Information Dataset of Permian Basin Geology: Content, Structure, and Access

Authors: Breton, Cari L. and Ruppel, Stephen C.

Venue: West Texas Geological Society Symposium, in Midland, Texas September 10-12, 2008. http://www.wtgs.org [external site]

Abstract: The Permian Basin is perhaps the most data-rich petroleum-producing basin in the world. Unfortunately much of the data, collected over the more than 80 years since hydrocarbons were first discovered in the basin, has remained unavailable to the public. Additionally, and partly because of limited data availability, no comprehensive synthesis of the geology of the Basin has been widely distributed for 50 years. It is probable that the lack of ready access to data and interpretations has greatly undermined the efforts of many geoscientists to develop working models for more efficient exploitation of the significant remaining hydrocarbon resources in the basin. With the support of the Department of Energy and sponsoring oil and gas companies, the Bureau of Economic Geology has assembled a dataset of geological and petrophysical data that will help fill this information gap. The dataset includes a wide variety of geological data including written syntheses of geologic plays, core descriptions, core analysis data, type logs, play distribution maps, paleogeographic maps, reference lists, lists of cores, geological cross sections, depositional models, powerpoint and poster presentations. Data will be distributed digitally through the worldwide web as both downloadable flat files and spatially registered geographic information system (GIS) data files. ArcIMS software by ESRI will provide easily usable tools and applications for organizing and disseminating the GIS data via the Web. The webpage will include an embedded Map Viewer that can create a dynamic map thus allowing users to control the map view, query for information and download the GIS data.

Related NETL Project
This presentation is related to the NETL project DE-FC26-04NT15509, "Integrated Synthesis of the Permian Basin: Data and Models for Recovering Existing and Undiscovered Oil Resources from the Largest Oil-Bearing Basin in the U.S." The objectives of the project are twofold: (1) to produce a detailed, comprehensive analysis and history of Paleozoic depositional and reservoir systems in the Permian Basin, and (2) to create spatially integrated databases of depositional, stratigraphic, lithologic, and petrophysical properties for selected reservoir plays and stratigraphic horizons. These objectives will be undertaken and completed sequentially during the 3 years of the project. The overall objective is to provide Permian Basin operators with (a) outcrop and subsurface reservoir specific data, data syntheses, and models to be applied to geological, engineering, and completion-based redevelopment of existing reservoirs, and (b) a detailed regional stratigraphic framework for applying such models to new exploration targets.

Project Contacts
NETL – Virginia (Ginny) Weyland (Virgina.Weyland@netl.doe.gov or 918-699-2041)
Bureau of Economic Geology, University of Texas at Austin – Stephen C. Ruppel (stephen.ruppel@beg.utexas.edu or 512-471-1534)