Permian Basin Synthesis Project

Data and Models for Recovering Existing and Undiscovered Oil Resources from the Largest Oil-Bearing Basin in the U.S.

Stephen C. Ruppel, principal investigator; Robert Loucks, Charles Kerans, Rebecca H. Jones, H. Seay Nance, Cari L. Breton; Scott Hamlin, Julia Gale, Jeff Kane, Angela McDonnell, Edgar Guevara, Fred Wang, Robert Reed, Wayne Wright, Harry Rowe, Necip Guven, Ruarri Day-Stirrat, Dan Jarvie, Hongliu Zeng, Qilong Fu (assisted by Rosalba Mendoza, Mary Bezara, David Soto, Norman Meyer, Dana Helbert, Martin Handzlik, Walaa Ali, and Ted E. Playton).

PROJECT SUMMARY

The goals of this project were to produce a detailed, comprehensive analysis and history of Paleozoic depositional and reservoir systems in the Permian Basin and to create spatially integrated databases of depositional, stratigraphic, lithologic, and petrophysical properties. This work forms a fundamental basis for providing oil and gas operators with (a) outcrop and subsurface, reservoir-specific data and models to be applied to engineering- and completion-based redevelopment of existing reservoirs; (b) a detailed regional depositional and stratigraphic framework for applying such models to new exploration targets; and (c) a strong basis for developing new models and concepts for exploration. These data will decrease the risk and increase the efficiency of exploiting the remaining hydrocarbons in the Permian Basin and define new opportunities for drilling. Additionally, the project gives a greatly improved understanding of the geological processes that led to the evolution of the basin and in turn provide fundamental data sets for reinterpreting and updating basic theories of basin evolution, including structural and stratigraphic history, diagenetic history, source-rock maturation, and fluid flow. Initial funding for the 3-year project was provided by the Department of Energy, with incremental funding through participation and sponsorship of oil companies with interests in the basin.

PROJECT FINAL REPORT AND DATA

Project Final Report [PDF]
Geothermal Gradient Report [PDF]
Project GIS data (Arcview 3.x project files): ISPB_GIS_CD.ZIP

Data and Reports