May 2010 - Houston Geological Society

Transcription

Bulletin
HGS
Volume 52 Number 9
Houston Geological Society
May 2010
What are the Shelf and Slope Breaks and
Why the Rise and Run of the Intervening
Slope Matters for Deep-Water Plays and
Sequence Models Page 15
Bulletin
The
Volume 52, Number 9
In Every Issue
5
From the President
May 2010
Technical Meetings
15
What are the Shelf and Slope Breaks and Why the
Rise and Run of the Intervening Slope Matters for
Deep-Water Plays and Sequence Models
by Gary Coburn
7
From the Editor
by Barry Katz
40
75
76
77
19
HGS Membership
Application
21
HPAC
23
Joint HGS North American and International
Dinner Meeting
page 4
Cast Your Vote
By May 10
North Sea Chalk: 40 Years of Production at Ekofisk
Field From a Rock Some Said Would Never Flow Oil
25
HGS General Luncheon Meeting
Cleveland and Marmaton Tight-Gas Reservoirs
(Pennsylvanian), Northwest Anadarko Basin:
Sequence Stratigraphy, Depositional Framework, and
Production Controls on Tide-Dominated Systems
May 2010
HGS Environmental & Engineering Dinner Meeting
Uranium Recovery Realities in the U.S. – A Review
Professional
Directory
The Houston Geological Society Bulletin (ISSN-018-6686) is
published monthly except for July and August by the Houston
Geological Society, 14811 St. Mary’s Lane, Suite 250,
Houston, Texas 77079-2916. Phone: 713-463-9476; fax:
281-679-5504
Editorial correspondence and material submitted for publication
should be addressed to the Editor, Houston Geological Society
Bulletin, 14811 St. Mary’s Lane, Suite 250, Houston, Texas
77079-2916 or to [email protected]
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POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Houston Geological
Society Bulletin, 14811 St. Mary’s Lane, Suite 250, Houston,
Texas 77079-2916
HGS Northsiders Luncheon Meeting
Granite to Grass Roots: Understanding the Geologic
History of Unconventional Resource Basins from
Bottom to Top
GeoEvents Calendar
OFFICERS
Gary Coburn President
John Tubb President-elect
Art Donovan Vice President
Matt Boyd Treasurer
David Meaux Treasurer-elect
Amy E. Sullivan Secretary
Barry Katz Bulletin Editor
DIRECTORS
Ianthe Sarrazin
Walter Light
Robert Pledger
Tarek Ghazi
HGS OFFICE STAFF
Sandra Babcock Office Manager
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Chairman
EDITORIAL BOARD
Barry Katz Editor
Fang Lin Advisory Editor
James Ragsdale Advisory Editor
Charles Revilla Advisory Editor
Lilly Hargrave Advertising Editor
Lisa Krueger Design Editor
HGS General Dinner Meeting
Other Features
10
13
31
Election Correction
Remembrance – Dr. Donald F. Reaser
Tech Note: Volumetric Seismic Attributes for
Automated Fault Interpretation and Structural
Interpretation: A Growth Fault Example from
the Texas Gulf Coast
43
Tech Note: Geophysical Mapping of Hockley Fault
in NW Houston: a Few Surprising Results
59
SIPES Luncheon Meeting
page 23
Alison Henning, Gaynor Fisher, and Stephen Purves
Mustafa Saribudak
62
64
Facies Characteristics, Depositional Environments,
and Petrophysical Characteristics of the Haynesville
and Bossier Shale-Gas Plays of East Texas and
Northwest Louisiana
page 25
Countdown to AAPG
Earth Science Staff Development
Provided for Houston Teachers
Janie Schuelke
66
67
A New Technofest – Supersized!
Evolve Your Involvement: New Geoscience
Volunteer Opportunities in Sugar Land
68
Government Update
72
73
May Crossword of Giant Oil and Gas Fields
April Crossword Answers
Wendy Hale-Erlich and Inda Immega
Henry M. Wise and Arlin Howles
page 26
About the Cover: Santorini Caldera, Greece. 2007. By the Editor
Houston Geological Society Bulletin
1
2
May 2010
Board of Directors 2009–10
President (P)
President-elect (PE)
Vice President (VP)
Secretary (S)
Treasurer (T)
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Editor (E)
Director 07-09 (D1)
Director 07-09 (D2)
Director 08-10 (D3)
Director 08-10 (D4)
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John Tubb
Art Donovan
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David Meaux
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HGS Shrimp Peel
Saturday, May 15, 2010
5pm - 10pm
Sam Houston Race Park
7275 N. Sam Houston Pkwy. West
281.807.8700
Boiled Shrimp - Beer & Beverages - Horse Races - Music - Door Prizes - Boiled Shrimp - Beer & Beverages - Horse Races - Music - Door Prizes - Boiled Shrimp
Tickets $30 Advance / $35 at the Door
* Event held indoors - Pavilion Centre
* Purchase tickets online at hgs.org
Enter
through
North/Pavilion
gates
Or use form below
* Free parking – valet parking available ($8) * Purchase
tickets by May 7 - No Refunds
*
*
* Blue October to perform on Bud Light stage after last race (separate ticket required)
Many thanks to our sponsors:
2010 Shrimp Peel Ticket Order Form
2010 Shrimp Peel Ticket Order Form - 2010 Shrimp Peel Ticket Order Form
Send ticket order form and check or credit card information to:
Houston Geological Society, Shrimp Peel,
14811 St. Mary’s Lane, Suite 250 • Houston, Texas 77079-2916
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2010 Shrimp Peel Ticket Order Form - 2010 Shrimp Peel Ticket Order Form
2010 Shrimp Peel Ticket Order Form - 2010 Shrimp Peel Ticket Order Form - 2010 Shrimp Peel Ticket Order Form - 2010 Shrimp Peel Ticket Order Form
2010 Shrimp Peel Ticket Order Form - 2010 Shrimp Peel Ticket Order Form - 2010 Shrimp Peel Ticket Order Form - 2010 Shrimp Peel Ticket Order Form
4
May 2010
From the President
From the
President
Gary Coburn
[email protected]
Persistence is Essential, Never Give Up
I
t is May and summer is upon us once again. Take advantage of
the weather and get in a little golf or bike riding now! In July
you won’t want to get out of the pool! The AAPG Convention is
past and we are already planning the 2011 AAPG Convention. As
I am sure you are aware, the 2011 AAPG Convention is in
Houston, hosted by none other than the HGS … in other words
you! We are going to need a lot of volunteers to pull this off. To
find out what you can do please contact Linda Sternbach at
[email protected] or our volunteer coordinator Sue
Pritchett at [email protected]. They will be able to get you
in the right group.
to mix metaphors a bit, you don’t step up to the plate and obtain
leases upon which to drill. Perhaps they know a way around that,
but I can’t imagine what it is. There again, I am just a geologist
trying to find oil and gas.
Many geologists, who present prospects only to have them
turned down, quite often for non-geologic reasons, may feel a bit
discouraged. That is understandable. The trick is not to give up.
We have to look at ourselves as Columbus trying to find the ‘New
World’. His biggest struggle was not in the voyage but in trying to
find political and financial backing (sound familiar?). He had to
convince the people in power that his idea had merit and that the
potential reward far outweighed the risk of failure. In other
The March 17th MMS lease sale proved yet again that the rumors
words he had a great P-10! Still it took him seven long years and
of the death of exploration in the Gulf of Mexico have been
greatly exaggerated. In the Central GOM Lease Sale 213, 642 bids presenting to no less than six monarchs to obtain the backing of
a government. He had already lined up
were received on 468 leases, an increase of
rumors of the death
investor backing to defray more than 50% of
34% over the 2009 Central GOM Sale. The
sale had 949 million dollars in high bids.
the cost. While he may not have discovered a
of
exploration
in
the
new route to Asia, one could hardly call his
The GOM has no shortage of exploration
a failure. The point is, he didn’t give
potential. In fact, the geologists in the
Gulf of Mexico have been voyage
up. I once had a prospect that I presented for
companies I have talked to stated that the
four years straight only to have it turned down
real problem was not that they had no
greatly exaggerated
every time. That company was purchased by
prospects to bid upon but that they had
too many for the amount of money their company had allotted. another oil company (shocking, I know) who turned it down as
well. I changed companies and finally got a taker! It had taken
This resulted in extremely high-grading of prospects. Indeed
over six years and three different companies but I had my
some of the better prospects were dropped out of fear that they
couldn’t bid enough to get them. One company even said they
prospect. Fortunately for me the well came in and I received
cut back on all exploration and lease sale funds because they had
royalties for the next ten years. Perseverance, along with thick
such tremendous exploration success in 2009. That’s right, they
skin, is absolutely essential for exploration geologists. We must
said they had so much success they no longer have money for
“endeavor to persevere”! Companies may not always listen to
your arguments; in fact they may turn down the majority of your
exploration. The truth is that many companies pared back their
prospects. But that does not mean they are bad prospects. Quite
lease budgets this year for any number of reasons. We geologists
all know how extremely short-sighted that is. Unfortunately most
often it means that the company is trying to spread out its risk or
finances or adhere to some big five-year plan conceived by people
companies are not run by geologists. Companies are always
who wouldn’t know a rock if it fell on their heads. Don’t give up.
boasting they are going to “Grow through the drill bit”. It is a
Endeavor to persevere.
catchy phrase: the bankers and stockholders love it; it looks great
in print, and makes the CEO sound bold. Unfortunately, like the
“think outside the box” expression I mentioned a few months
There is an old saying that you can lead a horse to water but you
ago, they don’t really mean it. ”Growing through the drill bit”
can’t make him drink. I would add that if you keep leading the
same horse to the water and he won’t drink, you either have to
means upfront expenditures for things like…oh, I don’t know…
find a different pond he will drink from……or get a new horse. ■
leases, maybe? These expenditures may never bear fruit and
therefore have an element of risk associated with them. It seems
fairly straightforward that you can’t grow through the drill bit if, Happy Hunting!
May 2010
5
6
May 2010
From the Editor
From the
Editor
Barry Katz
[email protected]
The Editor’s Travels – What Happens on the Road
A
A frightening experience happened on a trip home from
Moscow. Our group arrived at the airport and began the check-in
process. While I was receiving my boarding pass, my brief case
seemed to be of interest. I was asked a few questions, such as how
long did I have the briefcase and who bought it for me. I
answered the questions and moved on. Then as we began boarding
the plane, a very large gentleman placed his hand on my shoulder
The international character of the industry has resulted in many
and motioned me to come with him. He spoke no England and I
of us traveling to some rather exotic or obscure locations. Last
year I joined Continental Airline’s Million Mile Club! When I spoke no Russian. He just kept repeating not KGB. After having
was growing up, I thought traveling across a state-line was a my brief case pulled apart and half of the clothes I was wearing
big deal and I never thought that I would visit six of the seven removed, I was allowed to board the plane. No explanation or
apology was given. It turned out that six of
continents. For many people travel to exotic
remember not everything us on that 747 underwent this treatment.
and even not so exotic locations is exciting.
After 30 years the excitement is gone and it
After arriving at JFK, and checking in for
is just part of the job. But these travels have that is exciting is enjoyable the Houston flight, the searches began
yielded a number of great travel stories,
once more. This time I did speak the
many of which might be difficult to believe even if you were
language and in my best ‘New York’ I asked what was going on. It
there. For the fun of it, I would like to share a few stories. And, turned out to be the brief case. A bomb threat had been phoned
in warning that a passenger with a brown hard shell brief case
because they impact me and largely me alone unlike Vegas, “what
was carrying a bomb. I was permitted to board after allowing
happened in Perth, Moscow, and Antalya needn’t stay in
Australia, Russia, or Turkey”.
another detailed search. Needless to say, I no longer carry that
brief case.
Let me begin with my latest trip to Perth. I had just finished a day
in the office, after having another poor night’s sleep in a hotel
My classic travel story is associated with my field work in
room. As I started back to my hotel to pick-up my luggage and
southern Turkey. The three week program began with a flight to
New York. All went well. We arrived only a few minutes late after
head to the airport the sky opened-up and a major series of
holding at the gate for a few passengers making a connection. I
storms hit Perth. Although I had an umbrella the strong winds
switched terminals to find that my flight to Paris was delayed
made it useless. After getting back to the hotel I changed into
some dry clothes and attempted to grab a cab. It took about two
because of a toilet problem. No, you wouldn’t want to be on a
hours to ‘grab’ one. Upon arrival at the airport I found that the
transatlantic flight without a working toilet. While waiting I was
airport had closed! Authorities needed to determine if the building
paged; the airline staff needed to re-route me because I was going
was safe after part of the roof collapsed and was sitting in the
to miss my connection in Paris. After being sent to a new gate, I
was informed that my luggage was missing and would not make
middle of the baggage area. When the airport reopened I was
the transfer. I boarded my plane knowing that my luggage and I
required to check my carry-on. I continued onto security, the
had different travel plans. I headed to Geneva, Zurich, Istanbul,
gate, and then the plane. After 30 minutes the pilot announced
that a problem existed. Ninety minutes later we were asked to
and then finally Antalya. I grabbed the last cab and showed the
deplane while they attempted to make a repair. A miracle, a
driver a note with my hotel’s name. After about ten minutes of
replacement plane was found, but it took some time to prepare
driving the cab died, and I helped to push it into a gas station. An
attendant at the station actually finally drove me to my hotel. The
and I finally departed for Sydney six hours late and missed the
From the Editor continued on page 9
first half day of my meeting.
s I was sitting in the domestic departure lounge of the Perth
Airport, I decided that my location was the key for this
month’s editorial. An essay began to flow on some of the exciting
things that have happened to me as I have traveled around
the globe.
May 2010
7
9th HGS/PESGB Conference Africa: A Multi-faceted Promise
HGS/PESGB
9th International Conference on African E&P
Africa: A Multi-faceted Promise
Houston 2010
September 8-9
Marriott Houston Westchase Hotel • 2900 Briarpark Drive, Houston, Texas
Plan to attend this event during the week before the AAPG Int’l Convention in Calgary.
This annual conference has become established as the
primary technical E & P conference on Africa. Scheduled for
8-9 September 2010 in Houston, a two-day program of talks
is planned along with technical posters and exhibits from
sponsoring companies. Opening reception will be Tuesday
evening September 7th.
The conference series, organized by members of the
International Group of Houston Geological Society (HGS)
and Petroleum Exploration Society of Great Britain (PESGB)
covers all aspects of African E&P, with particular emphasis
on new ideas for plays and prospects, the geology of the
continent and its conjugate margins, and application of
emerging technologies.
Preliminary Program Highlights
Case Histories of Discoveries: - Jubilee, Venus, Sankofa, Uganda
Basin Studies: - Equatorial Atlantic, East Africa, Ghadames, Melut, N. Red Sea, NW Ethiopia
Technology: - Migration Pathways, Predicting Deepwater Reservoirs, Imaging challenges of Cretaceous Reservoirs
There is still space for a few good talks. Email Abstracts (~200 words) to [email protected] or
[email protected] .
Special thanks to the many exhibitors and sponsors: CGG, ChemoStrat, Core Lab, Chariot,
dGB Earth Sciences, Fugro - G&M S- Robertson - NPA, GeoInternational, GETECH, GX Technology,
LYNX, Microstrat, OHM, Seabird, TGS and Weinman Geoscience
For sponsorship opportunities or exhibit space, please contact David Schwartz [email protected] or
[email protected] .
Pre-registration is available on-line at www.HGS.org . Further details will appear in the HGS Bulletin,
PESGB newsletter and websites.
Conference Committee for 2010 includes Al Danforth, Ian Poyntz, Martin Cassidy, Dave Schwartz,
Justin Vanden Brink, Tarek Ghazi and Claudia Lopez (Houston), Ray Bate and Duncan Macgregor (London).
8
May 2010
From the Editor
From the Editor
continued from page 7 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
next day the hotel staff neglected to tell me that the remainder of
my field team was going to be late, so I spent much of the day in
the hotel lobby just waiting. I explained my lack of clothes to my
associates when they arrived and we went shopping, which is a
story unto itself. At this point I was hoping that the ‘excitement’
was over. Unfortunately, where Barry goes ‘excitement’ seems
to follow. As our team was driving to our next field location,
down an isolated highway, a car passed us, pulled off the road and
signaled us to stop. We did. There was concern that something
might have fallen off of the roof of the jeep. A woman ran to our
car, opened the door and jumped into the backseat. By the time
we got her out, a matter of a few seconds, she had managed to
pick my pocket. Luckily, the remainder of the two weeks was
largely uneventful, except for the usual flat tires and overheated
radiator. But a legend grew after I put in my expense account,
which included my new clothes and the money lost from my
wallet. I gained the reputation for having the nerve to have the
company pay for a woman that I picked up on the road and spent
a few minutes with in the backseat of a jeep! Remember my
luggage? We were re-united about six weeks later when another
airline called, asking if I had lost some luggage. A suitcase with
my contact information was found sitting in Paris. Apparently my
suitcase had toured Europe!
So the next time someone comments on the exciting travels that a
geologist must have, remember not everything that is exciting is
enjoyable. But then again when I am on vacation I do travel –
by sea! ■
Until next time…
HGS Shrimp Peel
Saturday, May 15, 2010
5pm - 10pm
7275 N. Sam Houston Pkwy. West
281.807.8700
Boiled Shrimp - Beer & Beverages - Horse Races - Music - Door Prizes - Boiled Shrimp
Tickets $30 Advance / $35 at the Door
* Event held indoors - Pavilion Centre
* Purchase tickets online at hgs.org
* Enter through North/Pavilion gates
* Or use form on page 4
* Free parking – valet parking available ($8) * Purchase tickets by May 7 - No Refunds
* Blue October to perform on Bud Light stage after last race (separate ticket required)
For more information call 713.595.5116 or email [email protected]
May 2010
9
Election Correction
The Editor’s job so far has been a humbling experience. There
has been a lot of hurry-up, wait and panic to meet a deadline.
In the last minute panic mistakes may be made no matter
how carefully we attempt to check the draft of the Bulletin to
eliminate errors. Once again I must apologize for errors in the
April Bulletin. Specifically I would like to apologize to two of
the candidates – Steve L. Getz (candidate for Vice-President)
Vice-President (two candidates)
Secretary (two candidates)
Steve L. Getz
George Devries Klein
Education:
B.S. Geology, University of New Mexico,
1969
Education:
MS Geology, University of Kansas
PhD Geology, Yale University
Experience:
2005–Present Chief Geologist Allen-Hoffman Exploration Co.
2003–2004 Senior Geophysical Advisor—Santos USA
1980–2003 Geoscience Consultant (via Getz Exploration
Consultants Inc.)
1978–1980 Geophysical Consultant, Geoquest International
1969–1978 Geophysicist, Cities Service Oil Company
Professional Affiliations:
AAPG, HGS, KGS, SEG, AIPN, SPE
DPA Certified Geologist #4747
Texas Professional Geoscientist # 6848
SIPES
Experience:
1996–Present SED-STRAT Geoscience Consultants, Inc –
President & Chief Geologist
1993–1996 NJMSC – Executive Director & NJ State
Sea Grant Director
1970–1993 Univ. of Illinois @ UC – Professor
1963–1970 Univ. of Pennsylvania – Ass’t/ Assoc. Prof
1961–1963 Univ. of Pittsburgh – Ass’t Professor
1960–1961 Sinclair Research Inc – Research Geologist
Professional Affiliations:
HGS, AAPG, SIPES, SEPM, GSA
Professional Activities:
2008–2010 HGS North American Interests Group Chairman
2005–2008 HGS North American Group Treasurer
2005–2010 AAPG Alternate Delegate
2002–2005 AAPG Delegate
Statement:
I ask for your vote to be elected to the office of the HGS Vice
President because I think that my forty-one years of oil and gas
exploration experience in the domestic (USA) and international
areas of the petroleum industry dovetails very well with my
multi-year stint as talk and seminar organizer for the North
American Interest Group to give me a unique viewpoint as to
what Houston Geological Society geoscientists expect and desire
from the HGS regarding the choice and preparation of upcoming
industry talks and seminars. My consecutive positions as HGS
10
and George Devries Klein (candidate for Secretary). Errors
were made in the publication of their biographical information
and/or candidate statements. We are reprinting their corrected
material below. Again, the buck stops with me and I take full
responsibility.
Barry Katz
Editor – HGS Bulletin
Professional Activities:
2003–2004 HGS - AAPG Houston Delegate Foreman
2001–2007 HGS AAPG House of Delegates from HGS
2003–2005 HGS Continuing Education Committee
2002–2003 Co-Chair, Technical Program, International
Explorationists.
AAPG
Member, Committee on Marine Geology (1971-75)
AAPG
Continuing Education Lecturer (1974-79).
AAPG
Member, Publications Committee (1976-79).
AAPG
Member, Eastern Section, Membership
Committee (1997-98)
AAPG
Member, Gulf Coast Section, Membership
Committee (1998 - 2001)
AAPG
Member, Publications Pipeline Committee.
(2001 – 2007)
AAPG
Chairman, Matson Award Committee,
Annual Meeting (2006)
May 2010
GSA
GSA
Steve L. Getz—Candidate for Vice-President
North American Interests Group treasurer and then chairman
has enabled others to see that I am a responsible, results-oriented
person who can deal with both HGS speakers and HGS support
personnel in getting the jobs required of me done on a timely
and economical basis. Moreover, my consecutive terms as
delegate and alternate delegate for the AAPG Gulf Coast
Houston section has enabled me to better understand the
working of the AAPG and how membership in that organization
benefits both Houston geologists and geophysicists.
I am looking forward to a term as HGS Vice President because I
believe that it will allow me to interface with many different
industry geologists and geophysicists, as well as university
professors and service company personnel who work in, and for,
the many facets of geoscience in Houston. I also think, and hope,
that I can truly make a difference in the Houston Geological
Society. I ask for your vote so that I can help serve the Houston
Geological Society as Vice President in the upcoming year. I can,
and will, get the job done effectively should you choose to elect
me to that position. ■
George Devries Klein — Candidate for Secretary
SEG
SEG
SEPM
SEPM
SEPM
SEPM
SEPM
SEPM
GSA
GSA
GSA
Continuing Education Lecturer (1979-82;
1985 - 1994).
Member, Research Committee (1981-82).
Member, Committee to select Outstanding
Convention Paper, annual meeting (1962).
Secretary, Eastern Section (1966-68).
Member, Research Committee (1973-78);
Vice-Chairman (1977).
Member, Ad Hoc Committee on Professional
Relations (1977-81)
Chairman, Ad Hoc Committee on Committees
(1978-80).
Member, Nominating Committee (1980)
Program Chairman, Northeastern Section
Meeting (1966).
Member, Committee on Research Grants (1973-76).
Committee Chairman (1975) and Conferee (1976)
Member, Committee on Committees (1973).
Editorial Advisor, GEOLOGY (1973-74; 1989-91)
Associate Editor, BULLETIN OF THE
GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA
(1975-81).
GSA
Chairman, Division on Sedimentary Geology
(1985-86), Past-Chairman (1986-87)
GSA
Member, Committee on Short Courses (1987-89).
GSA
Member, Laurence L. Sloss Award Committee,
Division on Sedimentary Geology (2001- 2003)
COUNCIL OF SEA GRANT DIRECTORS: - Member, Executive
Committee (1994-1995)
COUNCIL OF SEA GRANT DIRECTORS: - Council Liaison to
Marine Advisory Services Assembly (1994-1996).
NATIONAL SEA GRANT COLLEGE PROGRAM (NSGCP): Member, Task Force to Revise and Develop Strategic Plan for
NSGCP (1994 - 95)
SEA GRANT ASSOCIATION - Member, Executive Committee
(1993-1995)
SEA GRANT ASSOCIATION - Chair, Task Force on Fee
Structure (1994 - 1995)
SEA GRANT ASSOCIATION - Liaison to Subcommittee on
Fisheries and Marine Resources, US. House of Representatives.
(1995-1996)
SIPES
Chairman, ad hoc Mentoring Committee,
Houston Chapter, (2003)
Statement:
When invited to candidate for HGS secretary, my reaction was
“why not!” It’s a task job I can do. The duties include recording
monthly board meetings and providing guidance and oversight
to the membership committee. I served on AAPG membership
committees and as an AAPG House of Delegates member where
membership evaluation was a key duty. Thus, I bring a broad
range of experience to membership issues. Having once served as
a secretary for a homeowner’s association out-of-state, I’m ready
to do an even better job for HGS.
Since my arrival in Houston 12 years ago, HGS has become a key
part of my life as a geological consultant. HGS’s many short
courses and technical programs are outstanding and all are vital
to my ability to stay current in geology. Through HGS, I’ve met
many outstanding people who contributed much to my work
and became my friends. All helped me grow professionally and
personally. Therefore, it’s time to give back to HGS through
service as its secretary. ■
Be sure to cast your vote in the
HGS election by May 10
VO T E
May 2010
11
10th ANNUAL GSH/HGS
SALTWATER FISHING TOURNAMENT
Saturday, June 19, 2010
The FISH SPOT Marina • 4009 20th Street North • Texas City, Texas
Galveston Bay Complex and Offshore
This year’s Saltwater Fishing Tournament will include an Offshore Division to be held on Saturday, June 19 at the Fish Spot Marina,
Texas City, Texas. We are looking forward to a big event this summer and we encourage full family participation.
Galveston Bay Complex Division
Trophies will be awarded for the heaviest individual Redfish (Non-Tagged), Speckled Trout and Flounder. Trophies will also be
awarded for the heaviest individual Stringer-1 Redfish, 3 Speckled Trout, and 1 Flounder.
Galveston Offshore Division
Trophies will be awarded for the heaviest individual Red Snapper, King Mackerel, and Mahi-mahi.
Registration fee includes: Launch Fee, GSH/HGS Fishing Cap, Fish Fry Meal after weigh-in, Refreshments, Trophies, and DOOR PRIZES.
For more information, please contact:
Bobby Perez (HGS & GSH) • 281-240-1234 ext. 219 Office • 281-240-4997 Fax • 281-787-2106 Cell • 281-495-8695 Home
E-mail addresses: [email protected] or [email protected]
The Geophysical Society of Houston and the Houston Geological Society are non-profit organizations serving the Geosciences
Community. Corporate and individual contributions are appreciated and will be acknowledged on several sponsor boards and
banners at the Weigh-In Station and Marina. All contributors will be recognized in the GSH newsletter and HGS Bulletin following
the tournament. This is a great way to entertain friends, family, business associates, and clients. So spread the word!
GSH/HGS SALTWATER TOURNAMENT
NAME: ____________________________________________COMPANY: ____________________________________________
ADDRESS: ________________________________________________________________________________________________
PHONES: (H) ________________________ (B) __________________________________ (C) __________________________
E-MAIL ADDRESS:
________________________________________________________________________________________
Upon receipt of the registration form, each participant will be provided with a copy of the specific tournament itinerary and
rules sheet by e-mail. Please register EARLY.
Please return this form with your check for $60.00 per contestant payable to:
GSH SALTWATER TOURNAMENT and Mail to:
Geophysical Society of Houston, 14811 Saint Mary’s Lane, Suite 250 • Houston, Texas 77079
Registration Fee: $ ______________ + Sponsor Contribution: $ ________________ = TOTAL $ __________________________
DISCLAIMER:
I acknowledge that the Geophysical Society of Houston / Houston Geological Society will not be held responsible for injury or
accidents during this event. PRACTICE SAFETY!!!!!
Signature: ________________________________________________________ Date ____________________________________
12
May 2010
Remembrance
Remembrance
DR. DONALD F. REASER
DR. DONALD F. REASER, a professor at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), passed away on December 29, 2009
at Baylor Medical Center in Waxahachie, Texas from complications after a recent stroke. He was born in Wichita Falls
and grew up in Bowie and Highland Park, Texas. He went to the same high school as his lifelong friend and colleague
Burke Burkart. Dr. Reaser taught geology at UTA for more than 40 years after working briefly for Humble Oil and
Refining Company in West Texas.
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in geology from Southern Methodist University in 1953, he served as a
maintenance instructor in the Air Force for two years. Reaser returned to SMU to graduate school to conduct research
on Cretaceous stratigraphy and structural geology in West Texas under Professor Ronald K. DeFord. He then joined
the faculty at Arlington State College, which later became the University of Texas at Arlington. While teaching at UTA,
he completed his doctorate in geology at UT Austin in 1975.
Dr. Reaser become an expert in North Texas Cretaceous stratigraphy in the course of serving as thesis advisor for
almost 40 graduate students at UTA. He eventually published a book on the geology of the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Mr. Burkart told me that he was both diligent and enthusiastic with his students. He also said that Don was a strong
advocate for the importance of doing field geology and always tried to involve students in petroleum-related thesis
projects.
Reaser did extensive mapping and field research of his own in the mountains near Zacatecas, Mexico. He was also
interested in regional geology and environmental issues. He was dedicated to his family and to travel, and often gave
lectures about the local geology while on cruise vacations to Europe, the Caribbean, Florida, and Alaska.
After he retired from UTA in 2006, his students created the Donald F. Reaser Scholarship Fund. Even in retirement,
Don was involved with students. His wife Betty Forrest Reaser said, “He loved geology and he really got attached to
his students. UTA meant so much to him, as well as the students who set up the scholarship in his name.”
UTA senior Lisa Moran became close to Reaser while helping to clean out his office, a perpetual project according to
her. She said he would find papers from years before and always had a story to tell her about the students who wrote
them.
“I was extremely fond of him. I’m going to miss him,” she said.
Roger Bowers, another former Reaser student, spoke at his memorial service held at the UTA Planetarium. “To say he
had an impact on me and my education would be an understatement,” he said. “Were it not for Donald Reaser, I
would never have gone to graduate school.”
In addition to his wife, Dr. Reaser is survived by stepson David Forrest Anderson of Richmond, Texas. Donations may
be sent to The Donald F. Reaser Scholarship Fund, University of Texas at Arlington, Box 19047, Arlington, Texas
76019. ■
May 2010
13
27th Annual
T
HGS SKEET SHOOT
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Greater Houston Gun Club
6702 McHard Road, Missouri Cityy
This tournament is a 50 target event. Shells are provided, however you must bring eye and ear protection.
Greater Houston Gun Club and National Skeet Shooting Association safety rules will be in effect. Winning
shooters will be determined by the Lewis class system. Door prizes will be awarded by blind drawing after the
conclusion of shooting. All competitors are automatically entered into the door prize drawing, but you must
be present at the time of the drawing to win.
BBQ lunch will be provided from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.
Refreshments will be available throughout the day.
IMPORTANT!!
WE ARE LIMITED TO 160 SHOOTERS IN FOUR ROTATIONS. ENTRY FEE IS $65 PER SHOOTER
FOR REGISTRATIONS RECEIVED BY FRIDAY, JUNE 11. AFTER THAT, REGISTRATION WILL BE
STRICTLY ON A “SPACE AVAILABLE” BASIS AND THE ENTRY FEE WILL BE $80 PER SHOOTER.
REGISTER EARLY!!
For more information, contact: Tom McCarroll at (713)419.9414 or [email protected].
**********************************************************************************************
HGS SKEET SHOOT REGISTRATION FORM
Name: __________________________________ Company:____________________________________________
Email: ____________________________________ Phone:______________________________________________
Preferred shooting time: (circle one) 9:00 10:00 11:00 12:00
Indicate ammunition required: (circle one) 12 gauge 20 gauge
Please return form(s) with check for $65.00 per shooter, payable to: Houston Geological Society
If you prefer to pay by credit card, please call Sandra at the HGS office, (713) 463-9476.
Mail to: Tom McCarroll • 2668 Hwy. 365 #329 • Brenham, TX 77833
Registration Fee: $_________ + Sponsor contribution: $_________ = Total: $_________
If you wish to shoot with a specific squad (5 shooters max.), please submit all forms together.
**********************************************************************************************
ALL SHOOTERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO SIGN A DISCLAIMER OF RESPONSIBILTY
BEFORE THEY WILL BE ALLOWED TO SHOOT!
14
May 2010
Dinner Meeting
Westchase Hilton • 9999 Westheimer
Social Hour 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Dinner 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Cost: $28 Preregistered members; $35 non-members & walk-ups
A.D. Donovan
BP
To guarantee a seat, you must pre-register on the HGS website and pre-pay
with a credit card.
Pre-registration without payment will not be accepted.
You may still walk up and pay at the door, if extra seats are available.
What are the Shelf and Slope Breaks and Why the
Rise and Run of the Intervening Slope Matters for
Deep-Water Plays and Sequence Models
I
n sequence stratigraphic literature few
terms have been used for such a wide
variety of different physiographic features
in the geologic record and resulted in more
utter confusion than the terms shelf and
slope breaks. In order to bring clarity to
these key sequence stratigraphic concepts,
the term shelf break should be reserved to
convey the inflection point between the
shelf and slope profile along depositional
sequence boundaries, while the term slope
break should be used to mark the inflection
point between the slope and basin floor
portion of this profile. In this context, the
shelf break marks the down dip limit of
sub-aerial erosion produced by the loss of
accommodation during relative falls in sea
level. The slope rise is the vertical distance
between the shelf break and the slope
break, while slope run is the horizontal
distance. It is the slope rise and run which
control the development and distribution
of deep-water plays in the geologic record.
Shelf breaks may occur inboard of the
continental margin (epicontinental shelf
breaks) or coincident with the continental
marg in (cont inental she lf brea k s).
Epicontinental shelf breaks have short
slope runs where the coeval shelf and slope
breaks are just kilometers apart. “Small”
seaway-floor fans develop in epicontinental
settings when the slope rise begins to
exceed 150m (500’). However, these seawayfloor fans are located just kilometers
(miles) from the coeval “shelf break” and
their size is commonly limited by the scale
HGS General Dinner continued on page 17
May 2010
15
HGS General
Monday, May 10, 2010
Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies
and the Gulf Coast Section of SEPM
Forming and Filling the
Gulf of Mexico Basin–
A Symposium
During the 60th Annual Convention
October 10-12, 2010
San Antonio, Texas
Hosted by the South Texas Geological Society
Welcome back to San Antonio! Our theme this year is “Weathering the Cycles” — a challenge
that resource geologists have faced and overcome in the past. How do we weather the
economic cycles? We…
✓ Network with our community
✓ Experience the latest technology in the technical exhibition
✓ Take a course or a trip and grow new and diverse skills
✓ Listen to special presentations on strategies to endure and prosper during an economic
downtime and prepare for the inevitable rebound.
By celebrating our successes, facing our challenges, and learning from the research results
of our peers, we are paid back many fold by sharing ideas and experiences among our
professional community. So come and share your experiences!
PROPOSED SYMPOSIUM TALKS INCLUDE…
Rifting and Opening of the GOM Basin
Models for Gulf of Mexico Basin Opening and Sedimentation
Petroleum systems of the GOM Basin
Jurassic Depositional Systems, Facies and Reservoirs of the Northern Gulf of Mexico
Cretaceous Stratigraphy and Plays
Salt Tectonics and Petroleum Systems
The Opening of the GOM-Source Rocks and Petroleum Plays
Jurassic and Cretaceous in south Texas: Rifting and Foredeeps
Mesozoic Basins in Eastern Mexico
Mesozoic Source Rocks and Petroleum Systems, Offshore GOM Basin
Mesozoic Source Rocks and Petroleum Systems, Onshore GOM Basin
Future Potential of the GOM Basin Mesozoic.
16
May 2010
HGS General Dinner
continued from page15 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
of the fluvial drainage networks which feed them. Furthermore,
a robust portfolio of deep-water plays (slope fans, confined
channels, etc.) do not develop along slopes in epicontinental
settings simply due to their short runs.
In contrast, continental shelf breaks have long slope runs and
robust slope rises. Downdip of the major fluvial drainage systems
which rim the continental margins, “large” ocean-floor fans
develop tens of kilometers (miles) outboard of the coeval
continental margins. Furthermore, the long slope runs in these
settings provide a suitable pallet for a robust portfolio of deepwater
plays (levee channel, confined channel, and slope fans) to develop
on the continental slope.
along passive plate margins. Furthermore, high-relief sequences
can develop a robust portfolio of deep-water plays on the
continental slope due to their associated long runs. ■
Biographical Sketch
A RT D ONOVAN is a Senior Corporate
Ad v i s o r f o r S e d i m e n t o l o g y a n d
Stratigraphy at BP and since mid-2008
has worked on the Reserves and Renewal
Team for BP’s North American Gas (NAG)
Business Unit. Prior to this posting, he
served as BP’s Sed/Strat Discipline Lead
and worked on BP’s Technical Assurance
Team for Global Exploration.
In summary, it is critical to differentiate epicontinental shelf
Art received his PhD from the Colorado School of Mines (CSM)
breaks, which have slopes with short runs, from continental shelf
in 1984. His PhD work on the Gulf Coastal Plain in the eastern
breaks which have slopes with long runs, in order to explain and
United States was one of the pioneering
predict the development and distribution of
In sequence stratigraphic efforts to apply sequence stratigraphic
deep-water plays in the geologic record. In
concepts to outcrop and shallow subsurface
terms of predictive 21st century depositional
literature few terms have … data. Upon graduation from CSM, Art was
sequence models, low- and moderate-relief
sequence models are proposed for
employed by Exxon for 16 years where he
resulted in more utter
sequences associated with epicontinental
had the opportunity to work numerous
shelf breaks and short slope runs, while a
basins
around the world and develop his
confusion than the terms
skills in the fields of sequence stratigraphy,
high-relief sequence model is offered for
seismic stratigraphy, and basin analysis.
sequences associated with the continental
shelf and slope breaks.
shelf breaks and long slope runs. Low-relief
sequences have slopes with short rises and lack basin-floor fans. The author of many papers and abstracts on sequence
stratigraphy, Art has taught short courses for GSA, AAPG,
Moderate-relief sequences have slopes with moderate rises, and
SEPM, and The Geological Society. He is presently the Chair
have seaway-floor fans with limited spatial extent, located just
kilometers (miles) from the coeval epicontinental shelf break.
for the North American Commission of Stratigraphic
High-relief sequences have slopes with robust rises and runs. Nomenclature (NACSN), an Adjunct Professor of Geology
and Geophysics at Texas A&M University, and the Vice President
Large ocean-floor fans are positioned tens of kilometers (miles)
of the HGS.
outboard of the continental margin in these settings, especially
HGS Guest Night Saturday, May 22, 2010
Guest Night returns to the HMNS for another memorable event —
Big Bend: Where the Rockies Meet the Appalachians — Discoveries and Enigmas
Guest Speaker: Dr. Patricia Wood Dickerson, The Geological Institute and Visiting Research
Fellow, Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin
plus an enjoyable happy hour in the exhibits area, delicious buffet dinner,
door prizes, and a 3D IMAX movie.
May 2010
17
18
May 2010
Luncheon Meeting
Crowne Plaza Hotel - Greenspoint (former Sofitel)
425 North Sam Houston Pkwy E
Social 11:15 AM, Luncheon 11:30 AM
Cost: $31 pre-registered members; $35 for non-members & walk-ups.
To guarantee a seat, you must pre-register on the HGS website and pre-pay with
a credit card.
Harris Cander
BP America
Houston, Texas
2009-10 AAPG Distinguished Lecture
Granite to Grass Roots:
Understanding the Geologic History of Unconventional
Resource Basins from Bottom to Top
T
he competition for unconventional resources in North
America has resulted, in some cases, in the acquisition of
acreage prior to obtaining an understanding of subsurface technical risks or identification of fairway boundaries and sweet
spots. Indeed, the term “resource play” implies to some that subsurface risks are either minimized or irreducible. As well, the
term “unconventional gas” connotes that little is to be gained
from application of conventional principles of basin evolution
and petroleum generation, migration, and entrapment. Under
these circumstances, the value of regional geologic understanding
of an entire basin prior to acreage capture can be overlooked and
the focus turned to completions technology and post-well analysis.
generation and entrapment as well as changes in reservoir rock
during post-orogenic uplift. ■
Biographical Sketch
HARRIS CANDER works in BP America’s
Exploration and Technology Group and
has focused the past few years on global
and domestic exploration for unconventional resources. Since joining BP
(Amoco) in 1991, Harris has worked in a
variety of international and domestic
exploration, production, and commercial roles as well as carbon dioxide
sequestration projects.
This lecture will discuss the importance of understanding a basin
from basement to surface – granite
to grass roots – in the search for
Harris is the current co-chairman of
mega-scale features … have a
unconventional fairways. The lecture
the AAPG Unconventional Research
will include a holistic integration of
first order and transcendent effect Group and a past co-chairman of the
AAPG Carbonates Research Group.
data and interpretations from basin
modeling, petroleum migration
on the evolution and occurrence of He has published on unconventional
r e s o u r c e s , o ve r p r e s s u r e a n d
modeling, gas isotope data, pressure
history, seismic, and reservoir
hydrocarbon occurrence in offshore
unconventional resource fairways
quality. Linkages will be made from
Trinidad, exploration in central
microscopic scale observations to tectonic-scale processes. Europe, and carbonate diagenesis. His talk on carbonate porosity
Examples will be given from various North American basins that
evolution won the award for best presentation at the 1992 SEPM
illustrate how mega-scale features, such as basement architecture
annual meeting. Harris received his Ph.D. in geology from the
University of Texas at Austin in 1991 and MBA from Rice
and Precambrian rift history, have a first order and transcendent
University in 2002. He lives in West University Place, Texas, with
effect on the evolution and occurrence of unconventional
his wife, Chris, and children, Sasha and Joshua.
resource fairways, including a strong influence on petroleum
VO T E
May 2010
19
HGS Northsiders Luncheon Meeting
HGS Northsiders
Tuesday, May 18. 2010
20
May 2010
HGS Environmental & Engineering
Dinner Meeting
Black Lab Pub, Churchill Room • 4100 Montrose Blvd.
Social 5:30 p.m., Dinner 6:30 p.m.
The HGS prefers that you make your reservations on-line through the HGS
website at www.hgs.org. If you have no Internet access, you can e-mail
[email protected], or call the office at 713-463-9476 (include your name,
e-mail address, meeting you are attending, phone number and membership ID#).
Michael D. Campbell, P.G., P.H. and
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
Uranium Recovery Realities in the U.S. – A Review
W
ith the mounting concern about greenhouse gas emissions, the Ohio State University in geology and hydrogeology (BAinterest in nuclear power has increased substantially over 1966), of Rice University in geology and geophysics (MA-1976),
and was elected a Fellow in the Geological Society of America. He
the past five years in the U.S. where more than 50 permit applications
are now under review for building new plants. Nations around
is a licensed Professional Geoscientist and Geologist in Texas,
the world are looking to increasing their use of nuclear energy to
Mississippi, Alaska and Wyoming and is licensed in Washington
generate greenhouse gas emission-free electricity because it is the
as a Professional Hydrogeologist and Geologist. He also holds
cleanest technology available that is capable of producing the
national certifications in geology (AIPG) and hydrogeology
(AIH). He serves on committees for the AIPG, AEG, and other
amount of electricity required at a competitive cost. With this
technical societies. Mr. Campbell has
increase in interest, there has been an
increase in uranium exploration and there has been an increase worked over 40 years in the mining and
production, which in turn has encountered
environmental industries, and has published
an equally increased resistance from a few
in uranium exploration three technical books on uranium and other
adversarial groups, especially in Texas, New
natural resources, including ground water,
and
production
Mexico, and Colorado. These groups base
and numerous associated reports, technical
their objections on exploration and mining
papers, and presentations in the U.S.
techniques and mining laws that were in effect at least 30 years
and overseas on a variety of geological, geotechnical and
ago. Unfortunately many in the news media have been reporting
hydrogeological subjects.
on these complaints without regard to important improvements
HENRY M. WISE, P.G., has more than 30
in exploration and uranium recover y techniques and
environmental protection laws. The general public has
years of professional experience in geology,
consistently been led to believe that uranium exploration and
uranium exploration and development
recovery will poison both the land surface and the underlying
and environmental remediation. His
aquifers over vast areas. We will discuss these misconceptions in
experience includes the exploration and
some detail. ■
in-situ recovery of roll-front uranium
deposits in South Texas where he was
responsible for the delineation and
Biographical Sketches
production at the Pawilk Mine for U.S. Steel. He also has substantial
MICHAEL D. CAMPBELL, P.G., P.H., serves
experience in environmental site assessments and soil and
as Managing Partner for M. D. Campbell
ground-water remediation projects in Texas using dual-phase
and Associates, L.P., founded in 1993 in
extraction techniques. Mr. Wise is currently the Technical
Houston, Texas, where he manages environmental, forensic, and mining
Services Manager for Eagle/SWS in La Porte, Texas, where he
investigations (including uranium and
oversees several TCEQ State Lead and Emergency Response
other mineral project assessments,
contracts. Mr. Wise is a graduate of Boston University with a
reserves studies, and environmental comBachelor’s Degree in Geology, and he obtained a Master’s Degree
pliance) for industry and the legal
in Geology from the University of Texas at El Paso. A Licensed
community. In 1977 he was a Founding Member of the Energy
Professional Geologist in Texas, he was a Founding Member in
Minerals Division (EMD) of AAPG and was elected EMD
1977 of the Energy Minerals Division of AAPG, a member of the
Uranium Committee and a Certified Professional Geologist of
President (2010-2011). He was recently appointed to the
AIPG. He is also co-chairman of the HGS Governmental Affairs
Advisory Board of the Division of Environmental Geosciences
(DEG) of AAPG and currently serves as Chairman of EMD’s
Committee and writes both the “Governmental Update” for the
Uranium (Nuclear Minerals) Committee and as a member of
HGS Bulletin and the Wise Report, published both privately and
AAPG’s Astrogeology Committee. Mr. Campbell is a graduate of
on the HGS, AIPG-Texas, and AEG-Texas websites.
May 2010
21
HGS Environmental & Engineering Dinner Meeting
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
22
May 2010
Joint HGS North American and International
Dinner Meeting
Westchase Hilton • 9999 Westheimer
Social Hour 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Dinner 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Charles T. Feazel
Subsurface Technology,
ConocoPhillips
Currently: Feazel
GeoConsulting LLC
To guarantee a seat, you must pre-register on the HGS website and pre-pay
with a credit card.
North Sea Chalk: 40 Years of Production at Ekofisk
Field From a Rock Some Said Would Never Flow Oil
C
halk is deposited by pelagic settling of algal and foraminiferal
skeletons which are subsequently modified by re-sedimentation
in slumps, debris flows, and turbidites. Chalk is an improbable
reservoir rock characterized by high porosity (25-45%) but low
matrix permeability (typically < 1mD). Effective permeability
due to fractures contributes significantly to flow.
Ekofisk, a world-class giant oil and gas field in the Norwegian
North Sea, is approaching 40 years of production from the chalk
and has many years of
economic life remaining.
Technological advances –
including 3D and 4D
seismic, the world’s largest
offshore waterflood,
monitoring and mitigating
reservoir compaction
and sea-floor subsidence,
and creative design and
geosteering of long-reach and multi-lateral wells – have extended
field life, increased ultimate recovery, and restored daily production
to rates not seen since the 1970s.
Ongoing studies by the license partners facilitate effective
management of the chalk reservoir and aid in planning new wells
in a field containing greater than 300 existing wellbores, over 400
mapped faults, an expanding waterflood, a dynamically deforming
overburden, and a challenging matrix which many geoscientists
and engineers initially dismissed as non-productive. ■
Biographical Sketch
CHIP FEAZEL is a senior scientist in the
S u b s u r f a c e Te c h n o l o g y g r o u p a t
ConocoPhillips. In 34 years with the
com pa ny h e h a s h a d research and
management assignments in Oklahoma,
Texas, and Norway. He earned a BA in
geology from Ohio Wesleyan University,
and MA and PhD degrees from Johns
Hopkins. His specialties include carbonate
May 2010
sedimentology, reservoir description, field development, and a wide
spectrum of reservoir characterization from depositional facies to flow
units. He has experience in numerous geological settings, including the
Nevada desert, various Caribbean islands, Greenland, the Beaufort
Sea, the North Sea, Alaska, the Gulf of Mexico, the US Midcontinent,
the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the Caspian Sea, and the Middle East.
23
Joint HGS North American and International Dinner Meeting
Monday, May 24, 2010
24
May 2010
Luncheon Meeting
Petroleum Club • 800 Bell (downtown)
Social 11:15 AM, Luncheon 11:30 AM
Cost: $30 pre-registered members; $35 for non-members & walk-ups;
Emeritus/Life/Honorary: $15; Students: FREE
To guarantee a seat, you must pre-register on the HGS website (www.hgs.org)
and pre-pay with a credit card.
Tucker F. Hentz and William A. Ambrose
Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School
of Geosciences, The University of Texas at
Austin, Austin, Texas
Cleveland and Marmaton Tight-Gas Reservoirs
(Pennsylvanian), Northwest Anadarko Basin:
Sequence Stratigraphy, Depositional Framework, and
Production Controls on Tide-Dominated Systems
A
lthough natural gas and oil production from the low-permedata in the main play
ability (“tight”) Desmoinesian
Marmaton and overlying Missourian
Preexisting topography
Cleveland formations in the northwest
below the Marmaton and
Anadarko Basin started in the mid-1950s,
the sequence-stratigraphic and depositional
Cleveland shelf or ramp had
settings of reservoir sandstones in the primary
producing area are not well known.
a significant influence on
Regional sequence framework and
paleoenvironmental aspects of the two
depositional patterns
units were described by Hentz (1994 a,b).
However, newly acquired well and core
area of Ochiltree and Lipscomb Counties,
Texas, and a dj a cent El lis Coun t y,
Oklahoma, have yielded additional details
on sequence stratigraphy, shelf configuration, depositional origins, and controls
on hydrocarbon production (Hentz and
others, 2009). These refinements of the
1994 study were afforded by the use of
(1) denser well log control; (2) abundant
post-1994 well data, including production
statistics; and (3) additional whole cores
to complement those used in the earlier
study. Unlike the first
regional study, we can
now better resolve specific
geologic attributes of the
Marmaton and Cleveland
re s e r vo i r s a n d s t o n e s
locally in the play area.
The western Anadarko
Basin is bordered on the
south by the Amarillo
and Wichita Uplifts and
on the west by the
Cimarron Arch, all source
areas of Marmaton and
Cleveland sediments.
Farther east, the Apishapa
Uplift of the Ancestral
R o c k y Mo u n t a i n s i n
southeast Colorado and
northeast New Mexico
was a prominent highland
Dip-elongate, tide-reworked, multisourced sandstone bodies within transgressive systems tract of the uppermost
Marmaton Formation.
May 2010
HGS General Luncheon
continued on page 27
25
HGS General
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
HGS Guest Night — Saturday, May 22, 2010
Houston Museum of Natural Science 5:45 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Big Bend:
Where the Rockies
Meet the Appalachians
Discoveries and Enigmas
Speaker:
Dr. Patricia Wood Dickerson
The Geological Institute and
Visiting Research Fellow,
Jackson School of Geosciences,
University of Texas at Austin
Thanks to our generous sponsors
The Guest Night program includes a social hour, buffet dinner and featured speaker presentation
No payments accepted at the door. You must prepay online (www.hgs.org)
or send this form in with credit card information.
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26
May 2010
continued from page 25 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Distribution of incised-valley-fill (S7) and underlying highstand deltaic sandstones (S5 and S6) of the Cleveland Formation superimposed on bubble map of average daily maximum Cleveland gas production.
region throughout the Pennsylvanian Period and comprised
another source area for the northwest part of the basin.
Analysis of closely spaced well-log sections including
approximately 800 wells and about 250 ft (~75 m) of five whole
cores in the Marmaton and Cleveland formations indicates that
they comprise a succession of highstand deltaic and lowstand
incised-valley-fill estuarine deposits that accumulated on a
topographically irregular shelf or ramp influenced by strong
tidal currents.
The Marmaton succession (80–600 ft [24–183 m] thick) comprises
three southeasterly sourced, highstand-dominated sequences
showing no evidence of lowstand incision in the study area and an
unusually sandy and thick (140 ft [43 m]), southeastly- and westerlysourced transgressive systems tract in the upper part of the
interval. The top of the Marmaton Formation coincides with a
regional marine condensed section bearing latest Desmoinesian
fauna. Marmaton cores record upward-coarsening highstand
May 2010
successions of muddy inner shelf to proximal delta front (or upper
shoreface) deposits overlain by upward-fining, retrogradational
intervals of mudrock containing silty, starved ripples (transgressive
systems tracts). Wave and minor mud-draped ripple beds suggest
a wave- and/or tide-dominated depositional setting. However,
the occurrence of elongate, dip-parallel sandstone bodies on
gross-sandstone maps of systems tracts reveals evidence of a
strong tidal influence on sedimentation. Such elongate tidal bars
are akin to those seen in the modern tide-influenced Fly River
Delta of the Gulf of Papua and in modern estuarine deposits
of the Gulf of Cambay on the west co ast of Indi a . T h e
p r i m a r y Marmaton reservoir zone, the Hepler Sandstone,
consists of topset beds of the uppermost sequence and overlying
beds of an unusually sandy and thick (140 ft [43 m]) transgressive
systems tract.
The Cleveland section in the producing area, 100 to 325 ft
(30–100 m) thick, contains at least three sequences: two westerly
HGS General Luncheon continued on page 29
27
28
May 2010
continued from page 27 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
sourced highstand-dominated systems and a prominent, 40- to
80-ft-thick (12- to 24-m) lowstand incised-valley system that has
eroded lower sequences in the middle Cleveland. The valley-fill
section consists of dominantly fine-grained estuarine sandstones
exhibiting tidally modified, bidirectional-ripple (flaser) and
double-draped-ripple bedding and sandy upper-flow-regime
rhythmites. Thin fluvial sandstones bearing abundant mudrock
clasts occur locally at the base. Gross-sandstone mapping reveals
that the valley-fill section occurs in two segments: (1) a
well-defined, west- to east-southeast-oriented system in the
north-central part of the study area and (2) the margin of a poorly
defined system at the south margin of the study area. Modern
estuarine valley-fill analogs include the Gironde estuary of coastal
France. The valley-fill sandstones and the underlying highstand
deltaic topset beds into which the valley system locally incises
compose the primary reservoir zone in the Cleveland, the unit’s
so-called Main sand.
The Marmaton and Cleveland formations were deposited
in either a shelf or ramp setting in the western Anadarko Basin.
Correlations of the Cleveland Formation east of the study area
into central Oklahoma and the central Anadarko Basin reveal no
clear evidence of a shelf/slope break in the succession, such as
pronounced eastward stratal thickening at the margin of a
progradational wedge. The issue of where the Cleveland shelf
break and basinal facies occur is currently unresolved.
Correlation and seismic analysis of the unit farther east in
the Anadarko Basin are needed. Deposition of Marmaton
siliciclastics was not associated with a shelf/slope break within
the study area.
Preexisting topography below the Marmaton and Cleveland shelf
or ramp had a significant influence on depositional patterns
of the two units. Sediments accumulated on a topographically
irregular surface influenced by west-northwest-trending faults
and flexures that formed during culmination of basin subsidence
induced by regional Early and Middle Pennsylvanian
compressional deformation. Isopach maps of these units indicate
that they accumulated in two structural “sags” on the shelf/ramp,
the northernmost sag occurring in the study area. A shift in
source area from primarily the southeast to the west coincided
with a decrease in subsidence and sediment input that occurred
near the end of Marmaton sedimentation. The mechanism of
these changes involves differential uplift just east and west of the
area of sedimentation.
Hydrocarbon production from the Cleveland Formation, the
primary producer of the two units (1.1 Tcf gas and 32.4 MMbbl
oil as of May 2009), is controlled mostly by the occurrence of the
sandstone-rich, west- to east-southeast-trending incised-valley
system close to the structural updip limit of the unit’s sandstone
May 2010
facies. Small southeast-plunging anticlines, such as the Perryton
Anticline in central Ochiltree County, are also sites of hydrocarbon
accumulation, but they are developed only locally. Marmaton
production (20.8 Bcf and 2.8 MMbbl as of May 2009) also
appears to be controlled largely by sandstone distribution, most
likely at the updip limits of elongate tidal sandstone bodies. ■
References
Hentz, T. F., 1994a, Sequence stratigraphy of the Upper
Pennsylvanian Cleveland Formation: A major tight-gas sandstone, western Anadarko Basin, Texas Panhandle: AAPG Bulletin,
v. 78, no. 4, p. 569–595.
Hentz, T. F., 1994b, Depositional, structural, and sequence framework of the gas-bearing Cleveland Formations (Upper
Pennsylvanian), western Anadarko Basin, Texas Panhandle: The
University of Texas at Austin, Bureau of Economic Geology
Report of Investigations No. 213, 73 p.
Hentz, T. F., Ambrose, W. A., and Carr, D. L., 2009, Sequence
stratigraphic and depositional settings of highstand deltaic and
lowstand valley-fill deposits of the Middle and Upper
Pennsylvanian Cleveland and Marmaton tight-gas sandstones,
northwest Anadarko Basin (abs.): AAPG Search and Discovery
Article #90090.
Biographical Sketch
T UCKER F. H ENTZ is a geologist at the
Texas Bureau of Economic Geology who
specializes in sequence stratigraphy and
basin analysis. He graduated cum laude
with a B.A. degree in geology from
Franklin & Marshall College in 1977 and
received his M.S. degree in geology in
1982 from the University of Kansas. Prior
to joining the Bureau, he worked for
Exxon Co., USA, in its New Orleans office.
Mr. Hentz has been involved in a variety of research projects
during his 27 years at the Bureau, including regional mapping
and analysis of depositional systems of Pennsylvanian and
Permian sequences of the Eastern Shelf of North-Central Texas,
native sulfur deposits in Trans-Pecos Texas, petrology and
diagenesis of Gulf Coast and Val Verde Basin reservoir
sandstones, and regional sequence stratigraphy and structure of
hydrocarbon-bearing successions in the Anadarko Basin, Fort
Worth Basin, Rio Grande Embayment, Burgos Basin, and
offshore Louisiana. He is currently engaged in a regional study of
the Eagle Ford gas shales of Texas. Mr. Hentz is the author and/or
co-author of many contract reports, numerous abstracts, and
more than 25 peer-reviewed, published articles.
29
30
May 2010
Tech Note
Volumetric Seismic Attributes for Automated Fault
Interpretation and Structural Interpretation:
A Growth Fault Example from the Texas Gulf Coast
Alison Henning, Gaynor Fisher, and Stephen Purves
S
eismic attributes are measurements derived from seismic data
and can be a valuable interpretation tool if tailored to the
given geologic setting. There are hundreds of different seismic
attributes, many of which can be computed in a matter of
minutes on a desktop PC workstation. Attributes can now be
calculated on 3D seismic data volumes, rather than just on horizon
surfaces or time intervals. With access to this vast amount of data,
it is important to understand the appropriate application of
various seismic attributes in order to produce the best possible
interpretation. We present an example of attributes used for
automated fault interpretation on a 3D seismic data volume from
the Gulf of Mexico shelf.
Since the development of the coherence attribute in the 1990s,
edge-detection attributes have been used quite successfully to
detect discontinuities in seismic data representative of geologic
features (Bahorich and Farmer, 1995). Coherence is the general
term for a measure of lateral change in seismic response and can
be calculated using several different algorithms (such as
semblance and gradient structure tensor analysis; Chopra and
Marfurt, 2007). While many seismic attributes do not have a clear
or straightforward geological meaning, edge or discontinuity
attributes are different in that they can be related directly to
geologic structures, such as faults.
While various coherence algorithms can produce similar results
in some cases (Barnes, 2006), increases in seismic data resolution
allow us to identify more subtle features in the data and the
minor differences between attributes can, therefore, become
important. We used different methods for calculating coherence,
with the goal of detecting a large growth fault on the Texas shelf.
We found that the tensor attribute, derived from the gradient
structure tensor, provided the best basis for automated fault
detection in this geologic setting.
Dip and azimuth attributes can also be used to constrain the
structural interpretation. They were first computed from
interpreted horizons and used to highlight faults with small
displacements (Rijks and Jaufred, 1991). Combined dip-azimuth,
or DipAzi, volumes can now be displayed to allow 3D structural
interpretation from 2D sections. The DipAzi volume in our
example provided a structural overview of the 3D data set. We
utilized this multi-attribute display to identify structural features
in the data and map fault traces in map view.
Growth Fault Example
The continental shelf offshore Texas exhibits shallow geology
dominated by listric growth faults, rollover anticlines, and
Tech Note continued on page 33
Figure 1. a) Seismic line from the Gulf of Mexico, showing growth fault on left hand side with associated fault shadow. There is a major
change in amplitude across the fault, and the footwall has a fairly chaotic seismic character. The top of a rollover structure is just visible
on the lower right, displaying bright amplitudes and high dips. The data were conditioned using ffA’s structurally oriented filter.
b) Grid oriented semblance. Note the dark areas on the footwall of the growth fault and on the structure on the lower right hand side.
Grid-oriented semblance picks out the areas of high dip and highlights them, along with faults. c) Tensor attribute. Note the increased
continuity of the faults and the isolation of the growth fault on the left. The black “blobs” in the section are edges of fault planes in
other orientations. Data provided courtesy of Seitel Data, Ltd.
May 2010
31
“DAVY JONES” CITED AS VERY LARGE GULF SHELF DISCOVERY
Cameron
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Integrating Biostratigraphy, Well-Logs,
Seismic Profiles and Sequence Stratigraphy
wc49 wc48
H’
• PROJECT BENEFITS
• Identify and correlate MFS with continuous reflectors on
seismic panels with regional FAIRFIELD INDUSTRIES INC.
dataset.
• Identify MFS (seals) on well-logs and 3-D seismic to provide
local and regional timelines.
• Identify optimum producing and potential deep gas targets
in 12 Genetic Sequences.
• Use MFS to construct isopach, sand %, structural and
biofacies maps (Fig. C)
• Assist in identifying reservoir-type sands, play concepts and
facies on seismic within each Sequence in an 360 degree arc
from each of these project wells.
• Reduce your company’s risk in prospecting, reservoir and
exploration evaluation.
G’224
232 231 230
Digital well-logs:
$900 High Island-Sabine Pass (30 logs)
$1,800 West-East Cameron (74 logs)
$900 Vermilion-S. Marsh Island (30 logs)
$900 Eugene Island (30 logs)
$900 Ship Shoal (30 wells)
$900 S. Timbalier - S. Pelto (30 wells)
DAVY JONES
200? FT NET PAY
WILCOX
2 - 6 Tcf?
E’
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29
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PROJECT DELIVERABLES
1. 229 single well plots. Most wells 15000’ with
mapable Genetic Sequences correlated with marker
species, paleowater depth, well log and FAIRFIELD
INDUSTRIES INC., Extracted 3-D PSTM seismic panels
(one mile in length) (Fig. A).
2. Biostratigraphic and Sequence Stratigraphic tables, with
marker species, paleowater depth, age dated MFS (Seals).
3. Cross Sections (Dip & Strike) 7-9 per project with age dated
MFS and well logs (Fig.B)
4. Deliverables in two types of formats:
a.
Hard copy binder (11”x 17”) printed on premium paper
and includes written report, single plots, etc.
b.
Report and raw data is delivered in digital format.
5. Individual projects have been completed and are now
available. Please call for a presentation
139 140
162
Project Cost:
$8,900 High Island-Sabine Pass (30 wells)
$14,900 West-East Cameron (74 wells)
$8,900 Vermilion-S. Marsh Island (30 wells)
$8,900 Eugene Island (30 wells)
$8,900 Ship Shoal (30 wells)
$8,900 S.Timbalier-South Pelto (35 wells)
143
155
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TEXAS
Please Contact us at:
MICRO-STRAT INC., 5755 Bonhomme, Suite 406, Houston, TX 77036, Tel: 713-977-2120, Fax: 713-977-7684,
e-mail:[email protected], Web-Site: www.Micro-Strat.com
32
May 2010
Tech Note
Tech Note
continued from page 31 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Figure 2. DipAzi volume. The saturation
indicates the degree of dip, with higher
saturation indicating higher dips, and the
color indicates the direction of dip, or the
azimuth. Most of the section is flat, except
for the area under the growth fault and the
area on the lower right. Data provided
courtesy of Seitel Data, Ltd.
submarine fan deposition. Growth faults in this area are often
associated with fault shadows, sections of seismic data on the footwalls
of faults that are not imaged properly due to velocity model errors
in the overburden (Figure 1a). Fault shadows can make attribute
analysis difficult because it affects amplitudes in the footwall and
often leads to a chaotic seismic response which is not directly related
to geology. Therefore, understanding the differences between the
available coherence attributes is necessary in order to provide the
best automated fault detection in this geologic setting.
Attributes are best calculated on clean, noise-free data, so we first
conditioned our data to remove as much noise as possible.
We utilized a structurally oriented, edge-preserving filter to
remove coherent and random noise, while retaining features
such as edges, corners, and sharp dips. The fault detection
attributes were then derived from data from which noise had
been canceled.
Semblance is one of the most common and widely available
coherence algorithms and is based on a cross-correlation of seismic
traces (Sheriff, 1991; Chopra and Marfurt, 2007). We first computed
a standard grid-oriented semblance attribute (Figure 1b). While
May 2010
semblance is good at detecting clear discontinuities in the seismic
data, such as the small faults associated with the structure in the
lower right of Figure 1b, it is not as effective in areas with subtle
amplitude changes or high dips. The footwall of the growth fault
and the anticlinal structure both display black and white banding
related to structural dip. This banding can mask actual
discontinuities in the seismic data and reduce the effectiveness of
automated fault detection processes.
The gradient structure tensor can also be used to identify
discontinuities or faults, in seismic data. The structure tensor
provides a measure of changes in image texture (e.g. chaotic
versus highly oriented) and can, therefore, identify changes
in seismic character, as well as edges and discontinuities. This
attribute is more resistant to chaotic zones, especially in areas
of low amplitude as in the case of fault shadow, and is useful
for localizing large regional faults with different seismic
expression on each side. The growth fault appears as an isolated
feature on the tensor attribute display (Figure 1c), which can
then be used to construct 3D fault planes or as a guide for
manual fault picking.
33
34
May 2010
Tech Note
Tech Note
Both attributes (grid-oriented semblance and gradient structure
tensor) were calculated using comparable filter lengths, with a
large vertical filter to try to capture the continuity of the large
faults in the section. While semblance algorithms may work
better at identifying small discontinuities in the data, the tensor
attribute is better for automatically detecting the large regional
faulting patterns. The tensor attribute is also the most resistant to
the chaotic zone of fault shadow.
In addition to edge-detection attributes, DipAzi attributes are also
useful for automatically identifying faults within seismic volumes.
DipAzi attributes can now be calculated on 3D volumes and used
to rapidly identify structural features such as faults, anticlines, and
synclines (Figure 2). The saturation indicates the dip magnitude,
with greater saturation indicating higher dips. The color indicates
the azimuth, with blue indicating north and red-pink indicating
south. The main fault appears pink, because in places the fault
plane itself has been imaged and it dips to the south. On the
northern side of the fault, the dark blue indicates strata dipping to
the north, while the lower color saturation on the other side of the
fault indicates relatively flat strata. The change in color on the
downthrown side of the fault from blue to purple highlights the
change from reflector roll into the fault near the top to drag along
the fault near the bottom (see Figure 1a for seismic section). In
the lower right of Figure 2, the transition from turquoise to
orange-yellow marks the axis of an anticlinal feature. In this way,
you can interpret the 3D structure from a 2D vertical slice.
The DipAzi attribute can also be viewed on time slices (Figure 3).
A 3D DipAzi volume is equivalent to a shaded relief map on each
time slice through the data, although they use different display
parameters. The northern part of the seismic section shows little
amplitude response (Figure 3a). The large growth fault appears
pink on the DipAzi section (Figure 3b), as indicated by the black
arrows. The sinuous nature of the fault trace is also revealed,
which is not apparent on the seismic data. The seismic data
indicate a structure on the southern part of the section, but
it is not known whether it is a synform or antiform. The
DipAzi data show the crest of the structure as the change from
turquoise to pink.
Figure 3. a) Time slice showing seismic amplitude, which indicates a
structure in the lower half of the section. From this image alone, it is not
clear what is happening in the upper part of the section near the black
arrows. b) Time slice through DipAzi volume, which clearly shows the
crest of the structure in the lower half of the section (transition from
blue to pink), as well as the fault (pink) in the upper half of the section,
indicated by the black arrows. See Figure 2 for colorbar. Data provided
courtesy of Seitel Data, Ltd.
May 2010
35
36
May 2010
Conclusions
There are many seismic attributes available to the interpreter
today, as well as multiple ways of computing the same attributes.
Subtle differences between coherence calculations have
significant effects on automated fault detection on 3D data from
the Texas shelf. Standard semblance algorithms were not able to
automatically detect the large growth fault, due to the fault shadow
problem that caused severe amplitude changes across the fault
and a chaotic seismic character on the upthrown side of the fault.
In this geologic setting, the tensor attribute was more effective at
isolating the large regional faults because it is more resistant to
the low-amplitude chaotic zones associated with fault shadow.
DipAzi volumes were used to identify the trace of the large
growth fault on time slices, as well as to identify anticlinal structures andtheir relationship to the fault. ■
Acknowledgments
We would like to acknowledge Seitel Data, Ltd. as the data owner
and recognize their contribution of these seismic data.
References
Bahorich, M. S. and S. L. Farmer, 1995, 3-D seismic discontinuity
for faults and stratigraphic features: The coherency cube: The
Leading Edge, v. 14, p. 1053-1058.
Barnes, A., 2006, Too many attributes? CSEG Recorder, March
2006, p. 40-45.
Chopra, S. and K. J. Marfurt, 2007, Seismic Attributes for
Prospect Identification and Reservoir Characterization: SEG
Geophysical Developments Series No. 11, 464 pp.
Rijks, E. J. H. and J. C. E. M. Jauffred, 1991, Attribute extraction:
An important application in any detailed 3-D interpretation
study: The Leading Edge, v. 10, p. 11-19.
Sheriff, R. E., 1991, Encyclopedic Dictionary of Exploration
Geophysics: Society of Exploration Geophysicists, 376 pp.
Biographical Sketches
ALISON HENNING is a Geoscientist with
ffA, a 3D seismic analysis and software
company. Alison’s role consists primarily
of analyzing seismic attributes to
constrain geologic interpretations. Alison
received BS and MA degrees in
geophysics from the University of Texas at
Austin. She has worked as a geophysicist
in the oil and gas industry for several
years, first for 3DX Technologies and later for Statoil. Her industry
experience includes seismic data acquisition, processing and
May 2010
Tech Note
Tech Note
interpretation; AVO and rock properties modeling; utilizing
and creating GIS data sets for exploration; and geohazard
evaluation.
In 2000, Alison returned to academia to pursue a PhD in
geophysics at Rice University and subsequently taught there for
6 years. Her thesis work consisted of processing and interpreting
seismic reflection data to examine rifting processes along the
North Atlantic passive margin. After graduation, Alison directed a
professional development program for teachers at Rice and
taught graduate level classes in geosciences to in-service teachers.
She also ran a summer field course in geophysics, consisting
mainly of utilizing ground-penetrating radar to identify
unmarked burials at derelict cemeteries throughout Texas.
Alison is a licensed professional geoscientist in the state of Texas
(by examination!) and has been a member of HGS since 1997,
serving on various committees and most recently as a Director
from 2007-2009.
GAYNOR FISHER is currently the Services
Manager at ffA, where she has worked for
the past 10 years. Gaynor received her
BSc. (Hons) and PhD in neurophysiology
from Aberdeen University. In 2001, she
joined ffA as part of the processing group
in the newly opened Aberdeen office.
Since then Gaynor has worked on over
100 data sets from all over the world and
has been involved in the development of revolutionary workflows
which are now commonly used throughout the world. Gaynor is
now the Services Manager and continues to provide technical
oversight and processing expertise to projects both in the US and
the around the world.
S TEVE P URVES ’ academic training and
background is in electrical and electronic
engineering with specialization and
interests in digital signal processing and
numerical data analysis. Graduated from
the University of Newcastle upon Tyne,
UK in 1997, he spent time in academic
research working with image processing
and analysis of 2D image sequences until
joining ffA in 2000. In the last 10 years, with ffA he has worked on
applying a spectrum of data and 3D image analysis techniques to
the specific problems of analyzing 3D seismic data. Working in a
range of roles from algorithm development, software engineering
through product development. Currently he is ffA's Technical
Director and leads the companys' research and development and
software development activities.
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May 2010
Tech Note
Geophysical Mapping of Hockley Fault in NW Houston:
a Few Surprising Results
Mustafa Saribudak
advances in geophysical
instrumentation … have made
A
ctive growth faults cutting the land surface in the Gulf Coast area represent
serious geo-hazards. The average movement on these faults is a few inches
per decade suggesting the potential for structural damage to highways, industrial
buildings, residential houses, and railroads that cross these features is considerable.
geophysical approaches viable
for engineering studies of
these faults.
Field mapping and the analysis of aerial photographs are the most frequently
used methods for locating faults in the Gulf Coast area. Geophysical methods
(e.g., resistivity, gravity, magnetic, conductivity and ground penetrating radar) are
sporadically used to estimate the locations and
parameters of these faults. Opinions concerning the
effectiveness of these geophysical surveys are mixed,
and geophysical techniques are not generally
recognized as primary tools in engineering-scale
fault studies.
However, advances in geophysical instrumentation
over the last ten years have made geophysical
approaches viable for engineering studies of these
faults. Data quality has been increased by the advent
of continuous data collection. The data are better
processed and interpreted by new and improved
software packages, which results in improved
sub-surface imaging and mapping.
Figure 1a. Typical deformation features of a growth fault. The fault scarp may be
flattened by erosion and deposition or by man's activities (Modified from Elsbury
et al. 1980).
Figure 1b. Effect of fault movement on a rigid structure built on an active fault. A,
original construction; B, structure damaged by fault movement. Both vertical offset and
horizontal separation are necessary consequences of displacement. Rigid structures may
literally be pulled apart as faulting proceeds (Modified from Elsbury et al. 1980).
May 2010
We have conducted an integrated geophysical
survey using ground penetrating radar (GPR) and
resistivity imaging methods over the Hockley Fault
located in the northwest part of Houston, Texas.
Results indicate that both methods successfully
imaged significant anomalies across the known
fault location.
Introduction
The coastal plain bordering the Gulf of Mexico
is underlain by a thick sequence of largely
unconsolidated, lenticular deposits of clays and
sands. Growth faults are common throughout these
unconsolidated sediments. Based on a study of
borehole logs and seismic reflection data, faults
have been delineated to depths of 12,000 feet below
surface (Kasmarek and Strom, 2002). Most of these
faults are associated with natural geologic processes
such as differential compaction and salt movement;
some have been active since the Cretaceous. A
number of these faults are currently active and
disturb the surface in areas throughout the Gulf of
Mexico (Clanton and Verbeek, 1981).
43
44
May 2010
Tech Note
Tech Note
Figure 2. Hockley Fault site location in NW Houston (Modified after Elsbury et al. 1981).
The Houston area has a very
active shallow fault system as
evidenced by active surface
movement and measur a ble
localized subsidence (Verbeek
a n d C l a n to n , 1 9 8 1 ) . In t h e
Houston area alone (Harris
County), there are more than 300
active or potentially active faults
totaling over 300 miles in length.
These active faults are usually not
discrete ruptures, but zones of
sheared ground tens of meters
wide (Clanton and Verbeek, 1981).
Figure 3. Schematic map of Hockley Fault at Highway 290 and Fairfield Village during the data collection of
year 2005. The thinner red lines show fracture locations. Resistivity data were collected along Lines L1, L2,
L3, L4, L5, L6 and L7. GPR data were collected only along Line 1 (L1). The major crack shown in blue color
on the east bound was observed in December 2009. Not to scale.
May 2010
Evidence of faulting includes
structural damage such as fractures
and/or displacements to buildings
and infrastructure and surface
damage such as scarps that cut
across lots, fields and streets.
Fault movement is predominantly
normal, dip-slip down to the
south, and listric. The dip on the
45
46
May 2010
Tech Note
Tech Note
Figure 4. A field picture showing a significant crack (main Hockley Fault) on the west bound of Highway 290 prior to the construction
of shopping mall. The picture was taken facing north. Approximate locations of resistivity profiles L5, L6 and L7 are shown for
reference purposes.
near-surface faults is
generally between 60°
and 75° (Figure 1a), with
vertical displacement
exceeding hor izontal
displacement (Figure 1b).
Figure 5. Resistivity imaging data along profiles L1, L2 and L3 (see Figure 3 for location). Note that there is no fault
offset over the observed fault scarp on resistivity profile L1.
May 2010
The NE-SW trending
Hockley Fault, the focus
of this study, is over five
miles long. The fault
extends from the Hockley
Salt Dome, across
Highway 290 to its terminus
in Fairfield Village
(Figure 2). The study area
was previously evaluated
by Turner et al. (1991) in a
report for the construction
of Fairfield Village that
describes the Hockley
47
48
May 2010
Tech Note
Tech Note
investigation was about
135 ft.
A 400 MHz antenna was
used with a cart system to
collect ground penetrating
radar (GPR) data. GPR is
the general term applied
to techniques that employ
radio waves in the 1 to
1 0 0 0 M H z f re q u e n c y
range to map near-surface
structures and man-made
features. Depth of
penetration is limited by
the antenna chosen and
the conductivity of the
soil. The ability of a
G P R s y s te m to wo r k
successful ly dep en ds
upon two electrical
Figure 6. Resistivity imaging data along profiles L4, L5 and L6.
properties of the
subsurface, electr ical
conduc t iv it y an d t h e
dielectric constant. The
value of dielectric
constant ranges between
1 (for air) and 81 (for
water). The dielectric
constant for sandy clayey
soils varies between 10
Figure 7. Resistivity imaging data along profile 7. Note the correlation of resistivity anomaly and the observed fault
and 15. A dielectric
scarp in the field. Note also the increased thickness of the clay/clayey sand (blue color) in the downthrown side of the
constant
of 12 was chosen
fault (see Figures 3 and 4 for location).
for the study area, and the
Fault passing through area, with a fault scarp of 40 feet in height. depth exploration with the GPR unit was about 8 ft. Differences
in dielectric constant between subsurface soils along distinct
This paper evaluates the use of two non-invasive geophysical
boundaries, such as fractures and faults, can cause reflections in
methods for investigating the Hockley Fault across the Highway
290 (Figure 2).
the radar signal.
Geophysical Instruments
Resistivity imaging is a survey technique used to map the
electrical properties of the subsurface by passing an electrical
current between electrodes and measuring associated voltage.
This technique has been widely used in mapping contaminant
plumes, karst features (voids), and subsurface structures, such as
faults and fractures. In this study, an Advanced Geosciences, Inc.
(AGI) Super R1 Sting/Swift resistivity meter with the
dipole-dipole resistivity technique was used. This technique is
sensitive to horizontal changes in the subsurface, and provides
a 2-D electrical image of the near-surface geology. Electrode
spacing was held to 6 m along all profiles. The depth of the
May 2010
Field Survey Design and Data Processing
In 2004 and 2005 GPR and resistivity surveys were conducted
along Line 1 on the east-bound side of Highway 290 (Figure 3).
Resistivity profiles on both sides of Highway 290, and along a line
located between Fairfield Village and Highway 290 were also
obtained. In November 2009, GPR data were recollected along
the east-bound and west-bound profiles (Figure 3). A total of one
GPR and seven resistivity profiles were surveyed.
During the 2004 surveys, locations of the cracks and patched
pavement locations on both sides of the highway were sketched
49
50
May 2010
Tech Note
Tech Note
and a discrete fault scarp
was mapped on the south
side of the highway (Figure
3). Another fault scarp was
also mapped along one of
the resistivity profiles, in an
open field between the
hig hway and Fair field
Village (Figure 3). In addition,
a major crack was observed
crossing the highway on the
north side (Figure 3 and 4).
Resist iv it y profiles L 4,
L5 and L6 crossed over this
crack.
Figures 8. GPR data along Line 1 between stations 150 and 175 feet (a); and stations 215 and 240 feet (b). Note
that there is a fault offset over the observed fault scarp.
Resistivity data was
processed and inver ted
using AGI Earth Imager
software. The resistivity
values obtained in this study
varied between 24 and 400
ohm-m. Resistivity values,
in general, of 30 ohm-m
and greater correspond to
sand units; whereas resistivity
values less than 30 ohm-m
corresponds to clayey sand,
sandy clay, and silty sand.
The GPR data are displayed
in a color-amplitude format.
In this study, white and pink
colors on the profiles correspond to the highest positive
amplitude pulses, strong
reflec tions due to hig h
dielectric contrasts. Gray
and purple colors represent
“strong” negative reflections
and high dielectric
contrasts. Background values
are represented by red and
brown colors.
Geophysical Results
The resistivity profiles in
Figures 5 through 7 indicate
sandy clay and sand units.
Spacing of resistivity
Figure 9. GPR data along Line 1 between stations 250 and 270 feet (a); and stations 400 and 415 feet (b).
May 2010
51
52
May 2010
Tech Note
Tech Note
continued from page 51 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Figure 10. GPR data along Line 1 between stations 430 and 470 feet.
profiles L1, L2,
and L3 (Figure
5) is from 75 to
100 ft. Profile L1
does not indicate
any fault offset
visible in the soil
layers over the
fault scarp,
which was several
inches in height.
Resistivity
profiles L1, L2
and L3 do not
indicate any
fault offset along
their entire lengths.
However, there
is an apparent
resistivity contrast
towards the end
of the profiles
between the sand
and clay layers,
although the
resist iv it y data loses i t s
reliability towards the edges.
In order to map the resistivity
contrast, three more resistivity
profiles (L4, L5 and L6) were
surveyed (see Figure 3 for
locations of profiles). Figure 6
shows the resistivity data
along profiles L4, L5 and L6.
A f a u l t - l i ke a n o m a l y i s
present from 240 to 280 feet
on all three resistivity
data sets.
Figure 11. Sketch map showing location of Hockley Fault at the study area determined by the resistivity data.
The major crack shown in blue color on the east bound was observed in November 2009. A sketch figure of shopping symbol is shown in the NW section of the study area. Not to scale.
May 2010
Figure 7 shows the L7
resistivity profile (see Figure 3
for location). This area was
covered with high plants and
vegetation at the time of
the resistivity survey. For
reference purposes, the SE
end of the profile was next to
the asphalt pavem en t . A
distinctive fault scarp (several
53
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54
May 2010
Tech Note
Tech Note
inches in height) was
observed at this location, and
p r o f i l e L 7 d i s p l ay s t h e
resistivity data over the fault.
The fault scarp was located at
the 360 feet station on the
resistivity profile. A surface
fault-like anomaly is
observed at the same station.
Figure 12. Site map showing approximate extension of the Hockley Fault Zone in the vicinity of Houston Premium Outlet Shopping Mall.
Figure 13. A recent picture showing a revived crack (main Hockley Fault) on the west bound of Highway 290
since the construction of shopping mall in 2007. The fault deforms the newly built highway 290 and the feeder
roads. The picture was taken facing north.
GPR data along the resistivity
profile L1 indicate significant
anomalies between the fault
scarp and the USGS survey
marker F1254. These
anomalies may represent a
series of small faults and
fractures beneath the
highway. Locations of GPR
anomalies are selected with
their resp e c t ive st a t i on
coordinates, and are shown
in Figures 8 through 10.
It should be noted that the
horizontal scale for the GPR
profile is exactly the same as
for the resistivity profile L1.
Figure 8a indicates a vertical
offset over the fault scarp at
about 160 feet. This offset
covers the fill materials and
the underlying soil layers.
Figure 8b shows several
small-scale faults between
stations 215 and 240 feet.
David Childers, ph: 281-872-5022, e-mail: [email protected]
16945 Northchase, Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77060
May 2010
55
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May 2010
Figures 9a and 9b show small faults between stations 250 and
415 feet. Figure 10 displays small faults between stations 430 and
470 feet. There are two micro-graben structures formed by the
small-scale faulting. Each graben block is about 14 feet long. The
presence of the many small faults delineated by the GPR survey
explains the intensity of cracks and deformation of the roads and
patched asphalt observed on the east- and west-bound lanes of
the highway (see Figure 3).
Recently (November 2009) Line 1 on the south side and Line 6 on
the north side of the highway were resurveyed. The repeated
survey 6 did not show any of the anomalies (including the fault
scarp) that were discussed above. The reason for this may be the
removal of soil and the reconstruction of the roads. It should be
noted that since the first phase of the geophysical survey Highway
290 was rebuilt and the Houston Premium Outlets shopping mall
was constructed in the vicinity of the Hockley Fault. The original
east and west bounds of the Highway 290 have been rebuilt and
have become feeder roads. A recent picture of the Hockley Fault
shows that the fault has already started deforming the newly built
highway and the feeder roads (Figure 13).
Discussion
The resistivity data from four profiles (L4, L5, L6 and L7) indicate
normal fault offset down-thrown to the southeast. Location of the
observed fault scarp in the field correlates very well with the resistivity
Line 7. The combination of clayey sand with 24 ohm-m resistivity
(shown with blue color), and sand layers with 70 ohm-m resistivity
(shown by green colors) indicates a dipping and curved fault plane.
The resistivity data on L1, L2, and L3 do not indicate any fault anomaly
(no offset between the soil layers). Resistivity profile Line 1 does not
show any anomaly over the fault scarp that is observed in the field.
The reason for the lack of resistivity anomaly over the fault scarp is
not known. Based on available geophysical data, the main fault of the
Hockley system crosses the resistivity lines L4, L5, L6, and L7.
The GPR data along profile L1 indicate the presence of significant
anomalies that are believed to be caused by small faults in the
near-surface. These small faults are likely normal faults downthrown to the south-east, as is the Hockley Fault.
The resistivity and GPR data indicate a wide zone of deformation
across the Hockley Fault. Geophysical data presented here combined with the field observations indicate a deformation zone of
about 400 feet including the east and west-bound lanes of
Highway 290 (now the feeder roads). The principal fault plane
and its associated shallow zone of deformation are located in the
vicinity of a newly-built shopping mall. The fault deformation
zone projects under the eastern part of the parking lot and the
major entrance road to the mall (Figure 12).
May 2010
Tech Note
Tech Note
Conclusions
Data acquired evaluate the effectiveness of geophysical methods in
detecting growth faults in the NW Houston area allowed correlation
of unique and consistent anomalies within a known fault zone. This
study and a study of the Willow Creek Fault (Saribudak and Van
Nieuwenhuise, 2007) suggest that these geophysical methods can be
used to map Gulf Coast faults quickly and inexpensively. Further geophysical surveys of these faults will better define their geophysical
signatures. Confidence to geophysically delineate near-surface growth
faults in the Houston metropolitan area should make such an assessment more routine. Depending on site conditions, future fault studies
should include as many of the geophysical techniques as possible to
both improve fault characterization and correlate surface features
with the sub-surface. Results of this study show the potential benefit
of using geophysical methods in addition to borehole logging. ■
Acknowledgements
I thank Dr. Carl Norman for showing me the Hockley Fault in the
field and for numerous discussions, and a number of friends and
colleagues who helped in the data acquisition. I am thankful to
Bill Rizer for his instructive and critical editing of the manuscript.
I also like to thank Barry Katz, James Ragsdale, and Charles
Revilla for further editing the manuscript. This research project
was funded by Environmental Geophysics Associates.
References
Clanton, S. U. and Verbeek, R.E., 1981. Photographic portraits of
active faults in the Houston metropolitan area, Texas, Houston area
environmental geology: Surface faulting, ground subsidence, hazard
liability, edited by Etter, M.E., Houston Geological Society, p. 70-113.
Elsbury, B.R., Van Siclen, D.C., and Marshall, B.P., 1980.
Engineering aspects of the Houston fault problem, September
ASCE Fall Meeting, El Paso, Texas.
Kasmarek, C. M. and Strom, W.E., 2002. Hydrogeology and simulation of ground-water flow and land-surface subsidence in the
Chicot and Evangeline aquifers, Houston, Texas, U.S. Geological
Survey, Water-Resources Investigations Report 02-4022.
Saribudak, M., and Van Nieuwenhuise, B., 2007. Integrated geophysical studies over an active growth fault in Houston, Leading
Edge, v. 25; no. 3; p. 332-334.
Turner, Collie & Braden, Inc., 1991. Feasibility study for the implementation of a water reuse project in Fairfield Village, Final report.
Verbeek R.E. and Clanton, S.U., 1981. Historically active faults in the
Houston metropolitan area, Texas, Houston Area Environmental
Geology: Surface Faulting, Ground Subsidence, Hazard Liability,
edited by M. E. Etter, Houston Geological Society, p. 28-69.
57
NOW AVAILABLE
Directory of Oil Company Name Changes
20th Edition (May 2010)
A new edition (20th), of the HGS publication, Directory
of Oil Company Name Changes, is now available through
the Bureau of Economic Geology. This publication is a
cross-referenced list of domestic oil and gas, exploration
and production companies that have sold major assets or
have changed their names due to a merger, acquisition or
reorganization. The purpose of this directory is to provide
an oil company road map that may assist geologists in
tracking down logs, samples, cores, paleo, drilling reports,
production histories and other well data that may be
obscured by these numerous name changes.
The cost of the directory is $15.00 and it can be
obtained from the BEG. The contact information is as follows:
Bureau of Economic Geology
University of Texas in Austin
Attn: Publication Sales
University Station, Box X
Austin, Texas 78713-8924
Phone: (888) 839-4365
www.beg.utexas.edu
OR: Purchase one during the GCAGS in San Antonio at the
BEG exhibit (save shipping costs).
Kevin J. McMichael
First City Tower
713-655-9700
1001 Fannin, Suite 777
Fax 713-655-9709
Houston, TX 77002
[email protected]
58
May 2010
Facies Characteristics, Depositional Environments, and
Petrophysical Characteristics of the Haynesville and
Bossier Shale-Gas Plays of East Texas and Northwest
Louisiana
Ursula Hammes, Scott Hamlin, and Ray Eastwood, Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, The University of
Texas at Austin
Figure 1: Study area and structural controls of the Upper Jurassic northeastern Gulf of Mexico basin. Shaded area represents productive Haynesville
gas shale. Basins colored in green; uplifts colored in red.
T
he Upper Jurassic (Kimmeridgian to Lower Tithonian) Haynesville and Bossier shales of East Texas and northwest Louisiana
(Figure 1) are currently one of the most important shale-gas plays in North America. They have high IPs, EURs estimated at 3 to
7 BCFG, and gas storage capacity estimated in the hundreds of trillions of cubic feet. These shale-gas plays have been studied extensively by companies and academic institutions within the last year, but to-date, regional understanding of the depositional setting, facies,
diagenesis, pore evolution, petrophysics, best completion techniques, and geochemical characteristics of the Haynesville and Bossier
shales are still poorly understood. Our work provides new insights into Haynesville and Bossier shale facies, deposition, geochemistry,
petrophysics, and stratigraphy in light of paleographic setting and regional tectonics.
Haynesville and Bossier shale deposition was influenced by basement structures, local carbonate platforms, and salt movement associated with the opening of the Gulf of Mexico basin (Figure 1). The deep basin was surrounded by carbonate shelves of the
Smackover/Haynesville Lime, Louark sequence in the north and east and on local platforms within the basin. The basin periodically
exhibited reducing anoxic conditions, as indicated by variably increased molybdenum content, presence of framboidal pyrite, and
TOC-S-Fe relationships. These organic-rich intervals are concentrated along and between platforms and islands that provided restrictive and anoxic conditions during Haynesville and part of Bossier deposition. Nutrients were provided by the surrounding carbonate
platforms, clay was shed into the basin from siliciclastic shelves, and organic production was facilitated by the overall rapidly rising sea
SIPES Luncheon Meeting continued on page 61
level.
May 2010
59
HGS Welcomes New Members
HGS Welcomes New Members
Effective March 2010
ACTIVE MEMBERS
Martha Guidry
Erin Smart
James Beavers
Gary Huxford
Haynie Stringer
Kean Bliss
Katy James
Rodney Thompson
W. James Buettner
Andrew Jarrett
Rodney Tremblat
Keith Byerly
Jacob Moore
Jason Wallgren
Brian Coffey
David Nicklin
Wesley Combs
Rebecca Olsen
EMERITUS
Will Dugat
Oliver Pfost
Charles Andrews
Edward Eble
Mark Picha
David Fortner
Rebecca Pruitt
ASSOCIATES
Lisa Goetz
Kelli Randall
Eleanor Herriman
Carmen Gomez
Kevin Skees
Ian Gordon
Paul Skudder
Welcome New Members
60
May 2010
continued from page 59 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Figure 2: West to East cross section extending from the carbonate shelf in the west (Freestone Co.) to the Sabine Island complex in the east (Sabine
Co.) which shows the Smackover Limestone highstand systems tract, the Haynesville lime and shale (HVL Lime/Shale) as part of the transgressive
systems tract with the maximum flooding surface (MFS) capping the HVL Shale. The Bossier Shale and Bossier Shaley Sands represent the early
highstand and the prograding Cotton Valley sands represent the late highstand of super-sequence 2 (SS2). The productive third Bossier cycle is outlined in green towards the west of the study area.
Several rivers supplied sand and mud from the northwest,
north, and northeast into the basin, contributing to a
variety of mudrock lithology changes across the
Haynesville and Bossier depositional areas. Mudrocks
range from calcareous-dominated facies near the carbonate platforms and islands to siliceous-dominated
lithologies in areas where deltas prograded into the basin
and diluted organic matter (e.g., northern Louisiana and
northeast Texas). These facies are a direct response to a
second-order transgression that lasted from the early
Kimmeridgian to the Berriasian. Three regionally correlative
third-order Haynesville Shale sequences compose
the transgressive systems tract of the second-order
supersequence. Haynesville and Bossier shales each compose
three upward-coarsening cycles that probably represent
third-order sequences within the larger second-order
transgressive systems and early highstand systems tracts,
respectively (Figure 2). Each Haynesville third-order cycle
is characterized by massive mudstone grading into
laminated and bioturbated mudstone (Figure 3). Most of
the three Bossier third-order cycles are dominated by
varying amounts of siliciclastics grading from massive
into laminated mudstone. The sequences are capped
by siltstones. However, the third Bossier cycle exhibits
higher carbonate (Figure 3) and an increase in organic
productivity in a southern restricted area (beyond the
basinward limits of Cotton Valley progradation), creating
SIPES Luncheon Meeting continued on page 63
May 2010
Figure 3: A. Haynesville massive mudstone facies showing silt-sized siliceous and
carbonate grains, pellet matrix, and organics (brown). B. Haynesville burrowed
mudstone facies showing carbonate and siliceous grains, peloids, and burrows
filled with calcite (B). C. Organic-rich Bossier unlaminated mudstone facies
showing fillibranch mollusks and silt-sized siliceous and calcareous grains. D. Bioturbated calcareous mudstone showing abundant calcite bioclasts in organic-rich
matrix. Haynesville samples are from Louisiana and East Texas. Bossier samples
are from the Shell Temple and Jones cores of Sabine Island.
61
June 2010
Grand Canyon
Geology Field Trip
Experience the majestic beauty of the
Grand Canyon as we raft the mighty
Colorado River and examine some of the
finest classical geology exposures in the
world. Reservations are now being taken for
the 2010 Grand Canyon Geology Field Trip
through the HGS website. Trip runs
June 13-21, beginning and ending in
Las Vegas, with eight nights on the river.
Cost is $3000 and reservations are due by
May 15. Please contact Steve Earle at
713-328-1069 with any questions, or email
him at [email protected]
Countdown to AAPG
T
he AAPG 2011 Convention technical team has been diligently
working with the SEPM, EMD, and DPA to identify candidates
to fill theme chair and session chair slots for the 11 theme topics
and 42 sessions. Letters to geoscience managers at many energy
organizations have been submitted in order to cast a wider net
for candidates. The “Next Giant Leap for Geoscience” is the
theme topic for the 2011 Houston Convention. The expression
is an obvious build on the words of Neil Armstrong from the
first moon landing in 1969 and is a tribute to Houston’s heritage and can-do spirit. The Short Course, Field Trips, and
other committees will soon be developing their programs
and seeking volunteers to assist with coordination and
implementation. Attendance at the New Orleans convention
has resulted in the development of new ideas for 2011.
We are most happy to obtain suggestions from HGS
members for enhancing the Houston 2011 Convention.
Steve Levine [email protected] ■
62
2
0
1
1
Annual A
APG
Convention
in Houston
May 2010
continued from page 61 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
another productive gas-shale opportunity. This organic-rich Bossier cycle extends across the Sabine Island complex and the
Mt. Enterprise Fault Zone in a narrow trough from Nacogdoches County, Texas to Red River Parish, Louisiana.
Haynesville and Bossier gas shales are distinctive on wireline logs. They exhibit high gamma ray measurements, low density, low
neutron porosity, high sonic travel-times, and moderately high resistivity. These distinctive log signatures for the organic-rich Bossier
Shale and the Haynesville Shale across the study area suggest that favorable conditions for shale-gas production extend beyond
established producing areas. ■
Biographical Sketch
URSULA HAMMES obtained her Diploma in Geology from the University of Erlangen in Germany in 1987
and her Ph.D. from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1992. She spent 10 years working as a
consultant, performing postdoctoral research at the Bureau of Economic Geology at the University of
Texas at Austin, and as exploration geologist in industry. Dr. Hammes joined the Bureau of Economic
Geology in 2001 as Research Associate. Her main research focus is in clastic and carbonate sequence
stratigraphy, depositional systems, and carbonate and clastic diagenesis. Her recent research focus is in
shale-gas systems. She is currently project manager of the State of Texas Advanced Resource Recovery
project (STARR).
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Houston Petroleum Club in the Discovery Room, 800 Bell St. (downtown Houston). Social 11:15 AM, Luncheon 11:45 AM
Reservations Required: Make reservations by telephone (713-651-1639), fax (713-951-9659), website (www.sipes-houston.org), or e-mail
[email protected] to B. K. Starbuck-Buongiorno by 12:00 noon on Tuesday preceding the meeting. You can now sign up for the meeting online at
www.sipes-houston.org, but payment is still required by regular mail or at the door.
Cost: $30 for SIPES Members and Chapter Affiliates who register by 12:00 Noon Tuesday; $35 for new registrations at the door. The price for guests,
non-members and walk-ins is $35. No-shows will be billed.
May 2010
63
Earth Science Staff Development Provided For
Houston Teachers
Janie Schuelke
E
Motivation is the main goal for Janie, who has a knack for teaching
arth science training for our teachers is imperative. Many
complicated material in a way that is easily understood. According
teachers have not taken geology courses, and many elementary teachers feel “science challenged". A one-day workshop, to one Dallas teacher, "I learned more about geology than ever
before. The instructor was excellent and very
More! Rocks in Your Head! (MRIYH) gives
3rd - 8th grade teachers the background, Earth science training for knowledgeable. She was able to bring the
vocabulary, hands-on projects, and (more
information to a level that could help me
importantly) the motivation to teach the our teachers is imperative. instruct my students."
earth science curriculum well.
More! Rocks in Your Head was presented on March 6, 2010 for
Houston teachers for the fourth time in four years. Funding was
HGS member Janie Schuelke developed and started presenting
MRIYH in 2000. The workshop is a spin-off from Rocks in Your Head, provided by the HGS, the Ellison Miles Geotechnology Institute
(EMGI), the Bookout initiative, and a grant from the
developed by Patty Holyfield, which is geared towards high school.
Texas Regional Collaborative. Inda Immega, HGS member, has
volunteered at most of the Houston workshops, answering
questions and adding to the teachers’ education.
This is a quote from a Houston teacher, "This workshop was
wonderful! What I loved most about it was the teacher
background information that was provided in the workbook. So
often, I have taught lessons that were not as informative because
of my lack of content knowledge in that area. Earth Science was
my absolute least favorite unit to teach, but now I have developed
a new appreciation … Loved it!"
Texas is divided into 20 regions, each having an Education Service
Center (ESC) to facilitate staff development. Houston's region is
Region 4. The Region 4 Education Service Center, located near
Tidwell Road and US Highway 290, provides the facility and
registration for the workshops. They have asked for an MRIYH to
be presented in 2011.
64
May 2010
evaluation, using real seismic and well log data from a prospect in
Lea County, New Mexico.
Each teacher participant receives:
• More! Rocks in Your Head manual.
• Rock Samples (labeled and bagged) of igneous, sedimentary,
and metamorphic rocks.
• Mineral Samples (labeled and bagged) and Test Kit.
• Hunt for Fossil Fuels oil exploration game on CD.
• Texas Rocks and Fossils poster (from Texas Department of
Transportation)
• USGS Tapestry of Time and Terrain map (from an AAPG
grant)
• Oil and Natural Gas book (from SPE)
• Energize Your Future book (from Anadarko)
• Additionally, 20 schools receive a laminated, framed USGS
Tapestry of Time and Terrain map (from an AAPG
Foundation grant)
MRIYH workshop covers a full scope of earth sciences for
elementary and middle school teachers. Each section contains
background information, vocabulary, and suggested projects,
plus cross-curricular segments and ideas for gifted and talented
students. All projects are hands-on, making for fun and
memorable learning experiences.
Students can begin their investigations with "Disappearing
Nickels and Earth Models", an edible study on the earth's structure,
then learn about different rock types with "Mount Eruptus"
(igneous), "Sedimentary Rock Socks", and "Mighty Morph and
Power Pressures" (metamorphic). They learn how plants and
animals change through geologic time by making a rap song and
comparing "Scenes (Sings) of the Past" that they have created for
the Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic eras. Environmental
processes like soil erosion, mining and reclamation, and cave
formation are the subjects of other activities, along with mineral
identification, geologic landforms, earth science careers, and
fossil fuel formation. The "Hunt for Fossil Fuels" oil exploration
game provides interactive learning about the energy industry
utilizing geology, geophysics, and financial analysis and
MRIYH has been presented to over 3,000 teachers across
America, mainly in Texas. Each teacher has from 20 to 150
students. District educators usually participate, which increases
the average so that each participant reaches more than 200
students per year.
If you would like more information about this or other scheduled
MRIYH workshops please visit the websites www.rocksinyourhead.org or www.emgi.org. ■
Biographical Sketch
JANIE SCHUELKE's BS geology degree
is from the University of Houston.
She processed marine 3D seismic
data for Geophysical Services, Inc.,
from 1977 through 1981. Then she
and geophysicist husband, Jim
Schuelke, raised a family of three
and hosted four foreign exchange
students. Ms Schuelke was later
a substitute teacher and taught a
geology class at College for Kids, a summer program for
Gifted/Talented 3rd thru 8th graders. Some of the activities
taught in the MRIYH workshop were created for College for
Kids.
With work experience in geophysics and teaching, Janie specializes
in explaining complex information in an easily understood style
for many levels, including those who think they are science
challenged. In the training of teachers for the earth sciences, both
information and motivation are necessary, especially at the
elementary school level.
May 2010
65
Westin Galleria – July 22nd, 2010 – 9:00a-8:30p
A
few years back, the Houston Geological Society came up
with an idea for a summertime event that would gather the
best of new technologies and a crowd of interested geoscientists.
That event was Technofest! Originally held at the Westchase
Hilton, it was an instant hit. As such, it maxed out the parking,
air-conditioning and space at the Hilton.
Now Technofest is to be held in the Westin Galleria. The
Woodway Hall at the Westin is over 21,000 square feet of carpeted,
air-conditioned space just waiting for Vendors, Companies and
Deal Sellers to share their information! In addition, because it is
part of the Galleria, there are 8500 FREE parking spaces in close
proximity.
This year we are SUPERSIZING Technofest by adding a morning/
afternoon series of technology talks, along with a luncheon
speaker. TechnoConference is designed to be finished in time
for Technofest to begin at 2:30p. Rene Mott is Chair of the
conference/luncheon portion of the day. If you have a great
technology talk or field study success story using new technology,
please contact her at: [email protected] !
There will be 47 - 10’ x 10’ spaces. Booth rental is only $400 (if
reserved by June 1st, 2010) and includes two admissions
to the event. Admission includes one free drink ticket! We
are anticipating booth spaces will sell out quickly – so it is first
come-first served!
Of course Sponsorship opportunities are available for food and
beverages. This year we have lowered the cost of sponsorship
so that more companies can participate and it won’t hurt the
pocketbook as much! Sponsorships can be made at the
PLATINUM LEVEL - $1000, GOLD LEVEL - $500, SILVER
LEVEL - $250 AND BRONZE LEVEL - $100. Sponsors will be
given top billing at all refreshment stations and in the registration
area of the Woodway Hall. Finger foods and cash bars will be
scattered around the hall, so there should be no long lines!
Also needed are volunteers! The HGS is expecting a huge turnout
for this event, and help will be needed with registration and
vendor setup. Volunteers get free admission!
For more information, please contact Deborah Sacrey at
713-468-3260 or [email protected]. Other members of
the committee are Bonnie Milne – [email protected]
and Jim Grubb – [email protected] ■
Calling All Vendors!
HGS Technofest–2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Westin Galleria • 2:30p-8:30p
Sponsorship opportunities available!
Platinum $1000 • Gold $500 • Silver $250 • Bronze $100
If you have software/hardware to show –
we have booth space for you at the Westin Galleria!
21,000 square feet of space, with 8500 FREE Parking spaces!
Call/email Deborah Sacrey for information at
713-468-3260 or [email protected]
66
May 2010
Evolve Your Involvement: New Geoscience Volunteer Opportunities
Evolve Your Involvement:
New Geoscience Volunteer Opportunities in Sugar Land
by Wendy Hale-Erlich and Inda Immega, HGS Museum of Natural Science Committee
M
ost members of
HGS are wellacquainted with the
Society’s long-time
involvement with the
Houston Museum of
Natural Science (HMNS).
The Museum of Natural
Science Committe e,
started by Clint Moore
in the ‘90s, has provided
an ongoing means for
hundreds of geoscientists
to share their knowledge
and enthusiasm with
visitors.
HMNS opened a second
campus in Sugar Land
(13016 University Blvd.
Sugar Land, Texas 77479)
in October, 2009. HGS
members will have
additional opportunities
there to promote earth
science education
without having to find a
specific local school to mentor. Both campuses offer a variety of
placements which allow volunteering to be tailored to fit your
interests and your schedule: special events (weekends, evenings),
booked tours, and working with school groups during weekdays.
Both HMNS locations have school groups coming in every day
and need volunteers for touchcarts. At the Sugar Land location,
there are new carts: The Earth Science touchcart (with rocks and
sediment samples) uses hand specimens of various rock types to
teach a grade-appropriate, curriculum-linked short lesson, such
as the rock cycle, while kids are at the museum. This supplements
their classroom lessons and gives them a chance to see and ask
questions to a working earth science professional. Sugar Land
also has two new touchcarts for paleontology which feature
full-scale dinosaur replicas and many other fossils, from clams to
petrified wood. There are also carts for shells, frogs, and special
exhibits (like Narnia), all manned by volunteers. Sugar Land
volunteers also staff a fossil dig pit, a planetarium, and
“Science on a Sphere” (talking about geosciences on a completely
global scale).
The HMNS Sugar Land campus will be a great resource to
enhance and enrich science education and understanding in the
entire Fort Bend County community. If it is easier for you to
reach the new campus than the main one, and you think you
would like to try volunteering there, please contact the volunteer
coordinator, Sibyl Keller ([email protected]), to talk about joining orientation and training sessions. ■
If you are interested in presenting at one of the upcoming HGS meetings
or have a suggestion for a meeting topic please contact
Art Donovan (Vice President) at [email protected].
May 2010
67
Government Update
Government Update
Henry M. Wise, P.G. and Arlin Howles, P.G.
If you’d like the most up-to-date Texas rules, regulations, and governmental meeting information we direct you to the HGS website
to review The Wise Report. This report, which comes out as needed, but not more often than once a week, offers the most up-to-date
information that may be of interest to Texas geologists.
AGI Government Affairs Monthly Review
(February 2010)
U.S. Signs Civil Nuclear Energy Agreement with United Arab
Emirates
Energy Secretary Steven Chu signed an agreement between the
United States and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to cooperate
on training and education in nuclear safeguards and management
systems. UAE intends to build 10 nuclear power plants in 20 years
and plans to make Masdar the first carbon-neutral, zero-waste
city in the world. Secretary Chu signed the agreement in the
UAE as part of his multi-day trip to the Middle East. A U.S.
nuclear energy trade delegation was also traveling in the Middle
East at the same time, but perhaps a bit too late, as about
a month earlier the UAE had chosen a consortium of Asian
countries to build its reactors.
Moran Likely To Chair Interior and Environment
Appropriations Committee
After the sudden death of Defense Appropriations Subcommittee
Chairman John Murtha (D-PA) on February 8, the House
committees are in the process of reshuffling their leadership. The
current Interior and Environment Subcommittee chair, Norm
Dicks (D-WA), is expected to succeed Murtha as Defense
Subcommittee chair. This leaves his seat vacant, w ith
Representative Jim Moran (D-VA) likely to move up to the chair.
The Interior and Environment Subcommittee is in charge of
appropriating funds for the Department of the Interior,
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Forest Service,
Smithsonian, and Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ).
House Committee Seeks Information on Fluids Used in
Hydraulic Fracturing
House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry
Waxman (D-CA) and Subcommittee Chairman Edward Markey
(D-MA) have sent additional letters to eight oil and gas companies
requesting more information about the chemicals they use in
their hydraulic fracturing fluids. Hydraulic fracturing took center
stage at a hearing last summer, as it has the potential to unlock
large natural gas reserves in U.S. shale beds. There are concerns
that increased use of chemical-based fluids during hydraulic
fracturing may contaminate local water sources and harm the
environment.
The chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing are not regulated.
There is, however, a voluntary agreement between Halliburton,
BJ Services, and Schlumberger Technology Corporation with the
68
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) restricting use of dieselbased fluids. After the first letter-writing campaign by Waxman,
Halliburton and BJ Services responded respectively that 807,000
and 2,500 gallons of diesel-based fluids were used in their fracturing
ventures—potentially violating the EPA agreement. In the most
recent letters, Halliburton and BJ services received requests for
more chemical information, as did Schlumberger Technology
Corporation and many smaller companies. Copies of the letters
are available at: http://energycommerce.house.gov/index.php?
option=com_content&v iew=ar ticle&id=1896:energ ya-commerce-committee-investigates-potential-impacts-ofhydraulic-fracturing&catid=122:media-advisories&Itemid=55
EPA Endangerment Finding Update
After the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ruled in
December 2009 that greenhouse gases (GHGs) fall under the
jurisdiction of the Clean Air Act, Congress and industry groups
have been fighting to overturn the ruling. As of the filing deadline
in mid-February, 16 lawsuits have been submitted to the U.S.
Circuit Court of Appeals by industry groups. In Congress, Senator
Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) continues to oppose EPA’s decision with
the backing of 40 Democratic and Republican senators.
Murkowski is suggesting a Congressional Review Act, which only
requires 51 votes to pass the Senate and would essentially veto the
EPA ruling. She feels a permanent halt to the EPA ruling is better
than alternatives presented by her colleagues to halt the regulation
for only 2 to 5 years. Murkowski and many others feel the EPA is
wrong to circumvent Congress to make this decision, and that
the Clean Air Act is ill-suited to properly handle a regulation of
this kind. Regulating GHGs under the Clean Air Act may have
adverse effects on the economy and jobs. Murkowski hopes for a
floor vote in mid-March.
Eight Senate Democrats sent EPA a letter asking for details on
how it plans to implement the greenhouse gas rules, how the
rules will affect the coal, natural gas, oil, and petroleum refining
industries, and the agency’s proposed timeline, cautioning that
the rising costs could hurt their states and further diminish
support. EPA responded that it will take action by April to ensure
that no large stationary sources would be required to account for
greenhouse gases in their Clean Air Act permits this year. In the
first half of 2011, large facilities that must already apply for Clean
Air Act permits will need to address GHG emissions in their
permit applications and other large sources will be included in
the latter half of 2011.
May 2010
The portal will be accessible by the general public. It will have links
to “hot topic” articles and images. It also provides users with
access to data and climate maps for the past 30 years and regional
climate and hazards predictions. Included with the data are
educational materials for non-experts, giving examples about how
climate data are used to create climate policy, and provides the
user with access to fact sheets and downloadable presentations
which summarize how to interpret the data. There is an interactive
“Global Climate Dashboard,” where the user can adjust
interactive charts showing climate variability for the past 100 years.
Visit http://www.climate.gov/ to access the portal prototype.
NOAA Announces Plans to Revive DSCOVR Satellite
During the fiscal year 2011 budget announcement, the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced
plans to launch the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR)
satellite in conjunction with NASA. DSCOVR will be positioned
about a million miles away from Earth and monitor space weather,
like solar wind, that can be disruptive to communications
on Earth.
DSCOVR was first proposed in 1998 by Vice President Al Gore,
but the mission was terminated before its launch by the Bush
Administration. The satellite is mostly ready to go though, and is
being held in storage at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. In
2009-2010, Congress allocated $14 million to NASA to refurbish
the satellite and NOAA is requesting $9.5 million more for fiscal
year 2011 to add additional instruments. The NOAA budget
suggests the Air Force could launch the satellite as soon as 2013.
The total bill comes to $65 million once the satellite is launched,
as detailed in Science http://news.sciencemag.org/science
insider/2010/02/noaa-wants-al-g.html.
USGS Report Details Uranium Mining Resources and
Consequences Near the Grand Canyon
On February 18, 2010 the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) released
a report on uranium resources and uranium mining impacts on
about one million acres of federal land adjacent to the Grand
Canyon in Arizona. The report, entitled “Hydrological,
May 2010
Government Update
NOAA Launches Climate Portal Prototype
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
launched a new web site prototype in an effort to provide the
public with a single location to access climate information. The
web site was developed because of increasing demand for climate
information for use in a wide variety of sectors. NOAA hopes the
new climate portal will provide a hub where climate science can
be easily delivered to the public and be incorporated into
business and community plans. This prototype will need
congressional approval before it is finalized.
Geological, and Biological Site Characterization of Breccia Pipe
Uranium Deposits in Northern Arizona”, found the proposed site
contains about 12 percent of the total undiscovered uranium
estimated to be in northern Arizona. Soil samples were taken and
found uranium and arsenic to be above natural levels in areas
disturbed by mining. Water samples did not show increased
uranium concentrations for areas with active mines or reclaimed
mines. Of the water sample sites, 95 percent had dissolved uranium
below the maximum levels set by the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA). The sites with higher concentrations were more
directly exposed to mineralized ore bodies either naturally or
through mining.
In July 2009, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced the twoyear study of these one million acres to decide whether or not to
withdraw these lands from new mining claims for an additional 20
years. The lands, managed by the Bureau of Land Management
and U.S. Forest Service, are within portions of the Grand Canyon
watershed and contain significant environmental and cultural
resources as well as substantial uranium deposits. The report can
be found at: http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2010/5025/
Utah Legislators Adopt Statement on Climate Science
The Utah House of Representatives approved a nonbinding
statement expressing doubts about climate change science. The
resolution was passed after phrases such as “climate change
conspiracy” and analogies to a “gravy train” were removed.
Scientists, including many geoscientists, from Brigham Young
University (BYU) wrote letters and communicated their
objections to the resolution, errors in the resolution, and
misstatements about science at recent hearings in the Utah
legislature.
Below is the text of the first paragraph of an open letter to the Utah
Public Utilities and Technology Interim Committee, governor, U.S.
senators, and congressmen from geoscientists at BYU.
“As Earth scientists in Utah, we are writing to express concern
about the manner in which members of the Utah State
Legislature have recently dealt with scientific testimony concerning
climate change. We encourage our legislators to consider separating
the science from the policy issues. Questions about the timing,
extent, and causes of climate change are inherently scientific.
Substantial scientific evidence supports the following
conclusions: first, that climate is changing; second, climate is
significantly influenced by human activity; and third, that these
changes pose risks to humanity and many other forms of life.
Decisions about what to do in response to concerns about climate
change, however, must draw not only on scientific input, but also
economic, moral, and political considerations. It is unrealistic to
Government Update continued on page 70
69
Government Update
Government Update
continued from page 69 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
expect all of these factors to unambiguously push in the same
direction. Therefore, we feel it is irresponsible for some of our
legislators to attempt to manipulate the scientific evidence in
order to support a political agenda.”
The Salt Lake Tribune wrote a series of news articles on this story.
The BYU letter and discussion of the scientists’ response are
available in a February 4 story (http://www.sltrib.com/news/
ci_14334331) and the passage of the resolution is reviewed in a
February 9 story (http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_14367692).
IPCC Requests Nominations for Next Assessment
Report
The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC) has begun work on the preparation of its next assessment
report (AR5) and is currently looking for experts who can act as
authors and review editors for the contributions of the three
Working Groups to the AR5. Please visit http://www.ipcc.
ch/activities/activities.htm#1 for more details and instructions.
There are seven cross-cutting themes for the fifth report including:
• Consistent Evaluation of Uncertainties and Risks
• Costing and Economic Analysis
• Regional Aspects
• Water and the Earth System
• Changes, Impacts, and Responses
• Carbon Cycle including Ocean Acidification
• Ice Sheets
• Sea-Level Rise
• Mitigation, Adaptation, and Sustainable Development
Anti-Evolution/Global Warming Legislation Introduced
in Kentucky
Kentucky House Representative Tim Moore (R-District 26) introduced House Bill (H.B.) 397, known as the “Kentucky Science
Education and Intellectual Freedom Act.” The bill gives Kentucky
teachers the right to incorporate instructional materials aimed at
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70
objectively encouraging student analysis, critique, and review
of scientific theories. Two of the theories H.B. 397 targets are:
evolution and origins of human life, and global warming. All
supplementary materials would require approval from local
school boards. Analysis by the National Center for Science
Education notes language used in H.B. 397 bears strong similarity
to language used in the anti-evolution Louisiana Science
Education Act that became state law in 2008 (Louisiana Revised
Statues 17:285.1). Kentucky already has a statute that allows
teachers to teach about human origins by reading from the Book
of Genesis.
Similar anti-evolution legislation was proposed in Mississippi
and Missouri in January 2010. However, in Mississippi, the bill
has already died in committee and the Missouri bill has identical
language to a bill that failed in committee last year.
Under consideration in South Dakota, House Concurrent
Resolution 1009 calls for non-science principles to be included
for the teaching of global warming in a science class. The
language is similar to what is used for teaching non-science principles,
like evolution, in other states. This resolution encourages public
schools to instruct that “there are a variety of climatological,
meteorological, astrological [sic], thermological, cosmological, and
ecological dynamics that can effect [sic] world weather phenomena
and that the significance and interrelativity [sic] of these factors
is largely speculative.” This resolution does not have the strength
of a law, but clearly represents a misunderstanding of science.
State actions like these examples could weaken the teaching of
science in public schools.
Key Reports and Publications
Government Accountability Office (GAO)
Oversight of State Surface Coal Mine Reclamation by OSM, EPA and
Corps - Released January 14, 2010. The GAO gathered information
from state and federal agencies about their financial assurances
practices for mine reclamation, long-term monitoring, and use of
federal laws to address environmental impacts at former mine
sites. Voluntary monitoring of sites by mine managers, state
governments, and federal agencies have revealed that (1)
reforestation efforts at some reclaimed surface coal mine sites
need improvement; (2) surface coal mine sites have contaminated
streams and harmed aquatic organisms; (3) valley fills may affect
water flow; and (4) mine operators have not always returned
mine sites to their approximate original contour when required
to do so under Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act. The
report can be found at: http://gao.gov/products/GAO-10-206
Key Federal Register Notices
White House — The Presidential Office released a memorandum
on January 29, 2010 which announced a Nuclear Blue Ribbon
May 2010
DOI — Minerals Management Service released two
Environmental Assessments (EA) and Findings of No Significant
Impacts (FONSIs) for proposed activity on the Alaskan Outer
Continental Shelf. These reports were prepared by MMS for oil
and gas exploration at five proposed drill sites for Shell Offshore
Government Update
Commission to combat climate change, enhance energy security,
and increase economic prosperity. The commission will look
at policies for managing civilian and defense nuclear waste,
including alternatives for its storage, processing, and disposal.
The Commission should consider scientific, environmental,
budgetary, economic, financial, and management issues.
Where appropriate, the Commission may also identify potential
statutory changes. [Wednesday, February 3, 2010 (Volume 75,
Number 22)]
Inc. For further information contact the Minerals Management
Service at [email protected]. [Friday, February 19, 2010
(Volume 75, Number 33)]
DOI — Bureau of Land Management filed a 20-year extension of
a Public Land Order (PLO) that withdrew approximately 320
acres of the National Forest system in the Juneau Falls Recreation
Area. The PLO forbids surface entry and mining, but does not
prohibit mineral leasing laws. All comments are due by May 24,
2010, and should be addressed to Alaska State Director, BLM
Alaska State Office, 222 West 7th Avenue, No. 13, Anchorage,
Alaska 99513-7504. For more information call Robert Lloyd at
(907) 271-4682.
[Tuesday, February 23, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 35)] ■
VOTE
May 2010
71
May Crossword of Giant Oil & Gas Fields
For a change, this month’s crossword focuses on giant oil and gas fields of the world. The country and year of
discovery are provided as the clues.
ACROSS
72
23 Indonesia - 1994
5 Russia - 1983
26 Saudi Arabia -1948
6 France - 1949
28 Australia - 1981
7 Norway - 1969
29 Iran - 2004
8 Nigeria - 1998
32 Saudi Arabia - 1964
9 Russia - 1966
38 USA - 1932
12 Russia - 1988
40 Saudi Arabia - 1957
14 Iran - 1958
42 Australia - 2000
17 Indonesia - 1944
43 Kazakhstan - 2000
18 Iraq - 1927
44 Indonesia - 1941
21 Norway - 1979
45 United Kingdom - 1977
May 2010
22 Brazil - 2007
47 Norway - 1979
24 Pakistan - 1959
DOWN
25 Libya - 1961
1 United Kingdom - 1970
27 USA - 1890
2 Australia - 1965
30 Netherlands - 1959
3 Abu Dhabi - 1965
31 Brazil - 1985
4 Turkmenistan - 2006
33 USA - 1969
10 Iraq - 1953
34 Australia - 1967
11 Indonesia - 1973
35 Russia - 1965
13 Canada - 1979
36 Mexico - 1976
15 Colombia - 1992
37 USA - 1926
16 Kuwait - 1938
41 China - 1959
20 USA - 1959
42 USA - 1993
46 USA - 1935
April Crossword Puzzle Answers
May 2010
73
Adse!
r
o
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Co abl
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Have a degree in geology or an allied geoscience from an accredited
college or university; or
Have a degree in science or engineering from an accredited college
or university and have been engaged in the professional study or
practice of earth science for at least five (5) years.
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Be a full-time student enrolled in geology or in the related sciences.
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Annual dues are $24.00; full-time students and emeritus members pay $12.00.
Annual Dues Expire Each June 30. (Late renewals – $5 re-instatement fee)
Apply online at www.hgs.org and click on Join HGS
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Application to Become a Member of the Houston Geological Society
Houston Petroleum Auxiliary Council News
Houston Petroleum Auxiliary
Council News
Winona LaBrant Smith, HGS Liaison
H
ouston Area Geologists and Spouses, along with fellow
members from other parts of the world, convened in New
Orleans for the AAPG Convention on April 18-21, 2010. This was
such a stimulating time for everyone because they were having a
learning experience, renewing old friendships, making new ones,
and enjoying the venues of the host city. There is never a more
exhilerating place than the Crescent City with its famed Bourbon
Street and French Quarter. — A good time was had by all!
Don’t forget the upcoming HGS Shrimp Peel on May 15th and
HPAC'S final event on Thursday, May 20. HPAC will complete an
exciting year under the leadership of MillieTonn and her Board
with a Luncheon/Style Show by Coldwater Creek at the
Courtyard of St. James, 1885 Saint James Place, from 10:30 a.m.
to 1:30 p.m. New officers for 2010-2011 will be installed at this
meeting. The Chairpersons, Mickey Murrell and Wanda Shaw,
will be assisted by Margery Ambrose, Phyllis Carter, Emilie
Fulton, Shirley Gordon, Sara Nan Grubb, Katherine McKinney,
Sheri McQuinn, Barbara Peck, Vicki Pickering, Nan Pye, and
Beverly Smolenski. This is one event you don’t want to miss!
Remember that HPAC has several Interest Groups, including:
Bridge (contacts: Audrey Thompkins, 713-686-0005 or Daisy
Wood, 713-977-7319) and Book Club (contacts: Martha Lou
Broussard, 713-665-4428 or Phyllis Carter, 281-397-9888) where
you can get involved with other members of like interests and
have an opportunity to become acquainted with many members
of HPAC.
“And the American Dream continues …” As you will see as you
get to know Edie Frick. Edie is the member of HPAC we are featuring this month from our virtual garden of exciting ladies.
These members are involved in every aspect of our society,
making HPAC a stimulating and diversified organization. Edie is
the widow of John D. Frick, a Geologist/Geophysicist and
International Negoiator. She is a 40 year member of HGA and has
been a member of HPAC from its inception. She served HGA on
a variety of committees and offices and was President in 19992000. She grew up in Houston, graduated from San Jacinto High
76
School and a few days later went to work for Humble Oil &
Refining Company. This began her education in the petroleum
industry. Edie attended the University of Houston, majoring in
secretarial science, and furthered her knowledge of the industry
by being employed in various departments including pipeline,
civil and petroleum engineering, land and production, and geology. By the time she retired she was Executive Secretary to the Vice
President of Exxon Refineries. Edie was a member of Desk &
Derrick, an organization whose main purpose was to further the
knowledge of their members with programs by industry speakers
such as Mike Halbouty, field trips to drilling rigs, and other
educational agendas. What an exciting and adventuresome career
she has experienced. When her husband, a young geologist, her
best friend and soul mate was promoted to International
Exploration Geologist, her life changed. She and John traveled the
world: Canada, Phillipines, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore,
Hong Kong, Pakistan, Dubai, Tunisia, and Colombia to name a
few of the places where they lived and/or worked. She has been
very active in Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church as Lay
Minister, in Hospital Ministry, as Shepherd Leader and in any
field where she could be of service. She was a Guild member of
the Museum of the American West and the Houston Museum of
Natural Science where she chaired the program between the
University of Houston and the University of Cairo. She organized
the exhibit “Egypt Today” with Mrs. Anwar Sadat – what a life!
She began a new era in her life when she moved into the
Buckingham by renewing friendships from Exxon, church,
neighborhood and high school. Her motto is to “live in an
attitude of gratitude”. What a remarkable lady!
Geologists, please encourage your spouses to join HPAC, where
they will have the opportunity to meet other spouces of
Geologists, Geophysicists, Engineers and Landmen. They will
participate in stimulating programs and enjoy delicious lunches
and friendly fellowship.
For your convenience, an HPAC membership form is included
below. If you have any questions, please contact Winona LaBrant
Smith at 713-952-2007.
May 2010
You are invited to become a member of
HPAC
2009–2010 dues are $20.00 Mail dues payment along with the completed yearbook information
to Carol Gafford, 13323 Misty Hills Drive, Cypress, TX 77429
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