February 2008 - Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists

Friday Luncheon Programs – February 1 & 15
The Application of Hydrocarbon System and Play
Fairway Analysis for Unconventional Resource Plays:
The Case for the Utica Shale Gas Reserves and the
Bakken Shale Oil Reserves
February 1
By Jay E. Leonard
Of the many types
of unconventional
resource plays,
shale oil and shale
gas are extremely
popular.
In the United States, the exploration and development of unconventional resource
plays has achieved highly enthusiastic levels. Of the many types of unconventional
resource plays, shale oil and shale gas are extremely popular. We are beginning to
understand that these plays are more dissimilar then alike. In other words, each
shale play does not work like the Barnett and should be studied differently.
For unconventional resource shale exploration, it is desirable to identify “sweet
spots” or areas that could be drilled early to front load the economics. This talk will
address two geologically different situations; the highly mature Appalachian Utica
shale gas and the very immature Williston basin Bakken shale oil play. With either,
critical factors such as hydrocarbon generation, expulsion and timing coupled with
fracture timing and sorption define such “sweet spots”. These factors, combined
with reservoir and seal, are used to asses the presence and effectiveness of the
play and the play fairway.
Luncheon Reservations and Information
Luncheons will be held at the Marriott City Center at California and 17th St. Please check the
event listing in the lobby for the room. People gather at 11:30 a.m., lunch is served at 12:00
noon, and the speaker presentation begins at about 12:20 p.m. The price of the luncheon is
$30.00. Checks should be made payable to RMAG. No reservation is required for the talk only
and the cost is $5.00. Please make your reservation prior to 10:30 a.m. on the Wednesday before
the luncheon. Please Note: If you make a reservation and do not attend the luncheon, you will
be billed for the luncheon. Cancellations are not guaranteed after 10:30 a.m. the Wednesday
before the talk. You may send someone in your stead.
Call 303-623-5396
Your attendance is welcomed and encouraged.
Bring a guest or new member!
Vol. 57, No. 2
28
February 2008