October 2009 - Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists
October 2009 - Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists
October 2009 - Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists
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OUTCROP<br />
Newsletter <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Rocky</strong> <strong>Mountain</strong> <strong>Association</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Geologists</strong><br />
Volume 58 • No. 10 • <strong>October</strong> <strong>2009</strong>
<strong>Rocky</strong> <strong>Mountain</strong> Expo—Prospect Fair and Techn<strong>of</strong>est<br />
Presented by RMAG-DAPL-DGS-SPE-IPAMS<br />
Where does the <strong>Rocky</strong> <strong>Mountain</strong><br />
Oil Patch come together?<br />
The <strong>Rocky</strong> <strong>Mountain</strong> Expo!<br />
Where else North <strong>of</strong> the Red River can<br />
you combine the best prospects the <strong>Rocky</strong><br />
<strong>Mountain</strong> Region has to <strong>of</strong>fer with a<br />
glimpse <strong>of</strong> the latest products and services<br />
in the industry? Our booth format<br />
alternates rows prospect exhibitors with<br />
technical Exhibitors - A layout that has<br />
received rave reviews in the past.<br />
The Prospect Fair<br />
The Prospect Fair will display the best<br />
available opportunities for increasing your<br />
company’s reserves. Properties and<br />
prospects from all interior North American<br />
basins are being solicited.<br />
The Techn<strong>of</strong>est<br />
The Techn<strong>of</strong>est will feature s<strong>of</strong>tware<br />
developers, data vendors and service<br />
companies displaying the latest in<br />
geophysical, geological, drilling, completion,<br />
exploration and production technology<br />
research.<br />
Again this year — Lunch is included in<br />
your $30.00 admission fee<br />
We also provide a continental breakfast and<br />
afternoon beverages and snacks—c<strong>of</strong>fee<br />
And tea, s<strong>of</strong>t drinks, cookies, brownies and<br />
s<strong>of</strong>t pretzels.<br />
We will have a Cocktail Hour (Cash Bar)<br />
from 4:00PM To 5:00 PM with light snacks<br />
in the exhibit hall. All this plus door prizes<br />
included in your $30.00 admission<br />
Participate as an Exhibitor<br />
for $500.00<br />
Industry Exposure<br />
An expanded client base<br />
A venue to display properties and or<br />
prospects<br />
A descriptions <strong>of</strong> your prospects<br />
(up to 10) in the Day <strong>of</strong> Event book.<br />
Participate as an Attendee<br />
for $30.00<br />
Networking with peer pr<strong>of</strong>essionals<br />
Advance viewing <strong>of</strong> the latest<br />
technology<br />
An opportunity to build your<br />
prospect and property base<br />
Opportunity to win prizes<br />
Participate as a sponsor<br />
Sponsorships available from<br />
$150 To $1000<br />
Participate as an Advertiser in<br />
the Day <strong>of</strong> Event book<br />
Many sizes available—$50.00 to $750.00<br />
Guess what the price <strong>of</strong> oil will be next<br />
year at Expo time and win a $100 gift<br />
Certificate<br />
For more information, see our web site<br />
www.rockymountainexpo.org<br />
or<br />
RMAG<br />
910 16th Street, Suite 1125<br />
Phone: 303-573-8621<br />
Fax: 303-628-0546<br />
Email: sandi@rmag.org<br />
Vol. 58, No. 10<br />
2<br />
<strong>October</strong> <strong>2009</strong>
OUTCROP<br />
Newsletter <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Rocky</strong> <strong>Mountain</strong> <strong>Association</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Geologists</strong><br />
CONTENTS<br />
FEATURES<br />
8 Lead Story: Nebraska – The<br />
New Uranium Frontier<br />
30 <strong>Mountain</strong> Geologist Editor<br />
Recognized<br />
38 Geologic Educational<br />
Resources are Now<br />
Available on the Internet<br />
ASSOCIATION NEWS<br />
2 <strong>Rocky</strong> <strong>Mountain</strong> Expo<br />
– Prospect Fair and<br />
Techn<strong>of</strong>est: Where does<br />
the <strong>Rocky</strong> <strong>Mountain</strong> Oil<br />
Patch come together?<br />
16 <strong>2009</strong> RMAG Board<br />
Candidates<br />
22 RMAG Foundation – Award<br />
for Excellence in Teaching<br />
Earth Sciences <strong>2009</strong><br />
22 NeoGeo Adventure,<br />
Round One<br />
23 <strong>2009</strong> RMAG Pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />
Awards Recipients<br />
24 The <strong>2009</strong> Rockbusters’<br />
Ball and Awards Banquet<br />
27 RMAG Advertising Rates<br />
and Sizes for the Outcrop<br />
29 RMAG <strong>2009</strong> Rockbusters<br />
Ball Reservation Form<br />
35 Coming Soon: <strong>2009</strong><br />
RMAG Special Publication<br />
35 RMAG NeoGeos and<br />
Denver AAPG Young<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essionals Fall ‘09<br />
Networking Opportunities<br />
38 Looking for a place to<br />
publish? How about The<br />
<strong>Mountain</strong> Geologist?<br />
39 RMAG/DAPL/DGS/<br />
IPAMS/SPE <strong>2009</strong><br />
Denver Prospect Fair and<br />
Techn<strong>of</strong>est Registration<br />
Form<br />
43 RMAG <strong>2009</strong> Rockbusters<br />
Ball Invitation<br />
44 <strong>Rocky</strong> <strong>Mountain</strong> Expo<br />
Prospect Fair and<br />
Tehn<strong>of</strong>est<br />
DEPARTMENTS<br />
5 President’s Column<br />
10 In the Pipeline<br />
15 Welcome to New<br />
Members<br />
COVER PHOTO<br />
Weathering spires <strong>of</strong> one billion<br />
year old Pikes Peak granite at Cathedral<br />
Park, Teller County, Colorado.<br />
Bison Creek is eroding along the<br />
surface trace <strong>of</strong> the Oil Creek fault.<br />
Photo by Steve Mitchell.<br />
24 Luncheon Programs<br />
28 RMAG August Board <strong>of</strong><br />
Directors Meeting<br />
42 Advertisers Index<br />
42 Calendar <strong>of</strong> Events<br />
Volume 58 • No. 10• <strong>October</strong> <strong>2009</strong><br />
OUTCROP<br />
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www.rmag.org
Vol. 58, No. 10<br />
4<br />
<strong>October</strong> <strong>2009</strong>
OUTCROP<br />
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www.rmag.org
President’s Column<br />
by James Mullarkey<br />
Vote<br />
Yes, this month is the month<br />
that all RMAG Members, and RMAG<br />
Honorary Members will receive their<br />
ballots to cast your vote for your<br />
<strong>Association</strong>’s leadership for the next<br />
year to two years. PLEASE VOTE. The<br />
Secretary is the one year post, with<br />
the President-Elect, Treasurer-Elect,<br />
and the two Year Counselor, spending<br />
two years on the RMAG Board <strong>of</strong><br />
Directors. The First and Second Vice<br />
Presidents serve one year on the<br />
Board <strong>of</strong> Directors and then chair<br />
the Publications Committee and the<br />
Continuing Education Committees,<br />
respectively, the following year.<br />
The voting will be open through<br />
Tuesday, December 1st at 4 PM<br />
(MST) with the results reported<br />
at the Friday Luncheon-Annual<br />
Meeting on December 4th. But don’t<br />
procrastinate, gather the information<br />
you need and make an informed<br />
choice. The diffi culty will be choosing<br />
from this slate <strong>of</strong> great candidates for<br />
next year’s RMAG Board <strong>of</strong> Directors.<br />
Big thanks are due to this year’s six<br />
person Nominating Committee and<br />
the twelve Candidates. The Ballot<br />
Committee has decided to place<br />
a ballot box in the RMAG <strong>of</strong>fi ce so<br />
members can drop their ballots <strong>of</strong>f<br />
if they would prefer, rather than<br />
mailing them to the <strong>of</strong>fi ce. This year<br />
the Board chose RMAG Members<br />
to comprise the Nominations and<br />
Ballot Committees, as called for in the<br />
RMAG Bylaws. The U. S. Postal Service<br />
should deliver your ballot within days<br />
<strong>of</strong> the arrival <strong>of</strong> this issue <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Outcrop. The chair <strong>of</strong> the Nominations<br />
Committee is Steven Goolsby and<br />
the chair <strong>of</strong> the Ballot Committee is<br />
Michele Bishop, please contact any <strong>of</strong><br />
the Board, or either <strong>of</strong> them with your<br />
thoughts or comments.<br />
The RMAG <strong>of</strong>fice staff was<br />
reduced to two full time permanent<br />
employees, Sandi and Josh, when<br />
Caitlyn, resigned on 8-19-<strong>2009</strong>. So<br />
if you can stop by the <strong>of</strong>fi ce and lend<br />
a hand it would be appreciated I am<br />
certain. Please call or e-mail the<br />
<strong>of</strong>fi ce ahead <strong>of</strong> time if you can lend<br />
a hand.<br />
With winter approaching, this<br />
month’s initial energy saving fact<br />
falls back to an old standby, add<br />
insulation. An estimated 80% <strong>of</strong><br />
older homes are under-insulated.<br />
Properly insulating and sealing your<br />
home can cut your heating and<br />
cooling bills by 10% (reference:<br />
ConsumerReports, <strong>October</strong> 2008, p.<br />
23, consumerreports.org). The target<br />
R value for attic insulation in Parker,<br />
Colorado, about 15 miles from where<br />
I live, but in the same general ZIP<br />
code, is 38. This fact is from the www.<br />
energysavers.gov website, search<br />
on “zip-code insulation program”; I<br />
used the R-Value Recommendations<br />
Calculator, which uses 2002 cost<br />
data. If your attic has less than 11<br />
inches <strong>of</strong> fiberglass or rock wool<br />
or 8 inches <strong>of</strong> cellulose, you would<br />
probably benefit by adding more<br />
according to ConsumerReports<br />
(reference: ConsumerReports,<br />
<strong>October</strong> <strong>2009</strong>, p. 22) Pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />
energy auditors use a blower door<br />
or infared photography to pinpoint<br />
Continued on page 9 »<br />
30 Years Oil and Gas<br />
Industry Experience<br />
CPG 8653<br />
Anne D. Weber, Managing Attorney<br />
Acquisitions • Divestitures • Industry Agreements<br />
1580 Lincoln St., Suite 700 Denver, CO 80203<br />
Phone: 303-893-2004 aweber@weberlawfirm.us<br />
Vol. 58, No. 10<br />
6<br />
<strong>October</strong> <strong>2009</strong>
OUTCROP<br />
The <strong>Rocky</strong> <strong>Mountain</strong> <strong>Association</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Geologists</strong><br />
910 16th Street • Suite 1125 • Denver, CO 80202 • 303-573-8621<br />
The <strong>Rocky</strong> <strong>Mountain</strong> <strong>Association</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Geologists</strong> (RMAG) is a nonpr<strong>of</strong>i t organization whose purposes are to promote<br />
interest in geology and allied sciences and their practical application, to foster scientifi c research and to encourage<br />
fellowship and cooperation among its members. The Outcrop is a monthly publication <strong>of</strong> the RMAG.<br />
Co-Editors<br />
Kristine Peterson<br />
k.peterson@laramidegeo.com<br />
Holly Sell<br />
hsell@nobleenergyinc.com<br />
Catherine Campbell<br />
catherine.campbell@encana.com<br />
Design/Production<br />
Debbie Downs<br />
debradowns@att.net<br />
Friday Noon<br />
Luncheon Reservations<br />
303-573-8621<br />
RMAG Offi ce<br />
Sandi Pellissier<br />
303-573-8621<br />
Fax: 303-628-0546<br />
RMAGdenver@aol.com<br />
www.rmag.org<br />
<strong>2009</strong> Officers and Board <strong>of</strong> Directors<br />
President – Jim Mullarkey<br />
ljoil@cs.com<br />
President-Elect – Jerry Cuzella<br />
JERRYC49@aol.com<br />
1st Vice-President – Genevieve Young<br />
genevieve.young@state.co.us<br />
2nd Vice-President – Spence Flournoy<br />
jandsfl ournoy@comcast.net<br />
Secretary – Jay Leaver<br />
geoleaver@aol.com<br />
Treasurer – Paul Ozanich<br />
pfozanich@aol.com<br />
Treasurer Elect – Connie Knight<br />
cknight.99@alum.mines.edu<br />
Counselor (1 Year) – Susan Landon<br />
susanlandon@worldnet.att.net<br />
Counselor (2 Year) – John Horne<br />
johnhorne@orionlimited.com<br />
OUTCROP ADVERTISING RATES<br />
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The Outcrop is a monthly publication <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Rocky</strong> <strong>Mountain</strong> <strong>Association</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Geologists</strong><br />
910 16th Street, Suite 1125 • Denver, CO 80202<br />
OUTCROP<br />
7<br />
www.rmag.org
Lead Story<br />
Nebraska – The New Uranium Frontier<br />
By Steven S. Sibray and Dr. Marvin Carlson<br />
INTRODUCTION<br />
When people think <strong>of</strong> resources found in Nebraska, they might think <strong>of</strong> corn or cattle. Rarely do they think in<br />
terms <strong>of</strong> nuclear energy and new technology. Yet Nebraska has been a signifi cant producer <strong>of</strong> uranium since 1991<br />
and is arguably one <strong>of</strong> the most underexplored uranium provinces. The Crow Butte mine near Crawford, Nebraska has<br />
produced a little over 13 million pounds <strong>of</strong> uranium utilizing the innovative in situ recovery [ISR] technology. This low<br />
cost and high tech method <strong>of</strong> uranium mining has allowed Crow Butte Resources to develop this world class deposit<br />
during a period <strong>of</strong> record low uranium prices (around $10/lb). In recent years, uranium spot prices have been volatile,<br />
increasing to over $130/lb and then falling back down to around $48.00/lb. Despite the dramatic price increase,<br />
there is only one company actively exploring for uranium in the state.<br />
The uranium mineralization at<br />
the Crow Butte mine occurs as a<br />
classic “roll front” deposit (see Fig.<br />
1). Roll front deposits form when<br />
oxygen rich groundwater carrying<br />
high concentration <strong>of</strong> hexivalent<br />
uranium (U+6) encounters low<br />
oxygen groundwater and precipitates<br />
tetravalent uranium (U+4) minerals<br />
such as c<strong>of</strong>fi nite and /or uraninite.<br />
Iron minerals in the aquifer typically<br />
change from pyrite on the down<br />
gradient side <strong>of</strong> the oxidation front to<br />
hematite on the oxidized side <strong>of</strong> the<br />
interface. The change in iron mineral<br />
is very visible in drill cuttings and<br />
can be very useful as an exploration<br />
guide.<br />
ISR technology utilizes the fact<br />
that uranium is very soluble in the<br />
presence <strong>of</strong> oxygen rich water. Oxygen<br />
enriched water is injected into the<br />
uranium bearing sand/sandstone<br />
to oxidize and dissolve the uranium<br />
minerals. The uranium rich solution is<br />
then pumped out and piped to an ion<br />
exchange plant where it is processed<br />
and the water is then recycled back<br />
to the well fi eld.<br />
The uranium roll front deposits<br />
at the Crow Butte mine occur in the<br />
basal sands <strong>of</strong> the Chamberlain Pass<br />
Formation (CPF) which is the oldest<br />
part <strong>of</strong> the White River Group (WRG)<br />
<strong>of</strong> Eocene age (see Fig. 2). The CPF<br />
consists <strong>of</strong> a basal white to greenish<br />
white sand or sandstone composed<br />
<strong>of</strong> coarse grains <strong>of</strong> quartz, quartzite,<br />
and chert. Extensive chemical<br />
weathering including the removal<br />
<strong>of</strong> iron and kaolinization give the<br />
sandstone a “bleached” appearance.<br />
The sandstone thickness varies from<br />
0 to 350 feet and unconformably<br />
overlies the Cretaceous Pierre Shale<br />
or the Yellow Mounds Paleosol.<br />
The uppermost part <strong>of</strong> the CPF<br />
consists <strong>of</strong> the bright red Interior<br />
Paleosol. The Chadron Formation<br />
(CF) unconformably overlies these<br />
paleosols and consists <strong>of</strong> bluish<br />
green mudstones; thin, interbedded,<br />
lacustrine limestone beds; and<br />
Continued on page 11»<br />
Crow Butte Uranium project.<br />
Vol. l 58, No. o 10<br />
8<br />
<strong>October</strong> <strong>2009</strong><br />
09
President’s Column<br />
Continued from page 6<br />
where your home is leaking energy. Some utilities provide<br />
free audits. There are two groups <strong>of</strong> certifi ed energy<br />
auditors, Building Performance Index (BPI), these folks<br />
can also supply certifi ed contractors trained to make<br />
the necessary fi xes, and Residential Energy Services<br />
Network (reference: ConsumerReports, <strong>October</strong> <strong>2009</strong>,<br />
p. 23).<br />
I have just returned from attending the AAPG<br />
CustomAccountingSolutions,LLC<br />
7202318941<br />
BookkeepingServices<br />
FullFinancialPrepFinancial FullPayrollServices<br />
AR,AP,GL,PayrollTax,SalesTax,Etc.AP Payroll OutsourcingBookkeepingislessexpensive,<br />
i i i<br />
efficientandallowsyout<strong>of</strong>ocusonyourBusiness.<br />
allows to focus on your Wecandoallyourbooksorjustaportion<strong>of</strong>yourbooks.<br />
all or a <strong>of</strong> leadership days (ALD) in Tulsa, OK representing the<br />
RMAG as your president. The ALD is an annual AAPG<br />
sponsored event. There were about 120 attendees plus<br />
more than 30 AAPG staff involved in this 3 day event.<br />
The central topic was communication, especially at<br />
the committee level and with the AAPG headquarters.<br />
There were nine focus/breakout sessions held and the<br />
PowerPoint summaries <strong>of</strong> each will be made available on<br />
the AAPG website (search on “L” or<br />
“leadership” and you should fi nd the<br />
summaries). The attendees included<br />
about 20 Young Pr<strong>of</strong>essionals<br />
representing 15 student chapters<br />
in 9 countries, including the U.S.A.<br />
These younger folks gave the get<br />
together an infusion <strong>of</strong> energy<br />
and stimulated discussion <strong>of</strong> what<br />
younger geologists can contribute<br />
to pr<strong>of</strong>essional societies and what<br />
they would like to see from the<br />
older members, and also from<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essional societies in general. I<br />
found it to be an exciting, informative<br />
and worthwhile event.<br />
I have a couple <strong>of</strong> jokes to close<br />
out this month’s column. What did<br />
the mathematician say when he<br />
lost his parrot?…Where’s my Pollygon?<br />
And, Johnnie’s mom asks<br />
him “Johnnie, there were two pieces<br />
<strong>of</strong> chocolate cake in the kitchen<br />
and now there’s only one. Can<br />
you explain that? ” Johnnie answers,<br />
“I guess I didn’t see the other<br />
piece!”<br />
»<br />
OUTCROP<br />
9<br />
www.rmag.org
In the Pipeline<br />
<strong>October</strong> 2, <strong>2009</strong><br />
RMAG Luncheon. “Anatomy<br />
and Development <strong>of</strong> a Lowaccommodation<br />
Clastic Wedge:<br />
Cordilleran Foreland Basin, Utah and<br />
Colorado, USA.” Speaker Jennifer L.<br />
Asch<strong>of</strong>f.<br />
<strong>October</strong> 9, <strong>2009</strong><br />
DIPS Luncheon. “Correcting,<br />
Improving, Synthesizing, and Editing<br />
Western and Russian Wireline Log<br />
Data (from 1935 to the Present)<br />
and Relating them to Seismic and<br />
Production Data using Resistivity<br />
Modeling, SP Modeling and Neural<br />
Networks.” Speaker Jeff Arbogast.<br />
For reservations, contact Bob Zilinski<br />
at rezilin@aol.com or call 303-885-<br />
0615.<br />
<strong>October</strong> 11-13, <strong>2009</strong><br />
ASPO <strong>2009</strong> International Peak<br />
Oil Conference System Reset:<br />
Global Energy and the New Economy.<br />
Denver, CO. See http://www.aspousa.com/<strong>2009</strong>denver/matrix.cfm.<br />
<strong>October</strong> 13, <strong>2009</strong><br />
Desk and Derrick Club Luncheon.<br />
To make reservations email saundra.<br />
thompson@anadarko.com.<br />
<strong>October</strong> 16, <strong>2009</strong><br />
RMAG Luncheon. “3D Interpretation<br />
<strong>of</strong> a Metorite Impact Field,<br />
Red wing Creek Field, Williston Basin,<br />
Western North Dakota.” Speaker will<br />
be Benjamin Herber.<br />
<strong>October</strong> 17, <strong>2009</strong><br />
Neo Geos/AAPG Young<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essionals Community Service/<br />
Volunteer Day. Benjamin Betasso<br />
Trail Closure and Restoration. Contact<br />
Cat at Catherine.Campbell@encana.<br />
com.<br />
<strong>October</strong> 19, <strong>2009</strong><br />
DWLS Fall Workshop. “Capillary<br />
Pressure.” See http://dwls.spwla.org<br />
for more information.<br />
<strong>October</strong> 20, <strong>2009</strong><br />
DWLS Luncheon. “Why Doesn’t<br />
My Cap Pressure Model Match<br />
My Core Data?”, Mike Miller. For<br />
reservations http://dwls.spwla.org.<br />
<strong>October</strong> 22, <strong>2009</strong><br />
Denver <strong>Association</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
Petroleum Landmen. Hosting the<br />
Fall Land Institute, a day long seminar<br />
covering a wide range <strong>of</strong> subjects<br />
from geology and well trades to a<br />
panel discussion on acquisitions.<br />
For further information or to register<br />
please call the DAPL <strong>of</strong>fi ce at 303-<br />
446-2253.<br />
<strong>October</strong> 22, <strong>2009</strong><br />
SIPES Luncheon. For reservations<br />
call the SIPES Denver Chapter<br />
message line at 303-730-2967,<br />
or leave a reservation via email to<br />
sipesdenver@yahoo.com.<br />
<strong>October</strong> 25-30, <strong>2009</strong><br />
SEG International Exposition<br />
& Annual Meeting. Houston, TX.<br />
Register at www.seg.org.<br />
<strong>October</strong> 27, <strong>2009</strong><br />
RMS-SEPM Luncheon.<br />
“Graphical Methods for Sedimentologic-Stratigraphic<br />
Communication: Examples from Red<br />
Bed Climatic Cycles, Anastomosing<br />
Lower Coastal Plain, and Fluvial-<br />
Lacustrine Deltaic Systems.” Speaker<br />
Alan J. Scott. For reservations, call<br />
Steve Stancel at 720-929-6536<br />
or email steve.stancel@anadarko.<br />
com.<br />
<strong>October</strong> 28, <strong>2009</strong><br />
Oilfield Christian Fellowship. To<br />
RSVP call Barb Burrell at 303-675-<br />
2602 or e-mail OCF-DenverChapter@<br />
pxd.com.<br />
November 2, <strong>2009</strong><br />
RMAG Prospect Fair &<br />
Techn<strong>of</strong>est. See pages 2 and 44<br />
for more information.<br />
November 3-5, <strong>2009</strong><br />
International Petroleum & Bio<br />
Fuels Environmental Conference.<br />
Houston, TX. Call 918-631-3088 for<br />
info. or email cese@utulsa.edu.<br />
November 5, <strong>2009</strong><br />
NeoGeos Networking Happy<br />
Hour. Contact Becky at blkowalski@<br />
gmail.com.<br />
November 21, <strong>2009</strong><br />
RMAG Rockbuster’s Ball.<br />
See pages 29 and 43 for more<br />
information.<br />
»<br />
If you have any events that you would like to post in this column, please submit via email to Holly Sell at<br />
hsell@nobleenergyinc.com or to the RMAG <strong>of</strong>fi ce at rmagdenver@aol.com for consideration.<br />
Vol. 58, No. 10<br />
10<br />
<strong>October</strong> <strong>2009</strong>
Lead Story<br />
Continued from page 8<br />
localized channel<br />
sandstone deposits.<br />
In areas where the CF<br />
paleochannels have<br />
completely removed<br />
the CPF, the CF sands<br />
rest directly on top <strong>of</strong><br />
the Cretaceous Pierre<br />
Shale. The CF sands<br />
are arkosic and contain<br />
more weatherable<br />
minerals than the CPF.<br />
Differentiation <strong>of</strong> the two<br />
sandstones is likely a<br />
critical factor in exploring<br />
for uranium.<br />
The tuffaceous<br />
WRG rocks have long<br />
been considered the<br />
source <strong>of</strong> uranium in<br />
the Tertiary basins <strong>of</strong><br />
Wyoming. Although the<br />
overlaying Chadron<br />
Formation bentonitic<br />
mudstones might be<br />
considered a source<br />
<strong>of</strong> uranium, evidence<br />
from paleohydrogeology<br />
(tufas and lacustrine<br />
limestone) suggests that<br />
groundwater table was<br />
high and groundwater<br />
discharge was largely<br />
local. In contrast,<br />
groundwater during the<br />
development <strong>of</strong> the Interior Paleosol Equivalent was<br />
largely oxidizing and groundwater fl ow was downward into<br />
the underlying aquifers<br />
(CPF and older units).<br />
The initial uranium<br />
mineralization at Crow<br />
Butte probably occurred<br />
during the development<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Interior Paleosol<br />
Equivalent at the<br />
CPF-CF unconformity.<br />
In Nebraska and<br />
Wyoming, the parent<br />
material for the Interior<br />
Paleosol Equivalent<br />
was the tuffaceous<br />
WRG. In South Dakota,<br />
the parent material<br />
appears to be the Yellow<br />
Mounds Paleosol which<br />
would be depleted in<br />
uranium in comparison<br />
to the volcanic glass<br />
found in the WRG<br />
sediments.<br />
Exploration efforts<br />
should consider these<br />
hydrostratigraphic<br />
relationships and be<br />
directed to the CPF<br />
sands underlying<br />
the Interior Paleosol<br />
Equivalent in Nebraska<br />
and Wyoming rather<br />
than the CF sands. The<br />
distribution <strong>of</strong> the CPF<br />
sands in Nebraska is<br />
shown in Figure 3. The highest probability <strong>of</strong> fi nding<br />
Continued on page 13»<br />
Figure 1. Vertical cross section <strong>of</strong> uranium roll front deposit. Uranium precipitates at<br />
the interface between oxygen rich groundwater and oxygen poor groundwater. Iron<br />
minerals change from hematite to pyrite at the oxidation front and this is <strong>of</strong>ten used as<br />
an exploration tool.<br />
Figure 2. Stratigraphic relationships <strong>of</strong> the lower part <strong>of</strong> the lower part <strong>of</strong> the White River<br />
Group. The older Chamberlain Pass Formation is separated from the Chadron Formation<br />
by an unconformity and a sequence bounding paleosol [Interior Paleosol Equivalent].<br />
The Crow Butte uranium deposit is found in the Chamberlain Pass Formation. Modified<br />
from Terry, 1998<br />
OUTCROP<br />
11<br />
www.rmag.org
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Find out more today at www.ihs.com/reservoirsolutions<br />
Vol. 58, No. 10<br />
12<br />
<strong>October</strong> <strong>2009</strong>
Lead Story<br />
Continued from page 11<br />
Figure 3. Distribution <strong>of</strong> sands in the Chamberlain Pass Formation. Highest probability for<br />
uranium roll front deposits is along the margins <strong>of</strong> the main paleovalley entering Nebraska from<br />
Wyoming in northern Sioux Co. Map from Swinehart et al. 1985<br />
uranium is along the margins <strong>of</strong> the main paleochannel which<br />
trends northwest to southeast from northern Sioux county<br />
to Cheyenne and Duel counties in the southern Nebraska<br />
Panhandle. The depth to the base <strong>of</strong> the CPF in most <strong>of</strong> this<br />
area is less than 1500 ft. When uranium prices increase due<br />
to projected future demand and supply constraints, Nebraska<br />
may become a signifi cant uranium exploration frontier.<br />
References:<br />
Swinehart, J.B., Souders, V.L., DeGraw, H.M., and Diffendal, R.F., Jr., 1985,<br />
Cenozoic paleogeography <strong>of</strong> Western Nebraska, in Flores, R.M., and<br />
Kaplan, S.eds., Cenozoic paleogeography <strong>of</strong> the West-Central United<br />
States, Special Publication, <strong>Rocky</strong> <strong>Mountain</strong> Section: Tulsa, Society <strong>of</strong><br />
Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists, p. 209-229.<br />
Terry, D.O., 1998, Lithostratigraphic revision and correlation <strong>of</strong> the lower<br />
part <strong>of</strong> the White River Group, South Dakota to Nebraska in Geological<br />
Society <strong>of</strong> America Special Paper 325, Depositional Environments,<br />
Lithostratigraphy, and Arikaree Groups (Late Eocene to Early Miocene,<br />
North America).<br />
»<br />
OUTCROP<br />
13<br />
230 West Airport Rd.<br />
Unit D<br />
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Summit<br />
Mudlogging<br />
Services<br />
<br />
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Ph (435)657-0586<br />
Fax (435)657-0687<br />
Cell (435)640-1382<br />
email: mbarber@summitmudlog.com<br />
www.summitmudlog.com<br />
www.rmag.org<br />
1 and 2 man Mudlogging<br />
Sample Library logging<br />
Gas Referencing TM
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Vol. 58, No. 10<br />
14<br />
www.conquestseismic.com<br />
New York<br />
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504 IST Center,<br />
Horseheads, NY 14845<br />
Phone: (607) 562-2220<br />
Fax: (607) 562-2227<br />
<strong>October</strong> <strong>2009</strong>
Welcome to New Members...<br />
Jeffrey Schroeder<br />
Jeffrey is a Geologist for Encana<br />
located in Denver, CO.<br />
Terry Sarniak<br />
Terry is the Senior Geologist for<br />
Chevron located in Sugar Land, TX.<br />
Nikolaus Gribb<br />
Nikolaus is a GIS Specialist for the<br />
Wyoming State Geological Survey.<br />
Michael Putnam<br />
Michael is the Director <strong>of</strong> North<br />
American Exploration for Noble<br />
Energy located in Houston, TX.<br />
for Weatherford Surface Logging<br />
Systems located in Denver, CO.<br />
Beau Tinnin<br />
Beau is a Geologist for Pioneer<br />
Natural Resources located in Denver,<br />
CO.<br />
John Tinnin<br />
John currently resides in Denver,<br />
CO.<br />
Harry Mueller<br />
Harry is the CEO <strong>of</strong> Harry Mueller<br />
& Geoscience Consulting, LLC located<br />
in Fort Collins, CO.<br />
Welcome to New<br />
Students...<br />
Ting-Wei Ko<br />
Ting-Wei is a Graduate Student at<br />
the Colorado School <strong>of</strong> Mines.<br />
Kari Schultz<br />
Kari is a Graduate Student at the<br />
University <strong>of</strong> Colorado, Boulder.<br />
Benjamin Ramaker<br />
Benjamin is a Graduate Student<br />
at the University <strong>of</strong> Kansas.<br />
»<br />
Tom McClurg<br />
Tom is a Geologist for<br />
ConocoPhillips located in Houston,<br />
TX.<br />
Megan Stamper<br />
Megan is a Geologist for Zenergy<br />
Inc. located Tulsa, OK.<br />
John Privette<br />
John currently resides in Fort<br />
Collins, CO.<br />
Mark Bowman<br />
Mark is a Geologist for<br />
ConocoPhillips located in Houston,<br />
TX.<br />
Kyle Posey<br />
Kyle is a geologist at SunTerra Oil<br />
& Gas located in Houston, TX.<br />
John Tesone<br />
John is the Regional Manager<br />
OUTCROP<br />
15<br />
www.rmag.org
<strong>2009</strong> RMAG Board Candidates<br />
Debra Higley-Feldman<br />
Candidate for President-Elect<br />
Education:<br />
1972-77 Mesa State College-BS-<br />
Geology<br />
1981-83 Colorado School <strong>of</strong> Mines-MS-<br />
Geochemistry<br />
1986-94 Colorado School <strong>of</strong> Mines-<br />
PhD-Geology<br />
Ira Pasternack<br />
Candidate for Presidentelect<br />
Education:<br />
1976-Occidental<br />
College-BA-Geology<br />
1982-Colorado School<br />
<strong>of</strong> Mines-MS-Geology<br />
2007-Colorado School<br />
<strong>of</strong> Mines-PhD-Geology<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Experience:<br />
1976-81 Nuclear Assurance Corporation, Exploration geologist<br />
1981 North American Exploration, Consulting exploration geologist<br />
1982-Present U.S. Geological Survey, Petroleum geologist<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Affiliations:<br />
RMAG, RMAG Second Vice President,2007-2008<br />
Continuing Ed. committee member, including 2 years as chair 2003-<strong>2009</strong><br />
Short Course Co-Chair - “Petroleum Systems and Approach to<br />
Exploration and Development” June, 2001<br />
Cartoonist, Outcrop newsletter 1985-1991<br />
Secretary 1998-1999<br />
SEPM/RMS Member,<br />
Vice-president 1992-1993<br />
President-Elect 1993-1994<br />
President 1994-1995<br />
Advisor 1995-1996<br />
AAPG 1989-present<br />
Delegate 2001-2004<br />
Visiting Geologist Program lecturer 1999-present<br />
Canadian Society <strong>of</strong> Petroleum <strong>Geologists</strong> <strong>2009</strong><br />
Publications and Interests:<br />
Interests include reservoir/basin characterization, resource assessment,<br />
and petroleum system modeling for basins in the <strong>Rocky</strong> <strong>Mountain</strong> and Mid-<br />
Continent regions, and in Canada, and South America. Research is published<br />
as USGS and journal papers and maps. Two publications are below:<br />
Higley, D. K., 2007, Petroleum systems and assessment <strong>of</strong> undiscovered oil<br />
and gas in the Raton Basin–Sierra Grande Uplift Province, Colorado and New<br />
Mexico, in Higley, D. K., compiler, Petroleum systems and assessment <strong>of</strong><br />
undiscovered oil and gas in the Raton Basin–Sierra Grande Uplift Province,<br />
Colorado and New Mexico—USGS Province 41: U.S. Geological Survey Digital<br />
Data Series DDS–69–N, ch. 2, 124 p. http://pubs.usgs.gov/dds/dds-069/<br />
dds-069-n/<br />
Higley, Debra K., Lewan, Michael D., Roberts, Laura N.R., and Henry, Mitchell,<br />
<strong>2009</strong>, Timing and Petroleum Sources for the Lower Cretaceous Mannville<br />
Group Oil Sands <strong>of</strong> Northern Alberta Based on 4-D Modeling: American<br />
<strong>Association</strong> <strong>of</strong> Petroleum <strong>Geologists</strong> Bulletin, v 93 no. 2, p. 203-230.<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Experience:<br />
1977-80 U.S. Geological Survey<br />
1980-99 Amoco Production Co.<br />
1999-2002 Kestrel Energy Inc.<br />
2002-06 Consultant/Student<br />
2006-Present EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc.<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Affiliations:<br />
AAPG<br />
RMAG- Treasurer- 2002<br />
RMAG Board – Secretary - 2005<br />
Luncheon Speaker <strong>of</strong> the Year - 2005<br />
RMAG Board - 1st Vice President - 2008<br />
Publications Committee Chairperson, <strong>2009</strong><br />
AAPG<br />
SPWLA<br />
Wyoming Geological <strong>Association</strong><br />
Potential Gas Committee Technical Advisory Board Member<br />
SPE Speakers Bureau<br />
Wyoming Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Geologist PG-1796<br />
Publications and Interests:<br />
Authored or coauthored 13 publications on rocks <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Cretaceous System in northern Alaska, Wyoming, Colorado<br />
and New Mexico, as well as articles on horizontal drilling <strong>of</strong><br />
Jurassic Nugget Sandstone in the Wyoming Overthrust Belt,<br />
northwestern Montana Mississippian Sun River Dolomite<br />
reservoir characterization, and geological resources available<br />
on the internet. Interests include unconventional reservoirs and<br />
computer applications that facilitate geologic interpretations.<br />
Community Service:<br />
Amoco Mile-High United Way Keyworker, 1988<br />
Swallow Hill Music <strong>Association</strong> Volunteer<br />
Tutored Russian immigrant families American customs<br />
Tutored Colorado School <strong>of</strong> Mines graduate students geological<br />
s<strong>of</strong>tware. Assisted preparation <strong>of</strong> D. Stone’s <strong>2009</strong> RMAG <strong>Rocky</strong><br />
<strong>Mountain</strong> Foreland Structure Short Course<br />
Community Service:<br />
Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, member and trail work volunteer since 1997<br />
Vol. 58, No. 10<br />
16<br />
<strong>October</strong> <strong>2009</strong>
<strong>2009</strong> RMAG Board Candidates<br />
Bill Pearson<br />
Candidate for 1st VP<br />
Education:<br />
1970-Colorado School <strong>of</strong><br />
Mines-BS-Geophysics<br />
1975-University <strong>of</strong> Washington-<br />
PhD-Oceanography<br />
Kristine Peterson<br />
Candidate for 1st Vice-<br />
President<br />
Education:<br />
1977 – University <strong>of</strong><br />
Colorado – BS-Geology<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Experience:<br />
1970-1971 Kaiser Steel field Geologist<br />
1975-1977 Amoco Production Company<br />
1977-1979 Edcon<br />
1979-1981 Guion and Pearson<br />
1981- Present Consultant with Three D Gravity, Pearson,<br />
deRidder and Johnson, Pearson Technologies<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Affiliations:<br />
RMAG - 3D Seismic Symposium Committee1995-Present, President’s<br />
Award 1997<br />
AAPG<br />
DGS - Secretary, VP, President, Honorary Member 2004, Innovative<br />
Geoscience Technology Symposium Committee <strong>2009</strong>-Present<br />
Society <strong>of</strong> Exploration Geophysics – 2nd V<br />
SIPES<br />
Publications and Interests:<br />
AAPG Regional talks relating gravity and magnetic images to geology,<br />
seismic data and exploration in the <strong>Rocky</strong> <strong>Mountain</strong> basins with<br />
Co-Authors Dick Inden, John Horne, Penny Frush and R. Randy<br />
Ray. Pr<strong>of</strong>essional focus has been integrating geologic, gravimetric,<br />
magnetic, geochemical, remote sensing and seismic data in Rockies,<br />
Gulf Coast and foreign basins.<br />
Encouraging and supporting young pr<strong>of</strong>essionals in the geologic and<br />
geophysical community through scholarships and RMAG and DGS<br />
events.<br />
Developing new processing, imaging, and modeling technologies to<br />
extract high resolution information such as faulting and structure from<br />
gravity and magnetic data.<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Experience:<br />
1975-1977 U.S.G.S. Hydrologic Laboratory<br />
1977-1978 Native American Natural Resources Development<br />
Federation<br />
1978-1979 Wise Oil Company<br />
1979-1982 Impel Energy Corporation<br />
1982-1987 Ensource, Inc.<br />
1987-Present Consultant and Independent Geologist, formed<br />
Laramide Geosciences LLC in 2007.<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Affiliations:<br />
RMAG- Co-editor <strong>of</strong> Outcrop since 1998<br />
AAPG<br />
Potential Gas Committee<br />
DERL – Treasurer for two terms<br />
Texas Registered Geologist #5816<br />
Wyoming Registered Geologist #272<br />
Publications and Interests:<br />
Co-editor 1997 RMAG Piceance Basin Guidebook<br />
Coalbed Methane, A Viable Resource - Osage Mineral Estate, Kristine<br />
Peterson and Linda M. Jacobs, Shale Shaker, Volume 48, #3, 1997.<br />
Abnormal Pressures Encountered In A Deep Wildcat Well, Southern<br />
Piceance Basin, Colorado, Michael S. Wilson, Bret G. Gunneson,<br />
Kristine Peterson, and Royale Honore, Chapter 12, AAPG Memoir 70,<br />
Abnormal Pressures In Hydrocarbon Environment, 1998.<br />
Anything geologic or outdoors. Continued on page 18»<br />
Community Service:<br />
Colorado School <strong>of</strong> Mines Alumni supporter and guest lecturer.<br />
DON’T FORGET<br />
TO VOTE!<br />
OUTCROP<br />
17<br />
www.rmag.org
<strong>2009</strong> RMAG Board Candidates<br />
Continued<br />
Ron W. Pritchett<br />
Candidate for 2nd Vice-President<br />
Education:<br />
1998 University <strong>of</strong> Denver-Master <strong>of</strong> Technology<br />
Management<br />
1972 Colorado School <strong>of</strong> Mines-BS-Geological<br />
Engineering<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Experience:<br />
1973-75 Geologist-CO-WY-Cockrell Corp.<br />
1975-77 Geologist-Denver Basin-Sundance Oil<br />
1977-84 Project Geologist Western USA-Eurafrep,<br />
Inc.<br />
1984-99 Consulting Geology-Resource Projects<br />
1999-00 Wellsite Geology-Selman and Associates-WY-CO-TX-NM<br />
2003-09 Sr. Geologist-Wattenberg Field-Noble Energy, Inc.<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Affiliations:<br />
RMAG<br />
Publications Chair 3-D Seismic Symposium, 1995-<strong>2009</strong>; RMAG/ COGA Energy Epicenter<br />
- Publicity Chair, 2006-2008; President’s Award 2004; Long-Range Planning Committee,<br />
1996; Distinguished Service Award, 1994; Publications Committee Chair, 1994; Board-1st<br />
Vice-President, 1993; General Chairman <strong>of</strong> “Coalbed Methane Resources <strong>of</strong> Western North<br />
America”Conference, RMAG & Gas Research Institute, 1991; Board <strong>of</strong> Directors-2nd Vice<br />
President, 1990<br />
AIPG<br />
General Chairman AIPG 1995 Annual Meeting:”Prosperity and Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Geology”<br />
<strong>October</strong> 1-5, Denver, 1995; Distinguished Service Award, 1989<br />
WPG-Wyoming Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Geologist #561<br />
SPE- AAPG Public Information Committee,1998<br />
Potential Gas Committee (1988 – 2002)<br />
Publications and Interests:<br />
1998 Geology and Climate-Change Policy, AIPG<br />
1997 Fracture Prediction in Triple-Bed Strata, Four Corners Geological Society<br />
1997 Recognizing Junk Science, AIPG<br />
1995 Applied Geology, Prosperity, and Growth in the United States, AIPG<br />
1994 Prosperity and Land in Colorado, RMAG<br />
1993 Integrated Reservoir Management-Sooner Unit, Oklahoma Geological Survey<br />
Circular 98<br />
1985 Seismic Pr<strong>of</strong>iles-western Laramie Basin, RMAG, DDS<br />
1984 Oil & Gas Potential - Hanna Basin, AAPG<br />
1982 Kiowa Creek Field - Denver Basin, RMAG<br />
1982 Foster Field & Douglas Field South, Wyoming Geological <strong>Association</strong><br />
1978 Davis-Joyce Field - western Nebraska, RMAG<br />
from page 17<br />
Mines, MS Geology - 1974<br />
Lawrence<br />
(Larry)<br />
Anna<br />
Candidate for<br />
2nd Vice-<br />
President<br />
Education:<br />
University <strong>of</strong><br />
Colorado/<br />
Boulder, BA<br />
Geology - 1971<br />
South Dakota<br />
School <strong>of</strong><br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Experience:<br />
1971-1972 Conoco, Inc.<br />
1974-1981 USGS<br />
1981-1984 Frio Oil Co.<br />
1984 Transcontinental Oil Co.<br />
1984-1991 Bass Enterprises Production Co.<br />
1992-Present USGS<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Affiliations:<br />
RMAG – Outcrop Editor, 1987-1992; Public Issues<br />
Chairman, 1995-Present<br />
AAPG<br />
AIPG – President, 1984; Distinguished Service<br />
Award, 1989<br />
RMS-SEPM – Field Trip Chairman, 1983<br />
Publications and Interests:<br />
Oil and gas assessments: Great Basin, Powder River<br />
Basin, Williston Basin<br />
Basin analysis: framework development, flow<br />
modeling<br />
Fractured rock modeling<br />
Community Service:<br />
Accountability Chairman, Alameda High School,<br />
1993-1994<br />
Little League Baseball Coach/Instructor, 1985-91;<br />
1999-Present<br />
Wrangler, Westernaires Youth Equestrians, 1984-<br />
1994<br />
Planning Commissioner, Jefferson County,<br />
Colorado, 2002-Present<br />
Community Service:<br />
1998-Present Cherry Creek Toastmasters<br />
1997 <strong>Geologists</strong> for Truth in Climate Policy<br />
1989-91 RMAG K-12 Speakers Bureau<br />
Vol. 58, No. 10<br />
18<br />
<strong>October</strong> <strong>2009</strong>
<strong>2009</strong> RMAG Board Candidates<br />
Cat Campbell<br />
Candidate for Secretary<br />
Education:<br />
2004-Connecticut College-BA-<br />
Environmental Studies<br />
2007-University <strong>of</strong> Wyoming-MS-<br />
Geology<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Experience:<br />
2004-2005 St. Paul Travelers<br />
Environmental Claims<br />
2007-Present EnCana Oil and Gas<br />
(USA)<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Affiliations:<br />
RMAG- Outcrop Editor, Neo-Geo Volunteer Coordinator<br />
AAPG- <strong>Rocky</strong> <strong>Mountain</strong> Section Imperial Barrel Award Chairperson, <strong>2009</strong><br />
ACE Volunteer Coordinator<br />
GSA<br />
DWLS<br />
Publications:<br />
Campbell and others (2008) Strontium isotopes as indicators <strong>of</strong> aquifer<br />
communication in an area <strong>of</strong> coal-bed natural gas production, Powder<br />
River Basin, Wyoming and Montana; <strong>Rocky</strong> <strong>Mountain</strong> Geology, v. 43,<br />
no.2, pg 171-197.<br />
Co-author on several convention posters and talks as well as on a chapter<br />
in a book on coalbed natural gas to be published later this year.<br />
Interests:<br />
On the geology side, geochemistry is my main focus. Outside <strong>of</strong> that I<br />
like to be up close and personal with rocks through climbing and other<br />
adventures!<br />
Community Service:<br />
Wildlands Restoration Volunteers- Project Leader, Crew Leader and<br />
Wilderness Medic for backcountry crews<br />
Wyoming Women in Science- Geology presenter for high school girls<br />
Denver Roller Dolls- Medic<br />
Laura Mauro<br />
Candidate for Secretary<br />
Education:<br />
2004<br />
Colorado School <strong>of</strong> Mines –<br />
BS Geological Engineering<br />
2007 – Present<br />
Colorado School <strong>of</strong> Mines<br />
– MS Geology expected<br />
graduation <strong>2009</strong><br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Experience:<br />
2004 – 2007 Questar E & P – Pinedale Team<br />
2007 – <strong>2009</strong> Questar E & P – Legacy Team<br />
<strong>2009</strong> – Present Questar E & P – New Ventures Team<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Affiliations:<br />
RMAG-NeoGeos Treasurer, <strong>2009</strong><br />
AAPG, AAPG Imperial Barrel Award Committee, EMD<br />
AAPG Student Member, Student Chapter Secretary, 2003 - 2004<br />
RMS SEPM Member<br />
<strong>Association</strong> <strong>of</strong> Geoscience Students (AGS), Student Chapter<br />
Treasurer<br />
Publications and Interests:<br />
Tectonics and sedimentation, unconventional reservoirs,<br />
carbonate geology, and geologic hazards<br />
Hiking, skiing, and traveling<br />
Community Service:<br />
Futures in Energy 2006-2008, Habitat for Humanity<br />
Continued on page 20»<br />
Renee L. Klinger<br />
Consulting Geologist<br />
Shale and CBM Data Research<br />
Desorption/Adsorption Curve Analysis<br />
Prospect Evaluation<br />
406-827-8273 Cell: 406-250-0125<br />
rklinger@blackfoot.net<br />
Barnett – Fayetteville – Bakken – New Albany – Mancos – Floyd<br />
in<br />
OUTCROP<br />
19<br />
www.rmag.org
<strong>2009</strong> RMAG Board Candidates<br />
Continued<br />
David E. Eby<br />
Candidate for Treasurer Elect<br />
Education:<br />
1969-Franklin & Marshall College-<br />
A.B.-Geology<br />
1972-Brown University-M.S.-<br />
Geology<br />
1977-S.U.N.Y.-Stony Brook-Geology<br />
(Sedimentology)<br />
from page 19<br />
George F. Coryell<br />
Candidate for Treasurer-Elect<br />
Education:<br />
1975 – University <strong>of</strong><br />
Washington – BS Geological<br />
Sciences<br />
1978 – Oregon State<br />
University – MS Geology<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Experience:<br />
1974-1979 Franklin & Marshall College; University <strong>of</strong> Texas at<br />
Dallas – Assistant Pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> Geology<br />
1979-1982 Mobil Oil Research & Development Co. – Senior<br />
Research Geologist<br />
1982-1990 Champlin Petroleum/Union Pacific Resources –<br />
Geological Advisor<br />
1990-1991 Marathon Petroleum Technology Center – Senior<br />
Geologist<br />
1991 – Present EBY petrography & Consulting, Inc. – Owner<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Affiliations:<br />
RMAG<br />
American <strong>Association</strong> <strong>of</strong> Petroleum <strong>Geologists</strong> - AAPG Bulletin Assoc.<br />
Editor, 1989-91; 2001-2010; Standing Committee on Student Chapters,<br />
1979-87, Chair, 1984-86; Field Trip Chair, 1983 Annual Mtg.<br />
Canadian Society <strong>of</strong> Petroleum <strong>Geologists</strong><br />
Dallas Geological Society -1st V.P./Program Chair, 1981-82<br />
Fort Worth Geological Society - Cont. Ed. Chair, 1989-90<br />
Geological Society <strong>of</strong> America - Bulletin Assoc. Editor, 1992-98.<br />
History <strong>of</strong> Earth Science Society<br />
IAS (International Assoc. <strong>of</strong> Sedimentologists)<br />
SEPM - SEPM Foundation, 2008-present; Poster Sessions Chair, <strong>2009</strong><br />
Annual Mtg.<br />
RMS-SEPM - 1st V.P./Program Chair, 1995-96<br />
Utah Geological <strong>Association</strong><br />
Publications and Interests:<br />
Carbonate Sedimentology, Diagenesis and Reservoir Development<br />
Sandstone, Carbonate and Shale Petrography<br />
Economic Geology (Base Metals & Industrial Minerals)<br />
Planetary Geology<br />
Community Service:<br />
Peer Reviewer for National Science Foundation (NSF) grant proposals in<br />
Sedimentary Geology<br />
President’s Regional Advisory Council & Reunion Committees, Franklin<br />
and Marshall College<br />
Lookout Community Pre-School Board (President)<br />
Member <strong>of</strong> numerous Graduate Student Thesis and Dissertation<br />
Committees (several universities)<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Experience:<br />
1974 Beth Properties Ltd.<br />
1975 El Paso Mining and Milling Co.<br />
1977-1979 Texaco Inc.<br />
1979-1981 Sohio Petroleum Co.<br />
1981-1986 Forest Oil Corp.<br />
1986-1996 Consultant<br />
1996-2002 Mallon Oil Co.<br />
2002-<strong>2009</strong> Robert L. Bayless, Producer LLC<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Affiliations:<br />
RMAG<br />
AAPG<br />
RG, PG California #6128<br />
PG Wyoming #2493<br />
Interests:<br />
Minerals exploration (Managing Member, Coryell Mines LLC)<br />
Environmental science (1994, Univ. Calif. San Diego, Pr<strong>of</strong>.<br />
Cert.)<br />
West coast geology<br />
Music and creative writing<br />
Community Service:<br />
Castle Rock Town Band<br />
Neil H. Whitehead, III<br />
Consulting Geologist<br />
PhD CPG-AIPG PG WY<br />
<strong>Rocky</strong> <strong>Mountain</strong> Basins<br />
Wellsite to Petroleum Systems<br />
ArcGIS<br />
303-679-8573 fax 303-679-8574 neil3@q.com<br />
31634 Black Widow Way Conifer, CO 80433-9610<br />
Vol. 58, No. 10<br />
20<br />
<strong>October</strong> <strong>2009</strong>
<strong>2009</strong> RMAG Board Candidates<br />
Bruce S. Kelso<br />
Candidate for Counselor<br />
Education: 1977 Alfred<br />
University- BA-Geology,<br />
Environmental Science<br />
Minor<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Experience:<br />
1978 ExLog Mudlogging<br />
1980-88 Colorado Geological Survey<br />
1988-96 Advanced Resources International, Inc.<br />
1996-2000 MarkWest Resources, Inc.<br />
2000-01 Redstone Resources, Inc.<br />
2001-03 Williams Production RMT<br />
2003-Present Berry Petroleum Company<br />
Edward D. Dolly<br />
Candidate for Counselor<br />
Education:<br />
1969 University <strong>of</strong> Oklahoma, PhD, Geology<br />
1965 University <strong>of</strong> Oklahoma, MS, Geology<br />
1963 University <strong>of</strong> Illinois, BS, Geology<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Experience:<br />
Career to date, spanning the past forty years,<br />
began with Shell Oil Company in Denver, Colorado.<br />
Subsequently worked for Trend Exploration Ltd.<br />
and its successor Filon Exploration Corporation<br />
as an independent geologist; for James Energy<br />
Management (Partner); for Consolidated Oil and Gas (Vice President, Geology);<br />
for Anschutz Exploration Corporation (Exploration Manager <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Rocky</strong><br />
<strong>Mountain</strong> Region); and for The Houston Exploration Company (Exploration<br />
Geologist). Ed is currently an independent consulting geologist.<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Affiliations:<br />
RMAG Offices: President, 1996; President Elect, 1995; 2nd Vice President, 1982<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Affiliations:<br />
RMAG<br />
Secretary, 1993; Counselor, 1996-97; President Elect, 2002;<br />
President, 2003<br />
Committee Positions: Chairman and Co-Chairman, Coalbed<br />
Methane Symposiums<br />
AAPG<br />
Publications and Interests:<br />
Extensive list <strong>of</strong> Unconventional Reservoir publications,<br />
including Coalbed Methane, Tight Gas Sandstones and Shale<br />
Gas Reservoirs<br />
DON’T<br />
FORGET<br />
TO VOTE!<br />
RMAG Co-Editor<br />
Hydrocarbon Production from Low Contrast, Low Resistivity Reservoirs, <strong>Rocky</strong><br />
<strong>Mountain</strong> and Mid-Continent Regions, Log Examples <strong>of</strong> Subtle Pays: RMAG, coedited<br />
with James C. Mullarkey.<br />
RMAG Committee Work: Served on nine different committees, chairman twice.<br />
RMAG Awards: Honorary Member Award, 1998; Distinguished Service Award,<br />
1990; Explorer <strong>of</strong> the Year Award, 1980<br />
<strong>Rocky</strong> <strong>Mountain</strong> Section – SEPM<br />
Co-Editor Mesozoic Paleogeography <strong>of</strong> the West Central United States<br />
<strong>Rocky</strong> <strong>Mountain</strong> Section – AAPG<br />
AAPG Advisory Council Representative 2003-2006<br />
President 2000-2001<br />
AAPG Committee Work: Served on numerous committees, chairman <strong>of</strong> several.<br />
AAPG House <strong>of</strong> Delegates 1982 – 2010, chairman in 2001-2002.<br />
AAPG Awards: Honorary Member, 2007; Distinguished Service Award, 2000; A.I.<br />
Levorsen Award, 1980<br />
Interests:<br />
Spending time with his family has always been <strong>of</strong> paramount importance to Ed. In<br />
addition to his wife and two children, the family has grown by three: a daughterby-marriage<br />
and two young grandchildren. Four year old Bella and 23 month old<br />
Colt live near San Antonio, so spending time with them also involves travel. Ed<br />
also enjoys reading and outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, camping and<br />
snowshoeing. In recent years, he’s become increasingly interested in genealogy,<br />
a passion shared by his wife, and the two <strong>of</strong> them are devoting considerable time<br />
to the pursuit <strong>of</strong> their family histories.<br />
Community Service:<br />
Over the years, Ed has included community activities in his busy schedule as time<br />
permitted. He has coached midget football, served on the board <strong>of</strong> directors<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Denver YMCA, held several <strong>of</strong>fices (including co-president) in the Clear<br />
Creek Booster Club, and donated nearly eight gallons <strong>of</strong> blood to the Children’s<br />
Hospital <strong>of</strong> Denver.<br />
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RMAG Foundation – Award for Excellence in Teaching<br />
Earth Sciences <strong>2009</strong><br />
This is the ninth year that the <strong>Rocky</strong> <strong>Mountain</strong><br />
<strong>Association</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Geologists</strong> Foundation has honored a<br />
teacher that actively promotes excellence in teaching<br />
<strong>of</strong> earth science with its “Teacher <strong>of</strong> the Year Award.”<br />
The recipient receives a plaque and a cash award,<br />
provided by the RMAG Foundation, and it is the generous<br />
donations and supporters <strong>of</strong> the Foundation that make<br />
this all possible. A subcommittee <strong>of</strong> the K-12 Education<br />
and Public Outreach Committee solicits and judges<br />
applications submitted by teachers from throughout the<br />
Front Range area.<br />
The <strong>2009</strong> recipient <strong>of</strong> our Excellence in Teaching<br />
Award is Ms. Anne Burnette. Anne holds a B.S. degree<br />
in geology and B.A. degree in Environmental Studies<br />
from Oberlin College, and earned the M.S. degree in<br />
Journalism with emphasis in science communication<br />
and writing from the University <strong>of</strong> Colorado, Boulder. She<br />
has been a teacher for 8 years and for the last four years<br />
has been a high school science teacher at the <strong>Rocky</strong><br />
<strong>Mountain</strong> School for Expeditionary Learning in Denver.<br />
Her colleagues attest that she brings impressive<br />
content to her classes at a very challenging level,<br />
and engages her students in the scientifi c process <strong>of</strong><br />
discovery with authentic and appealing activities. In the<br />
school’s science curriculum, earth science is taught<br />
Neo-Geo Adventure,<br />
Round One<br />
By Cat Campbell<br />
“Should we not get too close to<br />
that?” questioned a weary Neo-Geo<br />
eyeing the uranium roll front looming<br />
in the outcrop above. The question<br />
was rapidly dismissed as we all stood<br />
in awe <strong>of</strong> the rock containing oil stains,<br />
the infamous roll front, a nice yellow<br />
dusting <strong>of</strong> sulfur, and many other sedimentary features.<br />
This was but one <strong>of</strong> the numerous outcrops visited in the<br />
front range between Morrison and Golden by a group <strong>of</strong><br />
10 Neo-Geos led by Steve Sonnenberg from the School<br />
<strong>of</strong> Mines on August 8th.<br />
The tour was only a glimpse into the incredible rocks<br />
Vol. 58, No. 10<br />
Photo by Natasha Rigg.<br />
22<br />
in the fall trimester to junior<br />
and senior level students.<br />
Her curriculum begins with an<br />
introduction to the scientifi c<br />
method and how it is used<br />
in earth science. This is followed by introductions on<br />
minerals and rocks, structural geology, and the principles<br />
<strong>of</strong> plate tectonics and its relationship to the formation<br />
and distribution <strong>of</strong> mineral deposits. She also focuses on<br />
the biogeochemical cycles in nature and the importance<br />
<strong>of</strong> the extractive industries on humankind, including the<br />
concepts <strong>of</strong> renewable and non-renewable resources.<br />
She actively promotes fi eld excursions and has taken her<br />
students to the fi eld with trips to the Edgar Mine (the CSM<br />
experimental mine in Idaho Springs) and to the Climax<br />
Mine in Leadville.<br />
Anne Burnett is an exceptional teacher and an<br />
outstanding example <strong>of</strong> those dedicated educators who<br />
make a signifi cant and positive impact on our children.<br />
We owe our gratitude to people like Anne for developing<br />
young minds and planting the seed <strong>of</strong> interest and<br />
appreciation <strong>of</strong> geology. She represents the best <strong>of</strong> those<br />
who teach earth science and is a very deserving educator<br />
worthy to be presented the RMAG’s <strong>2009</strong> Teacher <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Year Award.<br />
»<br />
that surround our everyday<br />
lives just a few miles from<br />
Denver. Peter Bucknam, the<br />
trip organizer summarizes,<br />
“We ran the trip to give<br />
younger geologists an<br />
introduction to the geology<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Denver area, starting<br />
from the base <strong>of</strong> our strat<br />
column and working up.<br />
We’re lucky to have such<br />
a great exposure so close<br />
to town.”<br />
Several future trips are planned, including a<br />
continuation <strong>of</strong> this front range sequence to look at the<br />
Lyons and Fountain Formations north <strong>of</strong> our last trip.<br />
These trips are free for interested geologists, keep your<br />
eyes on the Outcrop for upcoming dates!<br />
<strong>October</strong> <strong>2009</strong><br />
»
<strong>2009</strong> RMAG<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />
Awards Recipients<br />
Honorary Membership<br />
Jewel Wellborn<br />
Outstanding Explorer<br />
John Masters<br />
Outstanding Scientist<br />
Mark Kirschbaum<br />
Distinguished Service to<br />
RMAG<br />
Barbara Luneau<br />
Debra Higley-Feldman<br />
Distinguished Public<br />
Service to Earth Science<br />
Tom Ann Casey<br />
Kimberlee Gerhardt<br />
Journalism<br />
Kirk Johnson and Ray Troll –<br />
Cruisin’ The Fossil Freeway<br />
Special Award/President’s<br />
Award<br />
Darrell Connelly<br />
Randy Ray<br />
OUTCROP<br />
23<br />
www.rmag.org
Luncheon Programs – <strong>October</strong> 2 nd & <strong>October</strong> 16 th<br />
Anatomy and Development <strong>of</strong> a Low-accommodation Clastic Wedge: Cordilleran<br />
Foreland Basin, Utah and Colorado, USA<br />
Jennifer L. Asch<strong>of</strong>f, Assistant Pr<strong>of</strong>essor, Stratigraphy, Department <strong>of</strong> Geology and Geological Engineering,<br />
Colorado School <strong>of</strong> Mines, Golden, Colorado, jasch<strong>of</strong>f@mines.edu, <strong>October</strong> 2, <strong>2009</strong><br />
Low aspect-ratio<br />
wedges typically consist<br />
<strong>of</strong> numerous incomplete,<br />
amalgamated and<br />
<strong>of</strong>fl apping sequences<br />
with longer shoreline<br />
tongues that stack in a<br />
fl at to falling pattern;<br />
these characteristics<br />
are the hallmarks <strong>of</strong><br />
a low-accommodation<br />
setting.<br />
Distinguishing sequence architecture within a regional stratigraphic framework<br />
provides insight into long-, and short-term processes <strong>of</strong> foreland basin development.<br />
Two main types <strong>of</strong> clastic wedges are identifi ed in Cretaceous Cordilleran Foreland<br />
basin fi ll based on their sequence architecture: (1) thick, vertically stacked, high<br />
aspect ratio wedges and (2) thinner, more extensive, low aspect ratio wedges. Lowaspect-ratio<br />
wedges are relatively rare in the Cordilleran foreland basin, and record<br />
a complex interplay <strong>of</strong> tectonic styles, climatic conditions and eustatic processes.<br />
Low aspect-ratio wedges typically consist <strong>of</strong> numerous incomplete, amalgamated<br />
and <strong>of</strong>fl apping sequences with longer shoreline tongues that stack in a fl at to falling<br />
pattern; these characteristics are the hallmarks <strong>of</strong> a low-accommodation setting. This<br />
clastic wedge consists <strong>of</strong> twenty-fi ve facies assemblages and six key parasequence<br />
types that stack into 3rd-, 4th- and 5th-order depositional sequences and sequence<br />
sets. High-order sequences stack in a striking <strong>of</strong>fl apping pattern and contain a<br />
high proportion <strong>of</strong> tidally infl uenced facies with numerous incisions. Sequencestratigraphic<br />
and biostratigraphic correlation, coupled with thinning trends indicate<br />
that the wedge developed coeval with Sevier- and Laramide-style deformation. The<br />
unique, low aspect ratio clastic wedge records an overlap in deformation style that<br />
may have interfered with the thrust-belt-controlled fl exural wavelength <strong>of</strong> the foreland<br />
basin and changed accommodation patterns. Such clastic wedges are observed in<br />
other parts <strong>of</strong> the Cordilleran Foreland basin and may have formed under similar<br />
conditions. Classifi cation <strong>of</strong> clastic wedges and careful description <strong>of</strong> the internal<br />
architecture <strong>of</strong> them can provide a unique predictive tool for exploration. This study<br />
describes one <strong>of</strong> these unique, low-aspect-ratio (i.e., low accommodation) clastic<br />
wedges and proposes their utility as an indicator <strong>of</strong> change in tectonic style and as<br />
a predictive tool for internal facies types and connectivity.<br />
LUNCHEON RESERVATIONS AND INFORMATION<br />
Luncheons will be held at the Marriott City Center at California and 17th St. Please check the<br />
event listing in the lobby for the room. People gather at 11:30 a.m., lunch is served at 12:00<br />
noon, and the speaker presentation begins at about 12:20 p.m. The price <strong>of</strong> the luncheon is<br />
$30.00. Checks should be made payable to RMAG. No reservation is required for the talk only<br />
and the cost is $5.00. Please make your reservation prior to 10:30 a.m. on the Wednesday<br />
before the luncheon. Please Note: If you make a reservation and do not attend the luncheon,<br />
you will be billed for the luncheon. Cancellations are not guaranteed after 10:30 a.m. the<br />
Wednesday before the talk. You may send someone in your stead.<br />
Your attendance is<br />
welcomed and encouraged.<br />
Bring a guest or new member!<br />
Call 303-573-8621<br />
Vol. 58, No. 10<br />
24<br />
<strong>October</strong> <strong>2009</strong>
Luncheon Program<br />
3D Interpretation <strong>of</strong> a Metorite Impact Field, Red Wing Creek Field, Williston<br />
Basin, Western North Dakota<br />
Benjamin Herber, Paul Weimer, (University <strong>of</strong> Colorado, Boulder, CO), Roger Barton (True Oil, Casper,<br />
WY), William S. Hammon III (Terra Spark, Boulder, CO), Chunju Huang, Shu Jiang (University <strong>of</strong><br />
Colorado, Boulder, CO), <strong>October</strong> 16, <strong>2009</strong><br />
The impact crater<br />
consists <strong>of</strong> a<br />
structurally high<br />
central core, with<br />
two surrounding<br />
structurally high<br />
areas; an inner and an<br />
outer rim. The total<br />
deformed area is<br />
about 65 square km;<br />
the central core area<br />
is 2.6 square km. .<br />
The Red Wing Creek Field in the Williston Basin <strong>of</strong> western North Dakota is one <strong>of</strong><br />
a handful <strong>of</strong> oil and gas fi elds in the world that is known to produce from a structure<br />
that formed associated with a meteorite impact. Discovered in 1972, this fi eld has<br />
produced 17 millions barrels <strong>of</strong> oil and 25 BCF <strong>of</strong> gas from 26 wells, <strong>of</strong> which 22 are<br />
still producing. Ultimate recovery is estimated to be at least 60 million barrels <strong>of</strong> oil.<br />
The impact crater consists <strong>of</strong> a structurally high central core, with two surrounding<br />
structurally high areas; an inner and an outer rim. The total deformed area is about<br />
65 square km; the central core area is 2.6 square km. Production is primarily from<br />
reservoirs in the central core that consist <strong>of</strong> highly deformed carbonate strata <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Upper Mississippian Madison/Mission Canyon Formation. Production occurs from<br />
highly fractured strata with less than 1 mD <strong>of</strong> permeability. Geochemical analyses <strong>of</strong><br />
the oil indicate the source rock as the underlying Devonian Bakken Shale.<br />
Regionally, the Upper Mississippian Madison Group consists, at the base, <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Lodgepole Formation, overlain by Mission Canyon, overlain by anhydrite and salt <strong>of</strong><br />
the Charles Formation, overlain by the Kibbey Formation (sandstones, shales, and<br />
carbonates). However, within the crater, these strata are <strong>of</strong> variable thickness and<br />
not present everywhere.<br />
At the peak <strong>of</strong> the central core, the steeply dipping vertical Mission Canyon<br />
strata are overlain by sub-horizontal Jurassic strata. The remainder <strong>of</strong> central core<br />
consists <strong>of</strong> steeply dipping Mission Canyon strata overlain by salt and anhydrite <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Charles Formation that fl owed after deformation. In the inner rim, the Mission Canyon<br />
Formation varies from gentle to steep dips (up to 22 degrees) and is overlain by the<br />
Charles Formation. The Mission Canyon strata in the outer rim are gently dipping (4-5<br />
degrees), and are also overlain by the Charles Formation.<br />
Interpretation <strong>of</strong> a 3-D seismic data set using select attributes allows for the<br />
detailed mapping <strong>of</strong> the faults and deformed strata within the impact feature. A<br />
combination <strong>of</strong> coherency, curvature, edge stacking, and dip azimuth attributes were<br />
used iteratively to determine the best interpretation. These attributes indicate that<br />
faults deform primarily the outer and inner rims, and the central core. The outer rim<br />
has a radius <strong>of</strong> 3.3 to 5 km (2 to 2.5 miles), and is defi ned by a series <strong>of</strong> arcuate<br />
normal faults, which are, in essence, an updip slide escarpment. Individual faults<br />
are up to 2.5 km (1.55 miles) in length with <strong>of</strong>fsets up to 110 m (350 feet). The inner<br />
rim has a radius <strong>of</strong> 2 km (1.25 miles). Along the inner rim, faults have normal to high<br />
angle reverse motion with <strong>of</strong>fsets up to 135 m (440 feet). Faults are up to 1.6 km<br />
(1 mile) in length. Faulting density is greatest in the central core. Faults are up to<br />
0.8 km (0.5 mile) in length, and have a radial to crosscutting pattern within the core.<br />
The decollement for the deformed Upper Mississippian interval appears to be the<br />
Lodgepole Limestone, directly underlying the Mission Canyon Formation. Attribute<br />
analyses also show fracturing/faulting <strong>of</strong> the Lower Paleozoic strata (about 1220 m,<br />
4000 feet) underlying the impact feature into the upper portions <strong>of</strong> the Precambrian<br />
basement.<br />
»<br />
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Vol. 58, No. 10<br />
26<br />
<strong>October</strong> <strong>2009</strong>
OUTCROP<br />
27<br />
www.rmag.org
RMAG August Board <strong>of</strong> Directors Meeting<br />
By Jay Leaver, Secretary (GeoLeaver@aol.com)<br />
The Board <strong>of</strong> Directors met on August 19th in the<br />
conference room <strong>of</strong> the University Building. The next<br />
regularly-scheduled BOD meetings are to be at the<br />
same venue, at 4:00 p.m., on Wednesday September<br />
16, <strong>October</strong> 14, and November 18. These meetings are<br />
open to the membership.<br />
The meeting began with a report from Elmo Brown,<br />
who is coordinating the 2010 combined RMAG-COGA<br />
Meeting (July 7 – 10 2010, too bad I don’t have a 2010<br />
calendar, or I’d mark it down.) These biannual events<br />
have become real regional dynamos, with a lot <strong>of</strong><br />
synergy between the two groups. Truth to tell, the COGAers<br />
outnumber the RMAG attendees by 2:1. The way<br />
the allocation <strong>of</strong> funds works, RMAG gets 100% <strong>of</strong> the<br />
revenue from a given ticket or exhibitor if the attendee or<br />
exhibitor mentions RMAG. COGA gets 100% if they don’t<br />
mention RMAG, and the groups split the revenue 50-50%<br />
in the event the poor lost soul can’t make up their mind<br />
and chooses both. So please remember to support RMAG<br />
when the time comes to sign up (and no choosing ‘Mad<br />
Magazine’ as home organization this time, Ned!)<br />
At this point in the Board Meeting, we stepped<br />
into Executive Session to discuss Service Awards, with<br />
an update by Tricia Beaver. These Executive Session<br />
Outtakes are closed to the general membership for<br />
reasons <strong>of</strong> confi dentiality. I have always supposed that if<br />
a member actually were to attend a Board meeting (note<br />
how I faithfully invite you all at the beginning <strong>of</strong> each<br />
<strong>of</strong> these columns), we’d ask them to step outside and<br />
admire the lobby wallpaper during Executive Session. So<br />
far, it hasn’t been an issue, but you never know, someone<br />
might show up sometime and it’s best we all know the<br />
procedure.<br />
Tricia and Elmo then left the Board to its lonely toils.<br />
We reviewed the Minutes from July, which true to his<br />
word the Secretary had provided within a day or two <strong>of</strong><br />
each meeting. I was touched that both Sandi and Jim<br />
had read them and responded with editorial comments<br />
– not fl attering ones, mind you, but it’s the thought that<br />
counts in these things. Perhaps next month we’ll even<br />
approve them.<br />
After a discussion <strong>of</strong> the fi nancial report (we could<br />
really use a stimulus package, folks, so please alert<br />
your representative), we moved on to <strong>of</strong>fi ce matters.<br />
Josh Robbins is back from his unexpected hospital visit,<br />
which is doubly good because Caitlyn has left RMAG and<br />
Sandi could really use a hand with all the registrants for<br />
the Unconventional Symposium. That particular event<br />
(September 14) has really taken <strong>of</strong>f. There is some<br />
competition for the Keynote Speaker slot. I suggested<br />
the candidates mud-wrestle for the spot, but was told the<br />
Symposium won’t be quite that unconventional. Darn.<br />
As a fi nal note, there have been a couple <strong>of</strong> instances<br />
<strong>of</strong> people taking pictures <strong>of</strong> slides during RMAG Friday<br />
Luncheon talks. This is not good form, folks, and on<br />
behalf <strong>of</strong> the Board <strong>of</strong> Directors I am authorized to issue<br />
an Offi cial ‘Tsk-tsk’ to those responsible. Let’s not go<br />
getting all high-tech here. If you see a slide you like, honor<br />
the Speaker and ask for a copy directly and politely after<br />
the talk. Otherwise continue scribbling notes the old<br />
fashioned-way, please, with stylus and clay tablet.<br />
»<br />
Vol. 58, No. 10<br />
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<strong>Mountain</strong> Geologist Editor Recognized<br />
Barbara Luneau, having completed four years<br />
as volunteer Executive Editor for the <strong>Mountain</strong><br />
Geologist journal, has stepped aside with the July<br />
<strong>2009</strong> issue. Barbara worked with several co-authors<br />
during this time including Mark Longman, Susan<br />
Landon, and Lyn Cantor. Together with several<br />
special issue guest editors, they shepherded 66<br />
articles in 17 issues <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Mountain</strong> Geologist.<br />
Barbara’s attention and continued support <strong>of</strong><br />
the <strong>Mountain</strong> Geologist demonstrates a quiet yet<br />
admirable diligence. Working with several co- and<br />
special editors, she read, re-read, found reviewers,<br />
corresponded with authors, and worked with the<br />
pro<strong>of</strong>s and fi nal layouts on many more than the<br />
articles mentioned here. Considering all that<br />
she has contributed, her ongoing support for the<br />
<strong>Mountain</strong> Geologist is commendable.<br />
The <strong>Mountain</strong> Geologist strives to incorporate a<br />
variety <strong>of</strong> <strong>Rocky</strong> <strong>Mountain</strong> geology sub-disciplines.<br />
The regional journal particularly shines when<br />
focused on a special theme issue. Several <strong>of</strong> these<br />
were produced during Barbara’s tenure. These recent<br />
special theme issues, many with guest editor guidance,<br />
have been focused on the Boulder-Weld Coal Field<br />
(January <strong>2009</strong>), the Eocene Green River Formation (April<br />
2007), <strong>Rocky</strong> <strong>Mountain</strong> Gas Reservoirs (July 2006), the<br />
Structural Geology <strong>of</strong> the Colorado Front Range (January<br />
2006), and Cretaceous Sand Body Geometries in the<br />
Piceance Basin area <strong>of</strong> NW Colorado (July 2005).<br />
Barbara Luneau, executive editor <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Mountain</strong> Geologist from 2005-<strong>2009</strong>, was<br />
presented with an RMAG map weight by new editors Joy Rosen-Mioduchowski (left)<br />
and Jeanette DuBois (right).<br />
Following Barbara’s example, the new editors are<br />
looking for good articles and special theme issues.<br />
Please consider the <strong>Mountain</strong> Geologist journal for your<br />
technical work or summary updates on issues in <strong>Rocky</strong><br />
<strong>Mountain</strong> geology. Joy Rosen-Mioduchowski and Jeanette<br />
DuBois can be reached at joyrosenm@gmail.com or<br />
mountaingeologist@gmail.com.<br />
»<br />
AAPG MID-CONTINENT SECTION MEETING<br />
TULSA MARRIOTT SOUTHERN HILLS<br />
OCTOBER 11-13, <strong>2009</strong><br />
www.<strong>2009</strong>aapgmidcon.com<br />
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!<br />
Now, in the 21 st Century, we and future generations must develop every available<br />
energy resource at our disposal. The AAPG is welcoming an entirely new<br />
generation <strong>of</strong> geoscientists into our ranks, and it is our responsibility as a pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />
organization to provide the intellectual resources to these new hires<br />
(and old hands alike) so that they can develop the new energy resources for<br />
generations yet to come.<br />
Presented by Tulsa Geological Society<br />
Vol. 58, No. 10<br />
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<strong>October</strong> <strong>2009</strong>
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Vol. 58, No. 10<br />
32<br />
<strong>October</strong> <strong>2009</strong>
WALT KING, PETROLEUM ENGINEER<br />
LICENSED - COLORADO, WYOMING<br />
RESERVES PROPERTY EVALUATION<br />
FIELD STUDIES<br />
OFFICE - (303) 893-1770<br />
HOME - (303) 773-1080<br />
410 17TH STREET, SUITE 1170 CELL - (720) 219-7897<br />
DENVER, COLORADO 80202-4474 WAKPE@INDRA.COM<br />
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Petrolific Consulting Services<br />
Peter Debenham<br />
Wellsite Geologist “When pigs fl y”<br />
P.O. Box 350 • Drake, Colorado 80515<br />
720.220.4860 • petrolific@gmail.com<br />
Vol. 58, No. 10<br />
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<strong>October</strong> <strong>2009</strong>
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4<br />
! <br />
5 . 6 9 ) 4 -<br />
Vol. 58, No. 10<br />
36<br />
<strong>October</strong> <strong>2009</strong>
Unleash your Inner Student.<br />
For more on field seminars and short courses, call 918-560-2650 or visit www.aapg.org/education.<br />
LAST CHANCE – DON’T MISS OUT!!<br />
AAPG Fall Education Conference – The Business <strong>of</strong> Petroleum Exploration<br />
September 21-25 / Houston, TX<br />
Instructors: 13 expert instructors, 10 in-depth courses<br />
OTHER UPCOMING SHORT COURSES<br />
Risk, Uncertainty and Decision-Making in Unconventional Resource Plays<br />
<strong>October</strong> 10 - 11 / Tulsa, OK, with AAPG Mid-Continent Section Meeting<br />
Instructor: William Haskett, Decision Strategies, Inc., Houston, TX<br />
Optimizing Horizontal Well Applications - The Asset Team Approach<br />
November 2 - 6 / Dallas, TX<br />
Instructor: Bob Knoll, H-Tech. Petroleum Consulting Inc., Calgary, AB, Canada<br />
Fluvial Stratigraphy<br />
November 14 - 15 / Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with the AAPG International Conference &<br />
Exhibition. Instructor: John Holbrook, University <strong>of</strong> Texas at Arlington, TX<br />
Getting Started in Fluvial Stratigraphy<br />
December 1 / Dallas, TX<br />
Instructor: John Holbrook, University <strong>of</strong> Texas at Arlington, TX<br />
FIELD SEMINARS<br />
Lacustrine Basin Exploration<br />
September 13 - 20 / Begins and ends in Salt Lake City, UT<br />
Leaders: Alan Carroll, University Of Wisconsin, Madison, WI;<br />
Meredith Rhodes Carson, Ge<strong>of</strong>uels LLC, Madison, WI<br />
Sedimentology and Sequence Stratigraphic Response <strong>of</strong> Paralic<br />
Deposits to Changes in Accommodation: Predicting Reservoir<br />
Architecture, Book Cliffs, Utah<br />
September 24 - <strong>October</strong> 1 / Begins and ends in Grand Junction, CO<br />
Leaders: Keith W. Shanley, Consultant, Denver, CO; J. Michael Boyles,<br />
Shell International E&P, Houston, TX<br />
Modern Terrigenous Clastic Depositional Environments<br />
September 30 - <strong>October</strong> 7 / Begins in Columbia and ends in Charleston, SC<br />
Leader: Walter J. Sexton, Athena Technologies, Inc., Columbia, SC<br />
Applied Stratigraphy <strong>of</strong> Paleozoic Carbonate Platforms; Facies,<br />
Cycles, Sequences, Reefs, Reservoirs<br />
<strong>October</strong> 4 - 7 / Begins and ends in the Las Vegas airport<br />
Leader: John E. Warme, Colorado School <strong>of</strong> Mines, Golden, CO<br />
More Science Than You Can Shake A Pick At.<br />
American <strong>Association</strong> <strong>of</strong> Petroleum <strong>Geologists</strong><br />
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Geologic Educational Resources are Now Available on the Internet<br />
By Elmo Brown<br />
Now that the school year has begun, teachers,<br />
students and geologic pr<strong>of</strong>essionals who have been<br />
asked to make presentations to classes or civic groups<br />
are looking for resource material. In the last year, the<br />
AAPG has initiated two web resources to fi t the bill. One,<br />
developed by the AAPG’s Youth Education Activities<br />
committee (YEA) is specifi cally designed for classroom<br />
teachers and visiting pr<strong>of</strong>essionals and is located on the<br />
AAPG website at http://www.aapg.org/k12resources/.<br />
This site not only has links to other internet resources but<br />
also contains a handbook, developed in coordination with<br />
AGI, for geologists visiting the classroom with activities and<br />
tips on how to make the best use <strong>of</strong> the geologist’s and<br />
student’s time. This webpage also includes information<br />
on Earth Science Week activities (this year it will be held<br />
during the week <strong>of</strong> <strong>October</strong> 11-17), AAPG Teacher <strong>of</strong><br />
the Year information, a couple <strong>of</strong> virtual fi eld trips, and<br />
information about the Maps in Schools Project promoted<br />
by members <strong>of</strong> the Corpus Christi Geologic Society. If you<br />
haven’t heard, the goal <strong>of</strong> the Maps in Schools Project<br />
is to have a USGS geologic map in every school in the<br />
USA. Over 1300 maps have been donated to schools to<br />
date, with most maps donated in the coastal bend area<br />
<strong>of</strong> Texas. However, the project has branched out into a<br />
dozen other states but according to the website’s map,<br />
not yet including Colorado. If interested in donating maps<br />
in your area, check out the website.<br />
The other resource, petroleumgeology.org designed<br />
by the Public Outreach committee <strong>of</strong> the AAPG, is geared<br />
more to the general public with general information a<br />
nd links specifi c to the petroleum industry. The four<br />
subcategories, Petroleum Thru Time, World <strong>of</strong> Petroleum,<br />
Geology & Petroleum, and Petroleum Technology, contain<br />
short information bites for each designated topic and a<br />
list <strong>of</strong> internet resources that go into much more intricate<br />
detail. This site is great for fi nding websites that fully<br />
explain all <strong>of</strong> the aspects <strong>of</strong> the oil and gas business.<br />
As the site’s mission statement says, “This website is<br />
built and maintained by actual geologists, who want to<br />
share with you their passion for the Earth and what they<br />
do. They want to answer your questions about where oil<br />
actually comes from and share their role in exploring the<br />
wonders <strong>of</strong> our planet. Their goal is to help you better<br />
understand the history <strong>of</strong> oil and gas exploration and the<br />
role oil and gas plays in today’s world. Who better to talk<br />
about these topics than the very people who search for<br />
and discover oil and gas?”<br />
For those geologists who are passionate about their<br />
careers (and which ones are not!) and want to share<br />
their geologic knowledge with others, these two sites<br />
are a must see for resources usable in the classroom<br />
and civic arenas.<br />
»<br />
Looking for a place to publish? How about The <strong>Mountain</strong> Geologist?<br />
The <strong>Mountain</strong> Geologist is the quarterly journal <strong>of</strong><br />
the <strong>Rocky</strong> <strong>Mountain</strong> <strong>Association</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Geologists</strong> (RMAG),<br />
published since 1964. It circulates to the 2200-plus<br />
members <strong>of</strong> the RMAG and about 200 university libraries<br />
and industrial associates.<br />
A regionally oriented peer-reviewed publication, the<br />
<strong>Mountain</strong> Geologist focuses on the geology <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Rocky</strong><br />
<strong>Mountain</strong> area <strong>of</strong> the U.S. and related topics from outside<br />
the region. The range <strong>of</strong> topics presented in <strong>Mountain</strong><br />
Geologist articles covers almost every sub-discipline in<br />
the geosciences: stratigraphy, paleontology, structural<br />
geology, mining and petroleum geology, hydrogeology,<br />
geophysics, and geochemistry. Authors from industry and<br />
academia are represented equally.<br />
Authors should submit double-spaced manuscripts<br />
in accordance with the <strong>Mountain</strong> Geologist Style Guide<br />
(available online at rmag.org). Suitability questions or<br />
manuscripts should be sent to Joy Rosen-Mioduchowski<br />
at joyrosenm@gmail.com.<br />
»<br />
Vol. 58, No. 10<br />
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<strong>October</strong> <strong>2009</strong>
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Vol. 58, No. 10<br />
40<br />
<strong>October</strong> <strong>2009</strong>
Can GeoGraphix help you do<br />
more with less?<br />
Bank on it<br />
GeoGraphix. You can’t afford to be without it.<br />
A single, integrated E&P solution, the GeoGraphix ® suite <strong>of</strong> s<strong>of</strong>tware provides the essential<br />
functionality to enable your geoscience, engineering and economics workflows.<br />
From single wells to full field development, GeoGraphix s<strong>of</strong>tware is fast, reliable<br />
and cost-effective, enabling your essential workflows and increasing your productivity.<br />
For information, go to www.halliburton.com/geographix.<br />
©<strong>2009</strong> Halliburton. All rights reserved.<br />
H097-09 The Outcrop.indd 1 6/24/09 3:01:00 PM<br />
Process CyanProcess MagentaProcess YellowProcess Black<br />
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Advertisers Index<br />
AAPG ...................................... 30, 37<br />
Allpoints GIS ........................... 40, 43<br />
Automated Mudlogging Systems ..9<br />
Buckley Powder Company ............34<br />
CSUG ..............................................40<br />
Conquest Seismic Services...13, 14<br />
Custom Accounting Solutions .......9<br />
DERL ..............................................28<br />
Geological Consultants ................17<br />
Goolsby Brothers ..........................11<br />
Halliburton .....................................41<br />
IHS ..................................................12<br />
Infopipe ..........................................40<br />
Innovative Geo-Tech Resources .....5<br />
King, Walt ........................................ 33<br />
Klinger, Renee L. ............................. 19<br />
Lockhart Geophysical ..................... 34<br />
Levine, Jeffrey, Ph.D........................ 23<br />
MJ Systems ..................................... 36<br />
Mazzullo Energy .............................. 15<br />
Neuralog .......................................... 32<br />
Norwest Corporation ...................... 23<br />
Oneonta Resources LLC ................. 34<br />
Peterson Energy Management .........5<br />
Petrolific Consulting Services ....... 34<br />
Premier Data Services ..............33, 40<br />
PTTC ................................................. 26<br />
Rockware ......................................... 31<br />
<strong>Rocky</strong> <strong>Mountain</strong> Oilfield Testing .......9<br />
Scientific Computer Applications .. 11<br />
Selman and Associates .................. 34<br />
Sherwin Geological Resources ...... 33<br />
Sinclair Petroleum Engineering ..... 23<br />
Summit Mudlogging Services ........ 13<br />
Stolper Geologic, Inc. ........................9<br />
Weatherford .......................................4<br />
Weber Law Firm, LLC .........................6<br />
Whitehead, III, Neil ......................... 20<br />
Whitestar ............................................5<br />
<strong>October</strong> <strong>2009</strong><br />
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY<br />
1 2 3<br />
4 5 6 7 8 9 10<br />
11 12 13 Desk and 14 15 16 RMAG 17<br />
COLUMBUS<br />
DAY<br />
ASPO <strong>2009</strong> International Peak Oil<br />
Conference System Reset<br />
Derrick Club<br />
Luncheon<br />
18 19 20 21 22 23 24<br />
DWLS Fall<br />
Workshop<br />
DWLS<br />
Luncheon<br />
DAPL Fall Land<br />
Institute<br />
DIPS<br />
Luncheon<br />
25 26 27 28 Oilfield 29 30 31<br />
RMS-SEPM<br />
Luncheon<br />
Christian<br />
Fellowship<br />
SEG International Exposition & Annual Meeting<br />
SIPES<br />
Luncheon<br />
RMAG Luncheon<br />
Speaker:<br />
Jennifer L.<br />
Asch<strong>of</strong>f<br />
Luncheon<br />
Speaker:<br />
Benjamin Herber,<br />
et al<br />
NeoGeos/<br />
AAPG Young<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essionals<br />
Community Svc<br />
HALLOWEEN<br />
Vol. 58, No. 10<br />
42<br />
<strong>October</strong> <strong>2009</strong>
Need to sharpen your GIS skills?<br />
to oil and gas?<br />
ArcGIS training geared specifically to the petroleum industry. Courses feature industry data<br />
and exercises. Instructors are industry pr<strong>of</strong>essionals experienced in applying ArcGIS to<br />
exploration, production, land, and planning.<br />
Date Course Duration<br />
7-Oct Intro to ArcGIS / Hands-on Training 2-days<br />
4-Nov Cartography – Building Better Maps / Hands-on Training 2-days<br />
19-Nov<br />
2-Dec Intro to ArcGIS / Hands-on Training 2-days<br />
9-Dec Geoprocessing, Analysis & Automation Using Model Builder,<br />
Featuring Play Fairway Analysis / Hands-on Training<br />
2-days<br />
10-Dec Intro to ArcGIS Server / Seminar 1-day<br />
Please call or e-mail for a course description<br />
and registration kit.<br />
Deb Griecntsgis.com<br />
Courses are held downtown Denver.<br />
Client onsite classes are also available.<br />
Need more than just training?<br />
Call us, we're glad to help. Founded in 1997, Allpoints<br />
is an ESRI-authorized Business Partner. We are also an<br />
ESRI-authorized Industry Training Partner.<br />
The <strong>Rocky</strong> <strong>Mountain</strong> <strong>Association</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Geologists</strong><br />
cordially invites you to the<br />
<strong>2009</strong> 2008 Rockbusters Ball Ball<br />
Annual Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Awards Presentation<br />
And Dinner Dance<br />
Saturday, November 22, 2008 <strong>2009</strong><br />
Columbine Country Club<br />
17 Fairway Lane, Littleton, Colorado<br />
Cocktail Hour—5:30 PM<br />
Dinner—7:00 PM<br />
Dinner will be followed by the presentation<br />
<strong>of</strong> the <strong>2009</strong> RMAGPr<strong>of</strong>essional Awards and Dancing<br />
Registration Forms and Online Registration Available on the RMAG Web Site<br />
at www.RMAG.org and on page 29 in this issue.<br />
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<strong>Rocky</strong> <strong>Mountain</strong> <strong>Association</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Geologists</strong><br />
910 16th Street, Suite 1125<br />
Denver, CO 80202<br />
Non-Pr<strong>of</strong>i t Org.<br />
U.S. Postage<br />
PAID<br />
Permit No. 901<br />
Denver, Colo.