The type of sediments deposited as a result of geo-anticlines, geo-synclines, local embayments’ and uplifts are of major importance.

Sediments indicate the intensity of the uplifts, some of which have been active since at least the Devonian period. Uplifts and embayments have caused varied sediments, ranging from coarse arkose near the uplifts to sandstones, shales, evaporites, and limestones. The mapping of the changes of sediments by isofacies and isopach maps is considered of utmost importance.

The large number of successful wildcat wells drilled for stratigraphic traps as a result of detailed study of the sediments, compared with the success of wildcat wells drilled on anticlinal structures without regard to the types of sediments in the Four Corners area, indicates that a study of the changes in the type of sediments is more important than the mapping of local anticlinal structures.

A study of the type of sediments and the location of anticlinal structures with the seismograph within the areas having sediments favorable for oil and gas reservoirs will be the key to future success in the drilling of wildcat prospects in the Four Corners area.

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