Stratigraphic Correlation of the Late Pennsylvanian-Early Permian Strata in the Delaware Basin

Abstract

The stratigraphic interval from the Late Pennsylvanian Wolfcamp Formation to the Early Permian Bone Spring and Avalon formations are composed of interbedded shale, carbonate, and sandstone (Harris, 2000). This project determined the shale distribution within Loving County, New Mexico and Winkler County, Texas. Each group member was given a specific county to determine the shale distribution. The shale distribution in these units were identified by analyzing subsurface well logs. Thus, lithology, gamma-ray, and resistivity well logs from the Delaware Basin were analyzed with Techlog©. Once these units were correlated in each county, the shale layers were correlated from one county into the other. The data collected can be used to determine the optimal place to drill for oil and gas from these units.