Date of Graduation

12-2015

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Geology (MS)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Geosciences

Advisor/Mentor

Zachry, Doy L.

Committee Member

Davis, Ralph K.

Second Committee Member

Dumond, Gregory

Keywords

Social sciences; Earth sciences; Aetna gas field; Arkansas; Arkoma basin; Atoka formation; Combination trap

Abstract

Arkoma basin is a prolific natural gas basin. The defining feature of this basin is the Atoka Formation that was deposited in the early-middle Pennsylvanian. The Atoka is held equivalent to the tectonic and structural evolution of the basin. This study focuses on one of the many gas fields in the Arkoma Basin in Arkansas to assess the stratigraphic and structural evolution that the strata in this particular field display.

Aetna Gas Field extends from T. 8N. R. 27 W to T. 9 N, R. 27 W and T. 8 N, R. 26 W to 8N, R. 27. Geographically, Aetna field covers parts of Franklin, Johnson and Logan counties. It is one of the pioneer gas fields in the Arkoma Basin. First discovery of gas in Aetna Field was made in March 1928. The first three producing wells were completed in the upper Carpenter and middle Alma sands of the middle Atoka Formation. An analysis of structures and stratigraphy of the gas field through well log correlations reveal a combination trap for the gas.

Using IHS Petra, stratigraphic correlations were performed on 49 wells in 10 cross sections. The wells selected were sorted by several criteria. Gamma ray logs were given priority. Stratigraphic tops were determined for correlation purposes. The stratigraphic tops were picked and correlated. The middle Atoka Formation was addressed exclusively for the purpose of this study. Structural analysis indicates an arch-and-trough setting that led to gas accumulation in this field. The stratigraphic analysis confirms a thickening to the south following the general southern thickening trend of Atoka Formation in the Arkoma Basin.

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