ratio (TR) maps for the top of the Frontier Formation resulting from the final calibrated 3D petroleum systems simulation. The shades of green on the VR map indicate values between 0.6% and 1.35%, which are within the oil-generation window for Type I and Type II kerogens. Areas colored red are in the gas-generation window and can be seen in the basin’s center. The results of the migration modeling indicate that the hydrocarbon pool locations, as modeled, align well with the locations of actual conventional fields within the basin.

This alignment serves as an indication of how well the final model was calibrated. However, the alignment is not perfect because of the basin-scale resolution of the structural framework. A higher resolution would have resulted in significantly longer and unacceptable modeling times for the simulations.

This study’s results indicate that a basin-scale sweet spot for potential shale oil reservoirs exists on the eastern side of the basin. This area is outlined in red in Figure 6 and covers approximately 60 square

Vol. 69, No. 3 | www.rmag.org

miles. In this area the top of the Frontier Formation has a drill depth of approximately 11,000 feet. Marine shales and nearshore environments of deposition within the Frontier Formation are reported nearby in outcrop studies performed by Hutsky et al., 2012. These source and reservoir rocks should contain Type II kerogens. Additionally, the organic-rich Cody Shale, which is time-equivalent to the Niobrara Formation, directly overlies the Frontier Formation, (Figure 2). Finn (2014) indicates that the Cody Shale was deposited in a marine environment within the basin. The results of this study also indicate that the base of this formation should be in the oil generation window.

Figure 7 shows the calculated VR and TR maps for the top of the Mowry Shale. As with the overlying Frontier Formation, the VR map indicates this area to be well into the oil window for the top of Mowry Shale. As expected, the TR map shows that more kerogen in the Mowry Shale should have been transformed into hydrocarbons than the Frontier Formation. However, the Mowry Shale is deeper and may be just beyond the economic limits of some operators.

The results of this study’s 3-D petroleum systems modeling efforts strongly indicate that the multiple marine shale units within the lower Cody Shale and within the Frontier Formation are viable economic targets throughout a large area in the eastern Bighorn Basin. Additionally, the Mowry Shale may

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LEAD STORY

FIGURE 7: Calculated Vitrinite Reflectance (VR) and Transformation Ratio (TR) maps for the top of the

Mowry Formation. should have full 3-D petroleum systems modeling performed on them in order to identify their potential for economically viable shale oil production. Of potential immediate interest could be the Wind River Basin to the south of the Bighorn Basin.

This basin lies within the Cretaceous seaway and should also have marine deposits in various Cretaceous formations.

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be economic limits depending upon its location and drill depth within this area and an operator’s drilling efficiency.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE STUDIES

An important consideration with regards to economic levels of production from shale oil reservoirs is the ability to intersect open, natural fracture trends with horizontal wellbores. The Niobrara Formation in the northern DJ Basin has proven to be a prolific oil producer and open natural fractures have shown to be a significant influence on the economics of the production. The Bighorn Basin of Wyoming has been structurally altered and the presence of open natural fracture trends has been verified in many parts of the basin. Multiple conventional reservoir fields within the basin have reported the presence of open, natural fractures. Additional studies should be performed within the identified basin-scale sweet spot on the eastern side of the basin in order to identify the highest potential areas for natural fracture systems. Modern 3-D seismic studies should be performed in this area in order to identify open natural fracture trends in the Cody, Frontier and Mowry formations. This study could result in drillable prospects.

Additionally, other basins within Wyoming

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

Blackstone, D.L., Foreland Compressional Tectonics: Southern Bighorn Basin, Wyoming, Geological Survey of Wyoming, Open File Report 85-3, 1985 Burtner, R.L., and Warner, M.A., 1984, Hydrocarbon generation in Lower Cretaceous Mowry and Skull Creek Shales of the northern Rocky Mountain area, in Woodward, J., Meissner, F.F., and Clayton, J.L., eds., Hydrocarbon source rocks of the greater Rocky Mountain Region: Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists Guidebook, p.

449–467.

Finn, T.M., 2007a, Subsurface stratigraphic cross sections of Cretaceous and lower Tertiary rocks in the Wind River Basin, central Wyoming, Petroleum Systems and Geologic Assessment of Oil and Gas Resources in the Wind River Basin Province, Wyoming: U.S. Geological Survey Digital Data

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LEAD STORY carbonification. 1971.

Nixon, R.P., 1973, Oil source beds in Cretaceous Mowry Shale of northwestern interior United States, The American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin, V.57, No.1, p.136-161.

Roberts, L.N.R., T.M. Finn, M.D Lewan, M.A. Kirschbaum, Burial History, Thermal Maturity, and Oil and Gas Generation History of Source Rocks in the Bighorn Basin, Wyoming and Montana, Scientific Investigations Report 2008-5037 Schrayer G.J., W.M. Zarrella, 1963, Organic geochemistry of shales – Distribution of organic matter in the siliceous Mowry Shale of Wyoming, Geochemica et Cosmochemica Acta, Vol.27, p.1033-1046 Yin, P., 1997, Source rock maturation and diagenetic modeling in Badger Basin, in H. P. Heasler ed.: Improved Exploration for Natural Gas p.41-44

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Series DDS–69–J, Chapter 9, 28 p., CD–ROM Finn, T.M., M.A. Kirschbaum, S.B. Roberts, S.M. Condon, L.N.R. Roberts, R.C. Johnson, Petroleum Systems and Geologic Assessment of Oil and Gas in the Bighorn Basin Province, Wyoming and Montana, U.S. Geological Survey Digital Data Series, DDS-69-V Finn, T.M., Pawlewicz, M.J., New vitrinite Reflectance Data for the Bighorn Basin, North-Central Wyoming and South-Central Montana, Open-File Report 2007-1246 Fox, J.E., and Dolton, G.L., 1996, Petroleum geology of the Bighorn Basin, north-central Wyoming and south-central Montana, in Bowen, C.E., Kirkwood, S.C., and Miller, T.S., eds., Resources of the Bighorn Basin: Wyoming Geological Association Guidebook, p. 19–39 Hagen, E.S., and Surdam, R.C., 1984, Maturation history and thermal evolution of Cretaceous source rocks of the Bighorn Basin, Wyoming and Montana, in Woodward, J., Meissner, F.F., and Clayton, J.L., eds., Hydrocarbon source rocks of the greater Rocky Mountain Region: Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists Guidebook, p. 321–338.

Do you have thin sections gathering dust in your closet Heasler, H.P., N. Visser, N.A. Kharior hiding in a pocket of your thesis? Are your thin tonova, R.C. Sudam, Thermal sections looking for a new home? The RMAG Education Effects of Rapid Sedimentation Outreach Committee is creating a thin section library and Uplift on the Maturation of for middle and high school teachers and would like your Hydrocarbons in the Bighorn Bathin sections. We are willing to drive to you to pick sin, Wyoming, Resources of the them up.

Bighorn Basin; 47th Annual Field Conference Guidebook, 1996 Please email your information to the RMAG office at Johnson, R.C., and Finn, T.M., staff@rmag.org and someone from the Edudational 1998, Is there a Basin-Centered Outreach Committee will contact you.

Gas Accumulation in Upper Cretaceous Rocks in the Bighorn Basin, Cretaceous and Lower Tertiary Rocks of the Bighorn Basin, Thank you from the Wyoming and Montana; 49th AnRMAG Educational Outreach Committee nual Field Conference Guidebook, 1998 Lopatin, N. V. Temperature and geological time as factors of

Thin Sections Wanted

Give your old thin sections a second lease on life!

Vol. 69, No. 3 | www.rmag.org

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RMAG LUNCHEON PROGRAMS Speaker: Edmund R. Gustason | March 4, 2020

Facies architecture and sequence stratigraphy of the Codell Sandstone, Denver Basin, CO

By Edmund R. Gustason1 (speaker), Marshall Deacon2 and Tofer Lewis1

1: Enerplus Resources, Denver, CO 2: Edge Oil and Gas, LLC, Denver, CO

EDMUND R “GUS” GUSTASON is a senior staff geologist for Enerplus Resources. Gus received his BS Geology from Humboldt State University, his MS from Northern Arizona University and PhD in Geology from CU Boulder in 1989.

He has worked in the petroleum industry

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discrete reservoir flow units. Photomosaic mapping of outcrops reveals that the erosional surfaces and overlying laminated facies are laterally continuous for up to three miles. The laminated facies also have an anomalously high thorium content that creates a “hot” gamma ray marker that can be correlated for several miles between cored wells. The surfaces are nearly horizontal, show no clinoform geometry, and are interpreted as parasequence-scale, low stand surfaces of erosion, formed during times of base level lowering in areas of low accommodation. Storms reworked the underlying sediment into laminated facies. Laminated facies grade upward into bioturbated facies, indicating that base level gradually rose and predominantly low energy conditions returned.

Regionally correlatable, sub-horizontal flow units of laminated facies provided important pathways for oil and gas migration in the Denver Basin. They also contain the best reservoir quality sandstone for horizontal well placement.

Based on detailed descriptions of outcrops and cores, the Codell contains eight facies: bioturbated sandy mudstone, bioturbated muddy sandstone, bioturbated sandstone, planar parallel laminated sandstone, hummocky cross-laminated sandstone, wave ripple cross-laminated sandstone, cross stratified sandstone, and laminated mudstone. Facies can be grouped into two facies associations: bioturbated and laminated facies. The bioturbated facies are characterized by a high bioturbation index (BI) and high diversity of trace fossils, indicating low energy, normal marine conditions. The laminated facies are characterized by a lower BI and similar diversity, indicating higher energy (storms) or more rapid deposition under normal marine conditions.

The Codell displays an upward coarsening succession of facies interpreted as progradational shoreline deposits. However, the transition from bioturbated facies to laminated facies is “punctuated” by erosional surfaces that compartmentalize the Codell into

for 38 years, holding various research, exploration and development geology positions with RPI, BP, Schlumberger Reservoir Technologies, EnCana, El Paso, and now, with Enerplus. Gus also teaches core facies analysis courses for CU Boulder and Nautilus. Gus is very interested in

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the sedimentology and stratigraphy of the Cretaceous Western Interior. Lately, he has been trying to understand the “shades of gray” and resource potential of the Niobrara Formation.

Vol. 69, No. 3 | www.rmag.org

CALL FOR PAPERS MEETING WEBSITE: rmsaapg2020.com The RMS-AAPG together with the Grand Junction and Four Corners Geological Societies invite abstract submissions for the 2020 meeting. All petroleum geology related topics are welcome, with special emphasis on these themes: • Hindsight to Foresight: Lessons from the History of Exploration and Production

• Structure, Tectonics, and Geomechanics of the Rocky Mountain Region

• The Mancos Shale / Western Niobrara Equivalent: Sedimentology, Geochemistry and Physical Properties

• Advances in Seismic Imaging in the Rocky Mountain Region

• The Powder River Basin Shale Play, A Rockies Powerhouse

• The Occurrence and Production of Non-flammable Gasses in Rocky Mountain Area Fields

• The San Juan Basin: from Conventional Reservoirs to Resource Plays

• Energy Minerals of the Rockies - A Special Session in Honor of Bill Chenoweth

• Clastic Reservoirs of the Rockies: Sequence Stratigraphy, Reservoir Quality and Producibility

• Applications of Machine Learning and Data Mining to Petroleum Geology and Energy Minerals

• Geochemistry and Basin Modeling of Rocky Mountain Petroleum Systems

• Sustainable Development 1: New Technology and Models for Reservoir Revitalization

• Lacustrine Basins: Sedimentology, Stratigraphy, Geochemistry and Petroleum Systems

• Sustainable Development 2: Carbon Capture Use OR Storage - Turning CO2 from a Liability to an Asset

• The Pennsylvanian System of the Rockies

SUBMIT ABSTRACTS ON MEETING WEBSITE BY MARCH 31, 2020 PLEASE CONTACT THE TECHNICAL PROGRAM CHAIRS WITH YOUR QUESTIONS. Larry Anna LA_Resources@msn.com

Brad Burton, bburton@western.edu

Elizabeth Petrie, epetrie@western.edu

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR SPONSOR AND EXHIBITOR OPPORTUNITIES SPONSORSHIP CHAIRS: John Youle and Tom Ann Casey: SponsorsRMS2020@gmail.com

EXHIBITS CHAIR: Dave Abrahamson: rmsaapg2020ex@gmail.com

GENERAL INFORMATION GENERAL MEETING CO-CHAIRS: KIM MISKELL GERHARDT (FCGS) & HEIDI SCHOENSTEIN (GJGS) aapgrms2020@gmail.com

Vol. 69, No. 3 | www.rmag.org

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RMAG LUNCHEON PROGRAMS Speaker: Dr. Brian Toelle | April 1, 2020

3D Petroleum Systems Modeling Reveals Basin Scale Sweet Spot for Shale Oil Plays within the Bighorn Basin

By Brian Toelle and Marcin Pankau

DR. BRIAN TOELLE is a Professor of Practice in Petroleum Engineering in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences at the University of Wyoming.

Prior to joining the university Brian had spent more than 33 years in the oil and gas industry, specializing in exploration geology and geophysics. In the past he worked for Texaco, (9 years, exploration in the Permian Basin, the Rocky Mountains OUTCROP | March 2020

methods and techniques. One method being employed in recent years is the study of the entire basin using 3-D Petroleum Systems Modeling. During this study we investigated Wyoming’s Bighorn Basin for the specific purpose of identifying potential shale oil plays that may be economically viable.

The main economic factor used to determine economic viability for potential plays was drill depth. Successful shale reservoirs within the US have included shales at vertical drill depths of 10,000’ to 11,000’ (Haynesville) before the boreholes have been turned horizontal. Improvements in drilling techniques during the past decade have dramatically increased drilling speeds. This in turn has decreased the number of days a drill rig

Exploration has traditionally been viewed as a spectrum with rank, pathfinding, basin-wide exploration efforts on one end of the spectrum and more localized, prospect creation on the other. Most operating companies are quite often focused on specific areas within the basins where their mineral rights are concentrated and so tend to focus their exploration efforts on the prospect generation side of this exploration spectrum. This has been a traditional methodology for conventional reservoirs.

However, when dealing with a new basin or a new type of reservoir, such as shale reservoirs, a pathfinding effort must take place in order to identify where in the basin the new type of hydrocarbon play may be located. Identification of these “basin-scale sweet spots” have often utilized certain

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and offshore California), Saudi Aramco (5 years, exploration in the Eastern Province) and Schlumberger (17 years). His last position with Schlumberger was as an Advisor for Schlumberger PTS (PetroTechnical Services) in the fields of Exploration and Geophysics. In this role he assisted Schlumberger’s clients by providing geoscience-focused, consulting services for various projects, including exploration 32

and field development, underground gas storage, CO2 sequestration and shale reservoir exploration and development projects. Currently Brian teaches courses on various types of unconventional reservoirs for his department and conducts research. His Wyoming Petroleum Systems Research Group is focused on investigating Wyoming’s prolific hydrocarbon producing basins and he also has projects on-going in the areas of Seismic-Based Reservoir Characterization and Mitigation of Natural Gas Flaring.

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Cognitive E&P Environment A multidimensional environment that unites planning and operations, bringing together advances in technical disciplines such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and automation.

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• Reach a broad industry and academic audience • Quarterly peer-reviewed journal • Permanent archiving includes AAPG Datapages • Quick turn-around time • Every subdiscipline in the geosciences Expanded geologic focus: • Entire greater Rocky Mountain area of North America • West Texas and New Mexico to northern British Columbia • Great Plains and Mid-Continent region

Email: mgeditor@rmag.org https://www.rmag.org/publications/the-mountain-geologist/

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RMAG LUNCHEON PROGRAMS highly accurate results. The project was performed in five phases: 1) Structural Framework Construction, 2) Geochemical Data Integration, 3) Preliminary 1-D Simulations, 4) 3-D Predictive Model Simulation and 5) 3-D Model Calibration. The resulting model is believed to be highly accurate due to the amount of data integrated during the structural framework construction and the degree of calibration performed.

Previous studies have indicated that the Permian aged petroleum systems within the Bighorn Basin have a high degree of thermal maturity. This conclusion was also supported by this study’s results.

However, due to the drill depth needed to reach these formations they were judged to be non-economic at the present time. This study also determined that the lower Cretaceous formations have a high degree of thermal maturity. However, these formations are also believed to be below a viable economic window given the current level of drilling technology that exists today.

Results of the 3-D petroleum systems modeling conducted during this study determined that formations near the base of the upper Cretaceous, notably the Cody Shale, Frontier Formation and Mowry Shale, are within economically viable drill depths and are currently within the oil generation window. These formations have had oil shows reported on this side of the basin by various operators and should be considered the primary prospective formations at this time.

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has been needed and significantly decreased overall project costs. The ultimate result has been that deeper formations, initially considered too expensive or borderline to develop during the early days of the shale revolution, are now being viewed again as having potential.

Previous studies conducted on the petroleum systems within the Bighorn Basin have been limited to 1D petroleum systems models. In these studies models of single wellbores in various locations within the basin have been performed in order to determine the characteristics of the petroleum systems at those single well locations. For some studies the results of multiple 1D models were assembled into a 3-D framework through surface gridding. However, the input data utilized was fairly limited.

In this particular study, data from hundreds of wells within the basin was downloaded from the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission database as well as the Wyoming State Geologic Survey and the USGS databases. These data sets were quality controlled and utilized to develop the basin’s structural framework within a Petrel project and resulted in a structural framework of greater detail than used by previous models. This structural framework was then used as a starting point for the full 3-D petroleum systems modeling effort within PetroMod. This study integrates multiple data types into a single large-scale model which is calibrated to yield

Well Log Digitizing • Petrophysics Petra® Projects • Mud Log Evaluation Bill Donovan

Geologist • Petroleum Engineer • PE

(720) 351-7470 donovan@petroleum-eng.com

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Vol. 69, No. 3 | www.rmag.org

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Geochemistry Programmed Pyrolysis Organic Geochemistry Analysis Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry Stable Isotopes Fluid Analysis

Water Analyses UV/VIS ICP-OES

Vol. 69, No. 3 | www.rmag.org

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2 20

RMAG Foundation Scholarship Awards

Colorado School of Mines Scholarship

Gary Babcock Memorial Scholarship

After reviewing 51 scholarship applications from graduate students enrolled in 12 universities across the country and 1 undergraduate student, the Trustees of the RMAG Foundation have granted nine scholarships totaling $30,500 to the following students: Philip J. McKenna Memorial Scholarship

Matthew Ellison, M.S. candidate at Utah State

Daan Beelen, M.S. candidate at CSM

India Phillips, Rising Senior at Colorado College

“The Biggest Snowball Fight in Earth History: Sequence Stratigraphy and Facies Analysis of the Pocatello Formation, Idaho, USA”

“A Possible Late Cretaceous Impact Structure in Black Mesa, Arizona”

“Using oxygen and carbon isotope rations of tooth enamel to understand niche partitioning among mammals after the CretaceousPaleogene mass extinction”

Dudley and Marion Bolyard Scholarship at University of Colorado Michael Frothingham, M.S. candidate at CU

Norman H. Foster Memorial Scholarship Savannah Rice, M.S. candidate at Colorado School of Mines

“Magmatic Fabric Influence on Crustal Seismic Anisotropy”

“The Influence of PennsylvanianTriassic Salt Tectonics on Laramide Shortening in Central Colorado: A New Tectonic Model”

Robert M. Cluff Memorial Scholarship

Michael S. Johnson Scholarship

Thomas Martin, M.S. candidate at Colorado School of Mines

Jacquelin Lee, M.S. candidate at the University of Kansas

“Machine learning and advanced analytics of geoscience data, examples from deepwater core to fluvial outcrops”

“A novel approach to date continental sediment deposition and paleoclimate events using volcanogenic zircon in paleosols”

Stone-Hollberg Scholarship Alison Hafner, M.S. candidate at Utah State Fault and fracture network behavior in a fluid-gas system: Analyses of fluid flow in natural CO2 reservoirs, Salt Wash Graben, UT”

Veterans Memorial Scholarship Chance Seckinger, M.S. candidate at Colorado School of Mines “Lateral Heterogeneity of BasinPlain Turbidites of the Cloridorme Formation, Quebec, Canada”

Congratulations to all of these outstanding scholarship winners! They will be invited to receive their awards at the April 1 RMAG lunch.

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Vol. 69, No. 3 | www.rmag.org

The RMAG Foundation Wishes To Thank These

2019 Contributors!

Donna Anderson Joyce Babcock

Don McKenna

Marv Brittenham

Erica Lockridge

Terry Eschner

Ira Pasternack

Jane Estes-Jackson

Kurt Reisser

Frank Ethridge

RMAG Auxiliary in memory of Eileen Griffith

Gibbett Hill Foundation (recommended by Stephan Strachan and John Rau)

RMAG Auxiliary in memory of Ruth Fisher

Debra and Ernest Gomez

John Robinson

Robbie Gries

J. Rick Sarg

Donald Jennison

Stephen Strachan

Tanya Inks

David Taylor and Jaelyn Eberle

Patricia J. Irwin

WPX Energy

Connie Knight

Laura Wray

Bob Lamarre

Vol. 69, No. 3 | www.rmag.org

Elizabeth McKenna in honor of Ruth Fisher

37

OUTCROP | March 2020

IN THE PIPELINE MARCH 4, 2020

MARCH 6, 2020

RMAG Luncheon.

Speaker Gus Gustason.

“Facies architecture and sequence stratigraphy of the Codell Sandstone, Denver Basin, CO.” Maggiano’s Downtown Denver.

GPA Midstream Networking.

Ski Train to Winter Park.

MARCH 5, 2020 GPA Midstream Luncheon.

Denver Athletic Club.

MARCH 13-15, 2020 RMAG Wilderness First Aid Training.

American Mountaineering Center, 710 10th St., Golden, CO. MARCH 13, 2020 DIPS Luncheon.

Speaker: Jeff Aldrich. “The

Energy BREXIT – The Slow, Painful Journey of the Resource Rich UK into the Import Future.” Members $25 and Non-members $30. For more information or to RSVP, visit www.dipsdenver.org.

MARCH 17, 2020 DWLS Luncheon.

Speaker Daniel A. Krygowski. “Pattern Recognition in a Digital Age: A Gameboard Approach to

» CONTINUED ON PAGE 40

WELCOME NEW RMAG MEMBERS!

Frederick Caskey

Ian Devlyn

Jacob Real

lives in Aurora, Colorado.

lives in Boulder, Colorado.

is a student in Salt Lake City, Utah.

lives in Denver, Colorado.

is G&G Team Lead at SM Energy in Denver, Colorado.

is a Sr. Business Analyst at Great Western Petroleum in Thornton, Colorado.

Sheridan Mullen

Michael Sheehan

is Manager of Technical Services at EMX Royalty in Littleton, Colorado.

Marlena McConville

is a Hydrogeologist at SRK Consulting in Denver, Colorado.

Sy Luke

lives in Arvada, Colorado.

Jennifer Markham

is a Geoscience Technologist at BPX Energy and lives in Parker, Colorado.

OUTCROP | March 2020

Katie Ross

Chris Beliveau

is a Geologic Technician at FourPoint Energy in Denver, Colorado.

Chieke Offurum

is a Petrophysical Specialist at EOG Resources, Inc. in Coppell, Texas.

Yoryenys Del Moro

is a Regional Product Champion at Ikon Science in Denver, Colorado.

Dave Richey

Samantha Higbee Patrick Emery

works at Baker Hughes in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Claudia Itjen

is a Paralegal/Landman at Mountain States Energy Advisors in Aurora, Colorado.

Eric Stautberg

lives in Evergreen, Colorado.

is a Geologist, P.G. at Vermilion Energy in Lakewood, Colorado.

38

Vol. 69, No. 3 | www.rmag.org

Providing geoscience expertise and technology to the field and office since 1981

Well Site Geology Geosteering - On site & Remote Rock Analytics Geologic Prognosis/Mapping Oil Field Safety Training - PEC Regulatory Representation

sunburstconsulting.com

406.259.4124

We make it easy for you to see your reservoir

Our team has over 50 years experience interpreting borehole image logs

www.bhigeo.com Vol. 69, No. 3 | www.rmag.org

Pseudo Image

303-557-8464 39

OUTCROP | March 2020

IN THE PIPELINE

sm-energy.com

SM ENERGY IS A PROUD SUPPORTER OF THE

» CONTINUED FROM PAGE 38

Determining Petrophysical Parameters.” Wynkoop Brewing Company, 1634 18th Street at Wynkoop, Denver.

MARCH 17, 2020 DGS 3D Seismic Symposium.

“Revealing the Reservoir.”

Ellie Caulkins Auditorium.

Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists

MARCH 17, 2020 COGA Connect Luncheon.

“Lessons Learned - From Big Oil to Start Up.” Maggiano’s Downtown Denver.

MARCH 25, 2020 COGA Member Spotlight Luncheon.

“Stable Isotopes as Natural Tracers.”

MARCH 31, 2020 RMS-SEPM Luncheon.

Speaker: Mark Longman.

“The Importance of Detrital Dolomite in Upper Devonian Carbonates: Examples from the Dyer Formation (Northwest Colorado) and Bakken/Three Forks Petroleum System (Williston Basin).”

APRIL 1, 2020

Look beyond the obvious to see how our products make up your world

LookBeyond.org

OUTCROP | March 2020

40

RMAG Luncheon.

Speaker: Brian Toelle.”3D Petroleum Systems Modeling Reveals Basin Scale Sweet Spot for Shale Oil Plays within the Bighorn Basin.”

Vol. 69, No. 3 | www.rmag.org

CALENDAR – MARCH 2020 SUNDAY

MONDAY

1

TUESDAY

2

WEDNESDAY

3

4 RMAG Luncheon.

8

15

9

16

10

17

THURSDAY

11

FRIDAY

5 GPA Midstream Luncheon.

12

SATURDAY

6

7

13

14

GPA Midstream Networking.

DIPS Luncheon.

RMAG Wilderness First Aid Training.

18

19

20

21

25

26

27

28

DWLS Luncheon.

RMAG Wilderness First Aid Training.

DGS 3D Seismic Symposium.

COGA Connect Luncheon.

22

23

24

COGA Member Spotlight Luncheon.

29

30

31 RMS-SEPM Luncheon.

Proudly developing Colorado’s energy potential through innovation, safety and a commitment to our community l e a r n m o r e at : w w w . c r e s t o n e p e a k r e s o u r c e s . c o m

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