Subsurface and Outcrop Examination of the Capitan Shelf Margin, Northern Delaware Basin

Shelf sandstone reservoirs are becoming a more and more common exploration target. What they are, how they may be characterized, and how they differ from shoreline and deep-water deposits in the subject of this publication. Shelf sands and sandstone reservoirs are among the more poorly understood types of sandstones. Continental, shoreline and deep water sandstones have all been studied in much more depth than have shelf sands and sandstones. However, during the last fifteen years significant progress has been made in understanding shelf sands and sandstones. Studies of modern sediments have allowed us to understand many of the depositional processes active on the shelf. This book is intended to be an up-to-date summary of shelf processes and products. The papers are intended for those new to shelf sands and sandstones as well as the shelf specialist.
Depth Evolution of the Delaware Basin - Castile/Salado Transition Available to Purchase
-
Published:January 01, 1989
Abstract
Ochoan evaporites of the Castile and Salado formations in the Delaware Basin contain information about the final stages of basin evolution, specifically regarding the nature of the connection to the ocean and stability of local sea level. Core from the Gulf PDB-03 research well, Menton area, Loving County, Texas, was examined from near the base of the Castile Formation to the uppermost preserved halite in the Salado Formation (Figs. 1 and 2) to investigate evaporite depositional environments, especially with respect to paleodepth. A list of criteria for interpretation of paleodepth was developed (Table 1). These criteria are based on (1) comparison of observed evaporite fabrics with similar fabrics in modern and other ancient examples, and (2) interpretation of how observed evaporite processes would effect fabrics in different settings. Comparison of depth criteria with sequences of fabrics observed in the Castile and Salado formations shows systematic textural variation from the base to the top of individual depositional cycles as well as the entire sequence (Figs. 1 and 2).