1967 REGION X MEETING SOCIETY OF PETROLEUM ENGINEERS AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF MINING and METALLURGICAL ENGINEERS SEPTEMBER 9, 1967 EVANSVILLE, INDIANA

Abstract

The exploration for subsurface structures in northern Illinois suitable for the storage of natural gas is often handicapped by a lack of geologic data. Seismics is a geophysical tool that can serve u an aid to an exploratory drilling program. The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, it will briefly explain the fundamentals of seismics; and second, it will outline the details of an actual exploratory seismic survey. The geological interpretation was inadequate due to a limited density and distribution of data. The geophysical interpretation was also inadequate until correct velocity was applied to the measured time to obtain depth. Cooperation of the geologist and the geophysicist is essential to insure the correct integration of all data. In this manner, the final geologic evaluation of an area will have encompassed all available data in the search for subsurface structures.

Introduction

The area of exploration of the Northern Illinois Gas Company for gas storage structures is essentially limited to the northern one-third of the state. This is north of the Illinois Basin and geologic data from petroleum exploration is extremely sparse. All operating storage fields of Northern Illinois Gas Company are aquifers, barren of hydrocarbons, with a natural water drive.

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