129-19 Constructing a subsurface geophysical log database for reservoir characterization exploration, Sacramento Basin, northern California

Abstract:

Our research team initiated the construction of a geological database to assist in evaluating the exploration potential for geological hydrogen in the Sacramento Basin in northern California. This project involved evaluating the results of previous investigations that utilized paper copies of geophysical logs from oil and gas wells drilled in the basin during the mid to late 1900s.  Research efforts consisted of identifying well names, operators, and locations of over 600 wells used in historical studies.  General Public Land Survey System well location data from these studies was cross-referenced with wells listed in the online California Department of Conservation (CDC) oil and gas well database.  In most cases, the general well-location information indicated the presence of multiple wells in an area, and identification required a direct comparison with scanned raster images of the logs available through the CDC. Additional CDC data, including well latitude/longitude, and surface/log datum elevations, were also collected.  Raster logs were depth registered and all data incorporated into a digital database that was imported into industry subsurface evaluation software for stratigraphic correlation and mapping purposes.  Key formation tops recorded in each by previous investigators were used to establish a stratigraphic framework for the Cenozoic-Mesozoic rocks of the basin. Continued work will focus on identifying reservoir/seal lithologies and structural features that exist in close proximity to potential geological hydrogen source rocks to direct future exploration efforts in the basin.

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