VOLUME XXXXIIII NUMBER 3 FEBRUARY 2008 2008 Convention Tours, Events & Speakers — SIPESSIPES See Pages 34 & 35 QUQUARARTERLTERLYY www.sipes.org

Society of Independent Professional Earth Scientists Basement Tectonics and Origin of the Sabine Uplift SIPES Foundation Donor by Richard L. Adams, Carr Resources, Inc. — Tyler, Texas Awards — See Page 11 Note: This article is from the Houston aries of this basement high are major trans- Chapter, and is the seventh in a new series form fault systems that parallel the opening How I Became an submitted by SIPES Chapters. of the Gulf of Mexico. The northwest Independent — See Page 29 boundary is the East Texas Salt Dome rift ABSTRACT basin and the southeast side steps down Your Contributions Make The same processes that formed the Gulf into the South Louisiana Salt Dome Basin. a Difference — See Page 32 of Mexico Basin formed the Sabine Uplift. Within this mid-rift high, multiple smaller The Sabine Uplift is supported by a large transform faults with horst and graben rhombic area of basement fault blocks that structures are evident by mapping the base originated as a mid-rift high during the of the Louann Salt from seismic data. Triassic rifting phase of the opening of the Within the overall Uplift area, these internal Gulf of Mexico. Sometimes referred to as a structures have influenced sedimentation basement block, it covers an area that is 90 In this issue: on a smaller scale. Further uplift of this miles long (NW-SE) and 60 miles wide (SW- mid-rift high occurred during the Middle to NE). Across the Uplift the depth to magnet- Industry Information 2 Late Cretaceous and also during the ic basement is up to 10,000' shallower than Paleocene-Eocene. News of Members 8 in the middle of the East Texas Salt Dome (Continued on Page 17) Basin. The northeast and southwest bound- Chapter News 9 Chapter Meeting Info. 11 President’’s Column Technology Corner 26 George S. Johnson, #2724 Cornerstone Group 27 Amarillo, Texas

In Memorian 29 "WHEN THE S AINTS G O M ARCHING ININ" Yes, I want to be in that number. I hear Foundation Donors 30 Louis Armstrong singing "When the Saints Go Marching in" every morning when I am New Members 33 getting ready for work. What a way to start Board of Directors 36 the day! You can watch him on "You Tube" and turn up the music, turn it up loud! You might have guessed, yes, SIPES is going to New Orleans in May this year for the 45th Annual Convention. I will be in that number, and I hope that you are plan- ning to be there too. With oil at near $90 per barrel, and being in New Orleans in May, what could be more exciting? (Continued on Page 28) National, State & Environmental Information

The following reports on national, state and environmental saber rattling with Iran. Additionally, the traders in the issues were presented to the SIPES Board of Directors on January economic sectors and their reactions have obvious reper- 28, 2008 in Corpus Christi, Texas. Jack Naumann, Vice President cussions. Currently, one of the biggest clouds over the oil of National Energy authored the Natural Resource Report. Phil market is the possibility of an economic recession in the Martin, the Houston Chapter Director, provided the report on U.S. and what impact this could have on demand in the State Legislative News. Midland Director Marc Maddox submit- world's largest consumer. ted the Environmental Committee Report. The views and opin- Interestingly, through all of this, "The American ions expressed are those of the authors. Some of the information Consumer" has not substantially curbed energy consump- presented is in the public domain and is available from a variety tion. Cars, (and large cars) are still being sold, there are no of sources; other references were selected by the authors, and are lines at the gas stations and the public continues to fill noted on their reports. those tanks up. It is apparent that here in the United States that the extra cost to fill our tanks or purchase heating oil, „ PRICE/SUPPLY/DEMAND SUMMARY is just the price we have to pay in this day and age. We as In my October 2007 report, I stated that by the time the a nation have become affluent enough that even though information was printed for the forthcoming SIPES our energy cost is at its highest levels in history; we can Quarterly, it would most likely be out of date. In that report afford it. While consumer energy expenditures have been I had just listed the new all time high price WTI crude at growing rapidly in recent years, disposable income has $83.90 per barrel. Well here we are in 2008 and we have hit grown significantly over the past quarter-century. In the the now all time high of $100.00 per barrel oil! Currently, third quarter of 2007 U.S. consumers spent approximately WTI is in the mid $90 range, but I wonder what changes in 5.7 percent of disposable income on energy, 2.5 % less than the pricing will occur by the time this article is printed. The the 8.2 % share of disposable income for energy expendi- reasons for this appear to be based upon reports of shorter tures in the second quarter of 1981. The potential public than estimated worldwide oil stocks, political unrest in outcry is not so much that it costs $70.00 to fill up your car, Pakistan, continued insurgent activity in Nigeria, Turkish but if supply becomes an issue and if the American con- attacks upon the Kurdish region of Iraq and continued sumer could NOT fill up their car, then there would be an outcry! Along these lines, I have listed some statistics from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics of the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) that should be of SIPES Headquarters interest. 4925 Greenville Avenue - Suite 1106 The USDOT currently has listed over 247,000,000 regis- Dallas, Texas 75206-4019 tered motor vehicles in the United States. Of these Telephone: 214-363-1780 Fax: 214-363-8195 136,000,000 are passenger vehicles, 95,000,000 light trucks, http://www.sipes.org E-mail: [email protected] 6,400,000 heavy trucks (6-tires or more), 6,200,000 motorcy- cles and 889,000 buses. There are 8,200 commercial air car- riers, 224,000 general air carriers, 22,000 railroad locomo- tives, and 12,942,000 recreational boats. These all have combustible engines that utilize oil-derived fuels. Add into the mix the fuel usage for manufacturing, agricultural, Executive Director ...... Diane Finstrom industrial, military, and educational not to mention the 112 Admin. Assistant ...... Katie Ruvalcaba million U.S. households. In the United States alone, the Member Services ...... Lisa Echtenkamp total delivered motor gasoline from primary storage was 9,235,000 b/d, (API-November 2007). Every United States citizen, at any given time, is being directly affected by 2008 Annual Meeting Dates either petroleum or fossil fuels. Add the growth rate of May 12-15 ...... New Orleans, LA vehicles in China and India and it is easy to see why in transportation alone, the demand of worldwide crude will not drop anytime soon. It is estimated that by 2012 China will have more highway miles than the United States. The SIPES Quarterly is published by the So where are we going? At the current levels of nation- Society of Independent Professional Earth Scientists. wide consumption of petroleum products, at $90.00 per Send your comments, letters, address changes and advertising barrel, the estimate is that the nation as a whole spends over $2 billion a day for crude oil, refined products and nat- inquiries to the SIPES Headquarters in Dallas, Texas. ural gas. (Continued)

2 ______SIPES QUARTERLY National, State & Environmental Information Continued

„ CRUDE OIL „ NATURAL GAS Currently (January 17, 2008), the average U.S. produced Due to the recent (January 9, 2008) cold weather in the barrel of oil is approximately $90.00, (last year it was lower 48, natural gas prices have recently increased in all $54.00). As of November 2007, the United States petroleum markets. Increases have ranged from an average of 4 to imports were 13,173,000 barrels per day. This equates out 11%. At the Henry Hub, prices increased $1.35 per Mmbtu to 63% of total petroleum deliveries. Petroleum imports to to $8.35 per Mmbtu or a 4% rise. As of January 16, 2008, the the U.S. from the Persian Gulf accounted for 19% of total February futures at the Henry Hub had settled at $8.13 per imports. U.S. crude oil production in November 2007 was Mmbtu. 5,155,000 BO per day, of which 780,000 BO per day was Alaskan. For comparison, the total U.S. crude oil produc- tion in November 2006 was 5,105,000 b/d. U.S. natural gas liquids production in November 2007 was 1,784,000 b/d (November 2006 production for natural gas liquids was 1,770,000 b/d). The current API estimate of total delivered petroleum products to the U.S. market in November 2007 was 20,902,000 b/d, which is 233,000 b/d higher than the same period in 2006. The year 2007 did have an increase in domestic crude production, but this is due mainly to GOM production coming back into production since the damage from Hurricanes Rita and Katrina. These recoveries in crude production combined with a lower or flat domestic demand created a lower demand for imported oil, howev- er, imports still averaged 65%. Crude inventories were at Gas storage supplies have declined as of January 2008 a their highest levels since 1991, but at mid-year they total of 171 BCF, which is 275 BCF below last year's with- declined to their 5-year average. This drop was more than drawal for the same period, and is 121 BCF or 5% above 60 MM bbls, which represented the highest drop in a 6- the 5-year average. Currently, the overall temperatures in month period. the lower 48 have posted a warmer than normal year, with U.S. petroleum consumption in 2007 averaged an esti- the exception of the Pacific West, which has posted 6% mated 20.7 million bbl/d, which is less than a 1% increase lower temperatures. The largest gas consuming sectors, over 2006. The API estimates that consumption will have a (Middle Atlantic, New England, and East and North slight (1%) growth rate through the year 2009. Jet fuel is Central), ranged 28-43% below normal for the 2nd week of estimated to have a 1.2% growth rate over the next two January 2008, and prices averaged from $8.38 - $10.36 per years. Based on current weather projections and a slow- Mmbtu. The NYMEX futures for February 2008 through down in the economy in 2008, distillate consumption January 2009 averaged $8.34 Mmbtu. growth is projected to slow from 1.9 percent in 2007 to 1.2 Current projections for U.S. gas consumption are esti- percent in 2008 and 1.6 percent in 2009. Total U.S. crude oil mated to increase 6% through 2008, mainly driven by the production for 2008 is anticipated to grow by approxi- residential, commercial and electric power sectors. mately 7% or 350,000 bbl/d, mainly from the GOM deep- Domestic natural gas production is estimated to increase water Atlantis, Thunder Horse and Tahiti platforms. by 2.5% in 2008, mainly from onshore activity. However, As of January 12, 2008: new deepwater GOM development is expected to increase Current spot prices are as follows: WTI $92.74 per bbl - total GOM production by 8% in 2008. one year ago $52.96, Brent Sea $91.86 bbl – one year ago (Continued) $49.95, Average OPEC $92.69 bbl – one year ago $50.75, Average Non-OPEC $92.98 – one year ago $49.31, World Average $92.82 bbl – one year ago $47.72.

Crude Oil Refinery Inputs: East Coast 1,518,000 bbl/day – year ago 1,505,000 bbl/day Midwest 3,147,000 bbl/day – year ago 3,284,000 bbl/day Gulf Coast 7,066,000 bbl/day – year ago 7,200,000 bbl/day Rocky Mts. 515,000 bbl/day – year ago 560,000 bbl/day West Coast 2,765,000 bbl/day – year ago 2,552,000 bbl/day

FEBRUARY 2008 ______3 National, State & Environmental Information Continued

„ GASOLINE Monthly: International and Workover Rig Counts The current national price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.08 International rig count, which excludes the US and Canada, was up 44 to 1,036 for the month of per gallon (November 2007). December, 2007 and is 85 rigs or 8.9 percent above last year's 951.

In the U.S., demand was up 4% from 2006 to an average The total number of rotary rigs wor ldwide in November was 3,207 up 46 from November and 82 of 9.287 million b/d. The effects of a slowing economy and higher than last year. the speculation of a national recession have slowed US workover rig count for June, 2007 was down 9 to 1,548 and is 100 rigs below last year's level of 1,657. demand. Demand was up 1% during the first quarter of 2007, but by the fourth quarter was only at 0.05%. Primary Source: Baker -Hughes Change Percent Change storage of gasoline for November 2007 was 9,235,000 b/d. Dec., 2007 Nov., 2007 Dec., 2006 Monthly Annual Monthly Annual

Distillates, used to make heating oil and diesel fuel, rose by International 1.1 million barrels while gasoline supplies rose by 2.2 mil- Rig Count* 1,036 992 951 44 85 4.40% 8.90% World Rig lion barrels. Analysts are looking for a potential increase of Count** 3,207 3,161 3,125 46 82 1.50% 2.60% U.S. 1 million barrels in distillates supplies and a rise of 2.4 mil- Workover lion barrels in gasoline stockpiles in the coming months Rig Count 1,548 1,557 1,647 -9 -99 -0.60% -6.00% after January 2008. Ethanol: at the end of 2007, the reported ethanol pro- One thing of interest is the public perception of oil and duction was 13.3 MM bbl per day, which equates out to gasoline prices and how "Big Oil" manipulates them. Based approximately 14% of American corn production. The cur- upon a national average the current price of $3.08 per gal- rent estimate for one bushel of corn is an output of 2.17 lon is split in the following costs: 13% or $0.40 - taxes, 9% gallons of ethanol. It is estimated that one acre of land (in or $0.28 - distribution and marketing cost, then 10% or corn producing areas), produces 100-150 bushels of corn or $0.31 - refining and finally 68% or $2.09 - the price refiners somewhere between 270 to 405 gallons of ethanol per acre. pay to purchase a barrel of crude. Additional taxes or costs The USDA's current estimate of the U.S. corn crop is vary from any state that mandates differing fuel grades or 90,000,000 acres. Therefore, if the entire 90,000,000 acres of additives. So less tax and marketing costs, the current cost the U.S. corn crop were converted to ethanol production, to refine a gallon of gasoline would be $2.40. the result would equate out to an average of 100 million „ STATE LEGISLATIVE NEWS gallons per day. COLORADO The current U.S. average consumption of petroleum The 2008 Session of the Colorado Legislature is in products is 800 million gallons per day. This does not progress. include the cost of fuel, fertilizers, or labor to produce the The prime political conflict of 2008 for Governor Bill aforementioned corn. Ethanol and Flex fuel vehicles make Ritter may be a November ballot proposal to increase sev- an ecological statement, but in my opinion, corn for erance taxes and/or changing the way they are distributed. ethanol is not the answer. The Colorado Oil and Gas Commission is proposing new basic operating rules for the energy industry as part of its North American Rig Count g comprehensive plan to add health and environment com- Change Percent Change ponents to the permit process. The mandate to consider 1/18/2008 1/11/2008 1/19/2007 Weekly Annual Weekly Annual health and wildlife protection issues came from the legis- Total U.S. 1,732 1,744 1,745 -12 -13 -0.70% -0.70% Offshore 59 59 84 0 -25 0.00% -29.80% lature in House Bills 1298 and1341 but doesn't include the Land 1,673 1,685 1,661 -12 12 -0.70% 0.70% operating issues under consideration, such as requiring pit Inland Waters 25 20 23 5 2 25.00% 8.70% liners and raising reclamation bonds. The proposal would Oil 323 327 275 -4 48 -1.20% 17.50% double bonds to $10,000 on 3,000' wells and quadruple to Percent 18.60% 18.80% 15.80% -0.10% 2.90% $20,000 for deeper depths. The rules are expected to be Gas 1,401 1,409 1,466 -8 -65 -0.60% -4.40% Percent 80.90% 80.80% 84.00% 0.10% -3.10% adopted by July 2008. The Colorado Air Pollution Control Division will enforce Directional 359 359 387 0 -28 0.00% -7.20% Horizontal 448 446 339 2 109 0.40% 32.20% higher emission standards governing emissions of volatile Gulf of organic compounds from oil and gas operations, including Mexico 57 57 82 0 -25 0.00% -30.50% Gulf Oil 5 4 2 1 3 25.00% 150.00% storage tanks. The new rules which have previously been Percent 8.80% 7.00% 2.40% 1.80% 6.30% in place in the Front Range (the Early Action Ozone area) Gulf Gas 52 53 80 -1 -28 -1.90% -35.00% Percent 91.20% 93.00% 97.60% -1.80% -6.30% will go into effect over the entire state on January 1, 2008. Canada 560 515 606 45 -46 8.70% -7.60% This is an attempt to bring the state into compliance with Oil 163 174 201 -11 -38 -6.30% -18.90% the Clean Air Act. Percent 29.10% 33.80% 33.20% -4.70% -4.10% Gas 352 341 405 11 -53 3.20% -13.10% A revised Indian oil valuation rule seeks to bring added Percent 62.90% 66.20% 66.80% -3.40% -4.00% certainty to valuing oil produced from American Indian North America 2,292 2,259 2,351 33 -59 1.50% -2.50% lands, the Minerals Management Service reports. The (Continued)

4 ______SIPES QUARTERLY National, State & Environmental Information Continued

MMS also plans to convene a negotiated rule-making com- HB 513 (Provides relative to local government notifica- mittee with representatives from the federal government, tion and public hearings for drilling permit applications American Indian tribes, individual Indian mineral owners, for sites located within residential zoning districts) and the oil and gas industry. It will make recommenda- Assigned to House Natural Resources tions to the agency on the major portion provision con- HB 617 (Prohibits drilling in and around Lake Peigneur tained in most Indian tribal and allotted leases regarding or the Jefferson Island salt dome) Assigned to House the highest price paid or offered at the time of production Natural Resources for the major portion of oil produced from the same field. HB 827 ACT 451 (Provides relative to administration of KANSAS state mineral leases) Signed by Governor The Kansas Legislative Session convenes January 28, SCR 11-14 (Approves CPRA Comprehensive Plan for 2008. Some of the issues in play are described below. Coastal Protection) Filed with Secretary of State. HB 2032 - AN ACT concerning municipally owned or MISSISSIPPI operated electric or natural gas public utilities; concerning During the 2007 Regular Session of the Mississippi regulation by the state corporation commission; amending Legislature: K.S.A. 66-1,174 and K.S.A. 2006 Supp. 66-104 and repealing Section 53-3-13 of the Mississippi Code was amended to the existing sections. reflect a $600 fee for drilling permits, effective July 1, 2007. HB 2306 AN ACT concerning the Kansas electric trans- Bonds were increased to a range of $20,000 to $50,000 mission authority; relating to the duties and powers of the based on depth drilled. Various other operational rules authority; amending K.S.A. 2006 Supp. 74-99d07 and and regulations were tightened. repealing the existing section. Section 53-1-73 was amended to extend the time to pay HB 2419 AN ACT enacting the carbon dioxide reduction maintenance taxes until after the oil and/or gas are pro- act; providing for income tax reductions and property tax duced and sold (effective July 1, 2007). exemptions; providing for regulation of carbon dioxide NEW MEXICO injection wells; amending K.S.A. 2006 Supp. 79- 32,117, 79- The Legislature convened January 28, 2008. 32,120 and 79-32,138 and repealing the existing sections; A 2007 State Court decision ruled that the Oil also repealing K.S.A. 2006 Supp. 79-32,117l. Conservation Division of the Energy, Minerals and HB 2476 AN ACT concerning certain energy; relating to Natural Resources Department has broad powers to certain fuel storage and blending equipment; concerning impose penalties on oil and gas operators violating the certain income tax credits, income tax deductions and rules or laws regulating oil and gas production in the state. property tax exemptions; amending K.S.A. 2006 Supp. 79- Also in 2007 Governor Richardson signed House Bill 827 32,117, 79-32,120 and 79-32,138 and repealing the existing creating the Surface Owners Protection Act, the most far- sections; also repealing K.S.A. 2006 Supp. 79-32,117l. reaching set of landowner protections in the country. SB 238 AN ACT relating to oil and gas; concerning fees for application of intent to drill a well; amending K.S.A. 55- OKLAHOMA 151 and repealing the existing section. A legal challenge by the Panhandle Producers & Royalty SB 325 AN ACT concerning natural gas; relating to gas Owners Association against the Oklahoma Tax gathering activities; amending K.S.A. 55-1,102, 55-1,104, 55- Commission continues to advance toward a possible hear- 1,109, 66-104c and 66-2101 and K.S.A. 2006 Supp. 66-104 ing before the nation's high court. The lawsuit targets a and 66-105a and repealing the existing sections. withholding law passed by the 2001 Oklahoma Legislature that PPROA alleges discriminates against royalty and LOUISIANA working interest owners who are not Oklahoma residents. The 2008 Louisiana Legislature Regular Session con- The law empowers the OTC to withhold taxes on pay- venes March 31, 2008. ments owed to out of state residents, but not to Oklahoma New Governor Bobby Jindal was elected in 2007. His citizens. administration is expected to result in many reforms that SB 72 (Relating to ad valorem tax and providing for will be beneficial to the state, as well as citizens and busi- assessment of property located in more than one county) ness interests. Scott Angelle will continue to serve as Approved by Governor. Secretary of Natural Resources as well as Chairman of the SB 87 (Relating to gross production taxes and modifying Louisiana State Mineral Board. funds subject to certain limitations) Referred to Finance State Oil and Gas revenues hit a record high in 2007. Committee. Various House Bills of interest to the oil and gas sector: SB 376 (Relating to certain procedures when acquiring HB 62 – ACT 428 (Provides relative to commissioner of state property) Approved by the Governor. conservation approval of oil and gas recovery projects and the acquisition of property for related pipelines) signed by the Governor. (Continued)

FEBRUARY 2008 ______5 National, State & Environmental Information Continued

TEXAS „ SOURCES: In a decision that has drawn vehement opposition, the Colorado General Assembly — www.leg.state.co.us/ Third District Court of Appeals in Texas has ruled that the Kansas Legislature Texas Railroad Commission inappropriately defined "pub- www.kslegislature.org/legsrv-legisportal/index.do lic interest" in granting Pioneer Exploration's application Louisiana State Legislature — www.legis.state.la.us for a new disposal well in Wise County. Should the ruling Mississippi Oil & Gas Board — www.ogb.state.ms.us stand it will give landowners more leverage with which to Montana State Legislature protest saltwater disposal well applications brought before www.leg.mt.gov/css/default.asp the RRC. The issue is the propriety of the judiciary in ques- New Mexico Legislature — www.legis.state.nm.us/lcs/ tioning the RRC's intention of protecting public safety Oklahoma Legislature — www.lsb.state.ok.us/ when its policy has always been to review permits in exact- Texas Legislature Online ing detail. www.legis.state.tx.us/Home.aspx HB521 (Relating to notice of an application for a permit Wyoming State Legislature to dispose of oil and gas waste in a commercial disposal www.legisweb.state.wy.us/ well; creating an offense) Engrossed. „ ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT HB913 (Relating to notice to a surface owner by an oil or gas well operator of the issuance of a permit for certain oil The biggest environmental event since the last edition of and gas operations) Enrolled. the Quarterly was the United Nations sponsored Climate HB1659 (Relating to procedures in an eminent domain Change Conference 2007. This was held in Bali, Indonesia, proceeding initiated by certain common carriers) December 3–17. The conference was held to determine Engrossed. how the world will address man's CO2 emissions after the HB2390 (Relating to severance tax credits for qualifying Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012. The biggest news from the low-producing wells.) House Committee Report. conference was the public dressing-down the United HB2390 (Relating to tax credit for enhanced efficiency States received for its resistance to the inclusion of certain equipment installed on certain wells) Introduced. provisions in the "Bali Roadmap" as it is now being called. HB 2982 (Relating to the ad valorem tax appraisal of oil In every article I have seen, the U.S. is depicted as having or gas interests) Enrolled. been forced to capitulate to the demands of the conference HB3554 (Relating to the program for the regulation and attendees. The "Bali Roadmap" is a roadmap of lower CO2 remediation of underground and aboveground storage emissions aimed at developed nations, designed to try and tanks.) Enrolled. derail the economy of the United States, but also with the WYOMING effect of limiting the progress of impoverished nations Wyoming is considering changing its tax mechanism of around the world. Undoubtedly the oil and gas industry large natural gas processing plants, while also seeking will be singled out for special rehabilitative measures improvements in getting that gas out of state, including designed to suppress our ambitions and condemn us to incentive payments to shippers and possible severance tax virtual re-education camps. Members of the liberal media reductions to producers. Committee meetings are sched- are all twitterpated over the prospect of a new U.S. uled to begin in February in advance of the 2008 legislative President next year who will surely be more sensitive to its session. political agenda than the current resident of the White Nine environmental groups have filed formal protests House. against the Bureau of Land Management's February 5, The premise of these talks, as with the Kyoto Protocol, is 2008 energy lease sale in Wyoming, saying the auction that man's use of fossil fuels is driving global warming. All includes tens of thousands of acres of irreplaceable habitat in attendance have taken this statement as fact, and are for sage grouse and other wildlife species including mule making decisions with far-reaching consequences based deer, elk and pronghorn. In December 2007 a federal judge on that reasoning. Of course, this reasoning denies the ordered the Fish and Wildlife Service to reconsider its 2005 inconvenient truth that earth scientists have studied glob- decision not to add the sage grouse to the Endangered al climate cycles since the study of earth science began. Species List, saying the agency ignored expert advice. Much of the topography of northern North America is the The auction includes 143 parcels totaling more than artifact of massive ice sheets that receded long before man 165,300 acres of which 125 parcels covering 150,000 acres began burning fossil fuels. are under protest from groups including Audubon In a great example of too little, too late, excellent and Wyoming, Biodiversity Conservation Alliance, the Center thoughtful science-based (as opposed to emotion-based) for Native Ecosystems, Clark Resource Council, Greater articles are beginning to show up in a variety of publica- Yellowstone Coalition, TRCP, Wyoming Outdoor Council, tions. A really excellent scientific examination of all aspects Wyoming Wilderness Association, and Wyoming Wildlife Federation. (Continued)

6 ______SIPES QUARTERLY National, State & Environmental Information Continued of the cause and effect of global warming may be found at the following web address: Vision Natural Resources http://www.jpands.org/vol12no3/robinson.pdf Peter J. Schrenkel, P.E. This article, entitled “Environmental Effects of Increased Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide” appears in the Winter 2007 500 W. Texas, Suite 1425 volume of the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons, Phone: 432-682-6060 P.O. Box 8105 and was written by Arthur Robinson, Noah Robinson and Fax: 432-682-6067 Midland, TX 79708-8105 Cell: 432-413-4552 [email protected] Willie Soon. In another excellent article published in the Wall Street We Buy Royalties, Overrides, and Working Interests Journal on November 1, 2007, John R. Christy stated the fol- Operated or Non-OOperated lowing: “Small is a Beautiful Thing” …some scientists…see in every weather anomaly the specter of a global-warming apocalypse. Others of us „ WIND POWER - CAPACITY scratch our heads and try to understand the real causes FACTOR LIMITATIONS behind what we see. We discount the possibility that every- thing is caused by human actions, because everything Capacity factor is the term used to describe the amount we've seen the climate do has happened before. Sea levels of time the rated output of a power generating facility is rise and fall continually. The Arctic ice cap has shrunk actually available. The following comes from the website before. One millennium there are hippos swimming in the http://www.stopillwind.org/downloads/LessForMore.pdf: Themes, and a geological blink later there is an ice bridge linking Asia and North America. Because of wind energy's intermittency and the limits of technology, the capacity factors of wind facilities, which Christy goes on to note that the recent CNN report indicate expectations of annual production, average "Planet in Peril" spent considerable time on the shrinking between 20% and 30% of their rated capacity. Less than Arctic sea ice cover, but did not mention that in October one-half of one percent is able to meet or exceed 30%. On 2007 winter sea ice around Antarctica set a record maxi- average, a wind plant rated at 100 MW would therefore mum for coverage since areal measurements have been annually yield about 25 MW. Consequently, wind develop- ers often dwell on their projects' installed capacity rather taken. than focus upon capacity factors. No other type of indus- Who is John R. Christy? He was one of thousands of cli- trial power generator has such a low capacity factor mate scientists who participated in the International Panel because of its inherent technical limitations and the nature on Climate Change (IPCC). This makes him a small winner of its power source. Nuclear plants, even with outages for of half the Nobel Peace Prize, the other half of which was maintenance, have capacity factors in excess of 90%; their awarded to Al Gore. As usual, the scientists get swept national average approaches that level. under the rug while the politicians get all the glory. Individual large modern coal plants also have much Mr. Christy goes on to question the morality of diverting higher capacity factors than wind farms (the national aver- huge amounts of money and energy to marginally limit age capacity factor for coal generation is 71%), as do many gasfired facilities, if they are targeted to serve base load. "global warming" when a cost–benefit analysis shows that Low aggregate capacity factors for generally reliable ener- the money could be much more effectively spent eliminat- gy sources such as hydro and natural gas are the result of ing human suffering and disease in third world nations. management choice, not a function of their intrinsic behav- Even the time spent debating global warming displaces ior, as is the case with wind energy. Wind developers fre- news from the public that could heighten awareness of quently cite low capacity factors for hydro, claiming weath- events in other parts of the world, and thus takes these er and climate limit its availability. But these conditions, very real issues off the table for discussion while the such as drought, are often seasonable and can be projected invented issue of anthropomorphic global warming grabs (and compensated for) by reasonable planning efforts. the spotlight. It is easier for a politician to take a stand on Hydro is also typically storable day-by-day, week-by-week, and highly reliable. If grid controllers are able to use it as global warming, where the cause and effect can be swayed part of base load supply, the capacity factor for hydro is by the media, than to stand up for genocide victims in high, frequently more than 95%, far more than capacity Africa, where results could be measured and thus the factors that will ever be achieved for industrial wind ener- politician held accountable. gy. Many small turbine (and internal combustion) genera- In a continuation from this article in the last Quarterly, tors have extremely low capacity factors because they are let’s follow the money a bit further. Consider the following built and/or make economic sense only for peak load oper- in the context of the statement "Giant subsidies lead to ation. Capacity factors under 5% are very common among opportunity for corruption and inefficiency." these units.

(Continued)

FEBRUARY 2008 ______7 National, State & Environmental Information Continued

The low capacity factor for wind energy has enormous of property values. The Governor then stated that the farm implications. Without considering any other variables, sim- will go in anyway, basing his action on the "fact" that the ple arithmetic shows that over 2000-2.0 MW wind turbines, greater good of mankind in cutting CO2 emissions out- each with a generous capacity factor of 30% and spread weighed the rights of the citizens who actually live on the over hundreds of miles, would be necessary to equal the output of one 1600 MW coal plant situated on a few acres. site of the proposed development. Or perhaps it was the campaign contributions received from the wind develop- ment company. Apparently it is possible to justify nearly PROS AND CONS any act if it is done in the cause of stopping global warm- Proponents of wind energy almost universally cite the ing. need to cut CO emissions as justification for building 2 PARTING THOUGHTS wind farms. This presupposes that man is responsible for global warming. The massive subsidies being handed out Environmentalists claim the moral high ground – clean by Congress are likewise based on the "fact" that man is air, clean water, stop global warming – but at what cost? causing global warming. The cost to implement the Kyoto agreement, built on the Log onto the Internet and search for opposition to wind premise of anthropomorphic global warming, is untold farm development and you will find a multitude of well- gazillions of dollars. This is the same type of logic that got organized groups opposing the construction of wind the use of DDT banned, dooming millions of people in farms. Opponents cite the need for heavy subsidies, low third world nations to death by malaria and yellow fever – capacity factors, decreased property values, and threats to diseases easily defeated by insect control through pesticide birdlife. It is amazing how much development has been use. Now "they" want to condemn the people of these done without any scrutiny from the EPA. Can you imagine same nations to poverty through the forced use of ineffi- the necessary studies required to build oil and gas infra- cient and unreliable energy sources. structure on such a large scale? Environmental impact Think about this: The Cape wind project being pushed statements are virtually non-existent for wind farm pro- by environmentalists and opposed by the elite citizens of posals. the area – including that noted environmental lawyer In an interesting development, the King Ranch in south Robert Kennedy, Jr. – claims that it will supply all the elec- Texas has asked for injunctive relief to stop a wind energy trical needs of Cape Cod. Yet these same environmentalists development on the adjacent Kennedy Ranch. Relief is claim that due to global warming and the melting of ice being sought on the basis that no environmental study has caps, Cape Cod will be under water in a few years. So why been done to determine the effect on migrating waterfowl. build the project to supply electricity to a bunch of flood- The supposition of man-made global warming is also ed houses? Sometimes the logic of environmental groups being used to trample the constitutional rights of property can be rather convoluted. owners in Washington state. The residents of a small town Ever notice how stories about global warming are hard to find when winter sets in? there recently voted to reject a wind farm development „ proposal due to the eyesore of the towers and implied loss

News of Members

Past SIPES Pre- At their meet- SIPES Found- sident Bill Goff, ing in January, ation and to #2068, of Den- the SIPES their local ver, Colorado is Board of Dir- chapters. currently serv- ectors voted to They will ing as Councilor, present SIPES receive award Rocky Mountain Outstanding plaques on Section for the Service Awards Tuesday, May DPA of AAPG. to Robert C. 13, 2008 at the William T. Goff Recently he was Robert C. Leibrock Leibrock, awards ban- Scott A. Wainwright nominated to #1673, of Mid- quet held dur- run for the office of president-elect of land, Texas, and Scott A. Wainwright, ing the SIPES 45th Annual Meeting in DPA. Bill is also serving as member- #2216, of Metairie, Louisiana. New Orleans, Louisiana. ship chairman for the SIPES Denver Bob and Scott are being recognized ‹ Chapter. for their long history of service to the ‹ SIPES National organization, the

8 ______SIPES QUARTERLY Chapter News

MIDLAND chains of the world, including doctor- Guests at our October 17 meeting al studies at UT in the Big Bend of included the SIPES Board of Directors West Texas, has provided opportuni- who were in Midland for a quarterly ties for wide-ranging explorations: the board meeting. In conjunction with Rocky Mountains, Rio Grande rift, this event, a dinner for Midland Iceland, Norway, the Cordillera of Chapter officers, past presidents of western North America, Mexico, SIPES and the SIPES Foundation, as Belize, the Argentine Precordillera, well as national directors and their the Appalachian chain from the spouses was held the evening before Canadian Maritimes through west at the Midland Country Club. Texas, and the Southern Alps of New Zealand. She has drawn from those investigations in petroleum, gold, and October guest speaker Patricia water resource assessments, and now Wood Dickerson. applies those passions in astronaut of ~4 nautical miles/second. As the crew training, teaching, and in lead- continents pass below, their character- ing natural history field seminars for istic colors and textures become famil- students, professional scientists, and iar – the rolling red-gold dune fields nonscientists. For her efforts in astro- and bare black volcanic shield of naut training in field geophysics and northern Africa, the brilliant blues of geology, she was recently awarded the Bahama Banks and the dark rum- the NASA Exceptional Public Service pled ridges of the Appalachians of Medal. Pat currently serves on the eastern North America, the jagged icy Science Committee of the NASA whiteness of the Himalayas and the Midland Director Marc Maddox (left) with Advisory Council, appointed to advise great braids of the Brahmaputra and Past President David Eyler (center) and the agency on scientific strategies for Ganges Rivers carrying mountain bits George Johnson at the Midland Board of exploring the Moon, Mars and the to the Indian Ocean. Orbiting space- Directors dinner. Solar System at large. craft are 210-mile-high windows on She explained that geological global and local geological phenome- Our guest speaker was Patricia instruction begins during astronaut na, as well as on natural and human- Wood Dickerson, currently working candidate training, with a week-long induced changes to the planet and with the American Geological geological excursion and field geo- atmosphere. A Space Shuttle mission Institute, and the Jackson School of physical exercise in New Mexico. In may last a dozen days and an Geosciences at the University of Texas concert with ground observations of International Space Station expedition in Austin. The title of her presentation great faults, volcanoes, dunes and four to six months, so crews are able to was "Earth Dynamics from Aorounga canyons, stereo photos taken from document both seasonal variations to Zimbabwe — Astronaut Instruction Shuttle/ISS help demonstrate analo- and singular events. in Geological Observation." gous features that they will see from In November, local member Donald Pat has worked as a geologist, editor, orbit. After selection for a mission, P. McGookey, #1003, presented a talk photographer, writer, dance instructor crews are briefed on such subjects as entitled, "Permian Basin — Why So and apricot cutter for a California the global fresh-water supply (lakes, Prolific?" He pointed out that Mother fruit-packing firm (not in that order)! glaciers, ice sheets, etc.), great river Nature did everything right to create Her research in rifts and mountain systems and deltas of Asia, El Niño/ the major petroleum reserves of the Southern Oscillation cycles, coral reef Permian Basin. Throughout 300 mil- ecology and health, atmospheric phe- lion years of the Paleozoic Era the nomena, rift basins and transform southwest part of the North American zones, the East African rift system, plate moved back and forth across the and geohazards such as volcanic equator, staying within the 30-degree eruptions and earthquake-prone north and south latitudes. The paleo- regions. Crews may request addition- geography that resulted from these al briefings – e.g., terrestrial analogues latitudinal positions contributed to to features/processes on Earth's Moon the deposition of thick source beds and Mars. Many examples of these and excellent carbonate reservoirs for spectacular photos were shown dur- the storage of oil and gas in the ing her presentation. Permian Basin. Space Shuttle and the International Midland Chapter Chairman Robin Vasicek (Continued) (left) and New Orleans Director Ken Space Station orbit Earth every 90 Huffman. minutes, traveling at a ground speed

FEBRUARY 2008 ______9 Chapter News Continued

During the Paleozoic there were These parameters can be visualized three major changes in this area. A as a giant chemical system. broad spoon-shaped basin along the Don McGookey is from Sandusky, southwest edge of the continent char- Ohio. He spent two years in the navy acterized the Permian Basin area from as an electronic technician. He earned Cambrian to Middle Mississippian. a B.S. at Bowling Green State From Middle Mississippian to early University, a M.S. from the University Permian time, the entire southwest of Wyoming, and a Ph.D. at Ohio State part of the continent was subjected to University. Texaco Inc. employed him periodic twisting plate tectonic move- from 1952 to 1979. He worked in vari- ments that formed contemporaneous November speaker Donald ous parts of the Rocky Mountains for compressional basins and uplifts from McGookey. seventeen years, and the balance in the Oquirrh Basin of northwest Utah assignments in New York (interna- to the Ouachita Trend. The latter is a During the remainder of the tional exploration) and as chief geolo- collision plate boundary that extends Permian, the basins were filled to the gist in Houston, Texas. Don ended his from southwest Texas to Mississippi. brim and the uplifted areas were career with Texaco as manager of Major features of this time in the buried. The last event in the Permian exploration in Midland. Since 1979, he Permian Basin of West Texas and was the deposition of a thick evapor- has been an independent geologist southeast New Mexico were the ite section over the entire area. The working primarily in the Permian Diablo Uplift, Delaware Basin, Central evaporites provided an excellent seal Basin of West Texas and southeast Basin Platform, Midland Basin and to prevent escape of migrating hydro- New Mexico. He is the author of the the Eastern Shelf (west flank of Llano carbons. The basins and uplifts have Cretaceous Chapter in the RMAG Uplift). remained buried and undisturbed Rocky Mountain Atlas, 1972, "Geologic The basins were the receptacles of since the end of the Permian. Major Wonders of South Park, Colorado," thick deep-water shales and tur- accumulations of oil and gas always 2001 and "Geologic Wonders of West bidites. The flanks of the uplifts were enjoy the simple parameters of: Texas," 2004. the site of pinnacle and barrier reefs, Source(s), burial of source beds to The Midland Chapter had no shelf carbonates and fluvial systems. proper depth for the generation of oil December meeting. All Late Paleozoic sedimentation was and gas, migration of oil and gas to George Friesen cyclic and controlled by changes in thick reservoir sections, structural and Secretary sea level caused by periodic continen- stratigraphic traps, seals and relatively „ tal glaciation in the southern hemi- simple history since migration. sphere. FORT WORTH The speaker, Phil Carlisle, #2557, The October meeting of the Fort spoke on "Going Independent: Case Worth SIPES Chapter was held on History of Aspen Integrated Oil & Gas October 18, 2007 at the Fort Worth Company LLC." Phil went indepen- Petroleum Club. Thirty members and dent in December of 1985. He enu- guests attended. Chairman Jamie merated several factors as critical to Robertson welcomed guests; at each the process. These included having a table, they introduced themselves. business plan (desire and focus), Jamie singled out Annette Borkowski developing relationships, creating and Wayne Hoskins for their work on opportunities, assembling talent, hav- ing staying power, diversifying, lever- November guest speakers Jeff Wendt (left), a paper called "Challenges of Urban and Gail Wendt with Jamie Robertson. Seismic" for the November 2007 SIPES aging assets, acquisitions, dealing Quarterly. with risk, debt, and sacrifice. Keys to Leadership and Management Fortuitous market conditions play Whatever Your Position." Jeff dis- their part too. Even an independent cussed facets of leadership such as requires a team effort for success. knowing your destination, determin- Our November meeting was held ing your available resources, and uti- on November 15, 2007 at the Fort lizing resources (including other peo- Worth Petroleum Club. Twenty-seven ple). Gail described different personal- members and guests attended. We ity styles, how to recognize their were especially pleased to have TCU strengths, and how to maximize your students attend. efforts with them and for the team. Chapter Chairman Jamie The speakers, Jeff and Gail Wendt of There was no December meeting. Robertson (left) and October The Eagle Wing Group, spoke on SIPES Fort Worth Chapter speaker Phil Carlisle. "Meeting People Where They Are - „

10 ______SIPES QUARTERLY SIPES Foundation Donor Awards The SIPES Foundation is pleased to honor donors who, in 2007, reached the following cumulative gift levels:

EMERALD - $2,500 Robert D. Gunn John A. Hord Donald R. Hembre Kenneth J. Huffman Michael N. Austin Constance N. Knight George R. Jones James P. Evans III Edgar B. Krider Larry L. Jones Robert B. Ferguson Peter MacKenzie Henry C. Libby George S. Johnson J. Phil Martin, Jr. Douglas H. McGinness II Robert B. Owen H. Jack Naumann, Jr. Eric L. Michaelson GOLD - $1,000 Edward B. Picou, Jr. Lewis M. O'Neal Stephen R. Robichaud Hugh C. Pendery James K. Anderson C. Ray Scurlock David M. Pulling Robert A. Anderson William M. Smith Dwight S. Ramsay Garnet W. Brock M. Robin Vasicek C. Randall Schott William C. Burkett Roger D. Wilkinson Jeffry A. Smith Jon F. Cobb G. Clint Wainwright, Jr. SILVER - $500 Rex D. Coppedge Scott A. Wainwright Edward K. David Robert D. Dougherty W. David Willig Ralph C. Duchin Duncan D. Dubroff Mark D. Wilson

SIPES Chapter Meeting Information

AUSTIN DENVER MIDLAND Chairman: Doug Watkins Chairman: Bob Cluff Chairman: Robin Vasicek V-Chrmn: Ward Davenport V-Chrmn: Jim Applegate V-Chrmn: Tom Gentry Secretary: TBA Secretary: TBA Secretary: George Friesen Treasurer: Dwight Cassell Treasurer: Tom Stander Treasurer: Pete Schrenkel Meets: The County Line Meets: Wynkoop Brewing Co. Meets: Midland Country Club (On the Hill) 4th Thursday 3rd Wednesday 1st Thursday FORT WORTH NEW ORLEANS CORPUS CHRISTI Chairman: James Robertson Chairman: Al Baker Chairman: Patrick Nye V-Chrmn: James Robertson V-Chrmn: Tony Carollo V-Chrmn: Stephen Thomas Secretary: TBA Secretary: Jim Zotkiewicz Secretary: David Desenberg Treasurer: TBA Treasurer: Reese Pinney Treasurer: Duncan Chisholm Meets: Fort Worth Petroleum Club Meets: Andrea’s Restaurant Meets: Town Club 3rd Thursday 3rd Tuesday Last Tuesday of month HOUSTON OKLAHOMA CITY DALLA S Chairman: Jim Norris Chairman: Tom Rowland Chairman: Cliff Walker V-Chrmn: Mark Gregg V-Chrmn: James Jackson V-Chrmn: Terry O’Hare Secretary: Glen Pankonien Secretary: Mike Pollok Secretary: Mike Taylor Treasurer: Steve Hartzell Treasurer: Victor Cooper Treasurer: Keith Brownlee Meets: Petroleum Club Meets: The Petroleum Club Meets: Royal Oaks 3rd Thursday Bank One Bldg., 35th Floor Country Club 1st Wednesday 3rd Tuesday L AFAYETTE SAN ANTONIO Chairman: Ellis Guilbeau V-Chrmn: Johnny Walker Chairman: Donna Balin Secretary/ V-Chrmn: Doug Draves Treasurer: David Bieber Secretary/ Meets: Petroleum Club Treasurer: Joe Finger 2nd Wednesday Meets: Petroleum Club 3rd Thursday

FEBRUARY 2008 ______11 Chapter News Continued NEW ORLEANS Zotkiewicz; Treasurer Reese Pinney; Orleans area newspaper, gave us his Past Chairman and National Director insight on our recent elections. Mr. On behalf of SIPES National and the Ken Huffman. DuBos pointed out how the political SIPES New Orleans Chapter, we Our October luncheon meeting fea- landscape of Louisiana is changing extend an invitation to you to join us tured Mitch Luehr and Coerte for the better, especially post-Katrina. at the SIPES 45th Annual Meeting and Voorhies from Seismic Micro- Louisianans elected a young reformist 2008 Convention from May 12-15, Technologies (SMT), a company Republican, of Indian descent, as gov- 2008 in New Orleans. Our program whose PC based 3-D evaluation soft- ernor, imposed term limits on the leg- will include exciting talks, great semi- ware has almost become a standard islature, and formed "watchdog" nars, field trips, and spouse events for independent geologists. Mitch groups to keep an eye on corruption - which are unique to New Orleans. We and Coerte spoke to the group about significant changes for the State. hope you will also allow us the oppor- some of the new features in SMT's Our December Christmas luncheon tunity to show you our great city, upcoming 8.2 version. was a lively open microphone session which is world-renown for its history In November, the SIPES meeting is where members could, and did, speak and culture and lies in one of the most traditionally a joint meeting with the their minds on various topics. geologically diverse basins in the con- API, NOGS, PLANO, and several Jim Zotkiewicz tinental United States. other local professional societies. Secretary Our chapter officers for 2008 are: Clancy DuBos, a political analyst and „ Chairman Al Baker; Vice Chairman owner of the Gambit Weekly, a New Tony Carollo; Secretary Jim

SAN ANTONIO Louisiana, and Alabama, is 4.5 BSTB. nals into the ground and measuring Results of this assessment indicate the voltage response between pairs of The October meeting of the San that mature Gulf Coast clastic oil receiver electrodes along the record- Antonio Chapter featured Mark H. reservoirs are a new large potential ing line at different offsets from the Holtz, formerly of the Bureau of target for CO EOR when experience source. Signal processing techniques Economic Geology, the University of 2 are used to produce a resistivity cross Texas at Austin, with a talk entitled, in the Permian Basin is retooled for section; zones identified as highly "Moving Permian Basin Technology to this setting. resistive may indicate the presence of the Gulf Coast: the Geologic At the November luncheon, Jason Robinson, vice president for North hydrocarbons. Real Time Appraisal on Distribution of CO2 Enhanced Oil and South America with MTEM, site provides both QC and initial pro- Recovery Potential in Gulf Coast spoke on "Using ElectroMagnetics for cessing results within hours of record- Reservoirs." Mr. Holtz pointed out Onshore Hydrocarbon Detection and ing. that although the Permian Basin in Delineation - with a case study from Also at the November meeting, new West Texas has seen a long history of Trinidad." Electromagnetic (EM) sur- SIPES member Nic Weatherston, CO enhanced oil recovery (EOR), the 2 veys have the potential to identify #3121, was welcomed by our chapter. experienced gained has not been fluid content in rocks prior to drilling, Nic is a third-generation geologist extended to the much more porous differentiating between low resistivity who has worked for the past twenty- and permeable clastic depositional water-saturated reservoirs and high four years in his family-owned busi- systems of the Gulf of Mexico Coast. resistivity hydrocarbon-containing ness, Discorbis Oil, here in San Proximity to possible anthropogenic reservoirs. The main reason that sur- Antonio. CO2 sources, enabling reduced costs face EM methods have long been In lieu of the December luncheon, and infrastructure, and the petro- overlooked in the oil industry is that SIPES members and their physical character of these sandstones resolution of conventional EM data spouses/guests attended the All- are just two of the many attributes has been low compared with that Industry Christmas Party, which our that showcase the Gulf Coast forma- derived from seismic data. However, chapter co-sponsored. It was held at tions as an attractive option for this today's signal processing techniques the San Antonio Petroleum Club and type of tertiary recovery. A large oil and high precision multi-channel had a great turnout of members reservoir database was analyzed to recording systems have significantly including those of the South Texas determine the geologic distribution of increased both the frequency band- Geological Society, San Antonio CO2 EOR potential in Gulf Coast oil width and the dynamic range of EM Geophysical Society, and the local reservoirs. The analysis showed that data. chapters of the SPE, API, and AAPL. the CO2 EOR resource potential along The MTEM (multi-transient electro- Donna Balin the Texas Gulf Coast is 2.7 billion stock magnetic) method described by Jason Chairman tank barrels (BSTB) and the total Gulf Robinson works by injecting a series „ Coast potential, including Mississippi, of pulse-coded electrical transient sig-

12 ______SIPES QUARTERLY Chapter News Continued LAFAYETTE Geological Society. The speaker was dinner at our annual Christmas Party Louis Buatt, an attorney with the held at the Lafayette Petroleum Club. The Lafayette Chapter's October Louisiana Department of The Christmas Party is quickly becom- meeting continued our tradition of an Environmental Quality. His talk was ing the most attended and popular afternoon barbecue at Girard Park. A entitled "Legacy Lawsuits" in which meeting of the entire year. We also large member turnout listened to he discussed his thoughts and obser- installed new officers for the coming musical entertainment by Pee Wee vations related to the sixty or more year with the current officers agreeing Whitewing. This was a very informal lawsuits associated with the to accept another term at their present meeting with everyone enjoying a "Corbello" case. Mr. Buatt did an excel- positions. Lafayette Chapter officers great meal and picture perfect weath- lent job with his presentation, show- for 2007-2008 are: Chairman Ellis er. ing the historical and chronological Guilbeau; Vice Chairman Johnny Also in October, we held our annual events that took place with the inter- Walker; Secretary/Treasurer David Dove Hunt at the Diamond W Ranch. ested parties, the state courts, and also Bieber and Director Bill Finley. It was a great success with most the resulting legislation that followed. David Bieber hunters getting their limit of birds and The December meeting was a great Secretary/Treasurer enjoying a delicious meal. success with our members and their „ Our November meeting was held in significant others attending a sit down conjunction with the Lafayette

DALLAS The Dallas SIPES Chapter thanks our guest lecturers and sponsors, The Dallas Chapter presented it's including Chesapeake Energy, Fall Symposium titled, "The Business Halliburton, Browning Oil Co., of an Oil and Gas Independent" at the Drilling Info, Foundation Energy, Ellison Miles Geotechnology Institute, Watkins Production Co., Suttles Brookhaven College Campus on Logging, Inc., North Texas Energy Tuesday, October 16, 2007. Council, Petroleum Technology Transfer Council and Oakmont Minerals, Inc.

Dallas Chapter Chairman Ed Gonzales (right) welcomes John Tintera. Material presented by Steve Reynolds included structuring oil and gas deal contracts, lease and purchase agreements, joint operating agree- ments, and avoiding liabilities. John Tintera reviewed new online permit- Former Dallas Chapter Chairman Mark ting procedures, and changes within Mathisen (right) introduces SIPES the Texas Railroad Commission to Foundataion Traveling Seminar Speaker streamline permitting. Steve Reynolds of Denver. Eddie Rhea (left) and Marlan Downey Lunch and refreshments were pro- presented excellent strategies at the Fall vided as Jennifer Keefe presented a Symposium. Approximately thirty-five profes- continuing education course on ethics sionals attended from the surround- titled, "How to avoid litigation." The The Dallas Chapter Christmas Party ing oil and gas community. Presenters afternoon concluded with excellent was held on Saturday, December 1, included Steve Reynolds, #2852, vice firsthand experience from Eddie Rhea 2007 at the Dallas Petroleum Club. president of Infinity Oil and Gas; John detailing the formation, structure and This was a premium event featuring Tintera with the Permitting Depart- growth of Foundation Energy from excellent food, spirits, accommoda- ment of the Texas Railroad Com-mis- institutional funding. Marlan Downey tions and music. New chapter officers sion; Jennifer Keefe from law firm of concluded the symposium with his for 2008 are: Chairman Cliff Walker; Patton & Boggs, LLP; Eddie Rhea, sixty plus years of experience in the Vice Chairman Terry O'Hare; #2937, CEO of Foundation Energy; corporate world and becoming an Treasurer Keith Brownlee; and and Marlan Downey, #2711, chair- independent. Special thanks to 2007 Secretary Mike Taylor. man of Roxanna Oil Company and Chapter Chairman Ed Gonzales, and Don Muth former president of ARCO. his wife for organizing the event. The 2007 Secretary symposium was first class! „

FEBRUARY 2008 ______13 Chapter News Continued HOUSTON With today's product prices, capital providers are eager to hear your On October 18, Leslie Haines, edi- plans. When presenting your ideas, tor-in-chief from The Oil and Gas remember that execution is more Investor was our guest speaker. Her important than strategy; return is discussion was titled "Bridging the more important than growth; and dol- Gap: Leaping Between Your E&P Idea lars are more important than barrels. and the Capital You Need." Tim Brown, geophysical manager of Sierra Resources, was our guest speaker in November. His discussion was titled "Time is Fact and Depth is Guest speaker Lawrence an Opinion, But We Drill Wells in Bruno at the December Depth." Mr. Brown stated that the meeting. degree of accuracy desired in the con- version of seismically derived time well tops to seismic events, and can be structure maps to depth depends on adjusted to match the seismic data. the accuracy desired and the available Good tied synthetics in multiple wells resources. There is a cost in time and across an area are a desirable depth money for the most complex, state-of- solution. The most accurate source of velocity data for depth conversion is a October guest speaker the-art solutions to depth conversion Leslie Haines. problems, but sometimes the high cost Vertical Seismic Profile (VSP). A VSP may not always be necessary. He does measures time versus depth resulting Ms. Haines stated that, among other recommend that open hole logging in the generation of an actual seismic things, access to outside capital gener- for all wells include full density and trace for an accurate tie between the ates speedier growth for a company, sonic logs from TD to surface to aid in well and seismic. more flexibility in choosing strategies generating accurate synthetic seismo- The preferred solution for depth regarding areas or plays of interest, grams which can be useful velocity conversion is to use velocity functions introduction to more contacts within information for that well. in multiple wells in an area in order to the oil industry, and tax advantages generate a gridded velocity map for for LP and LLC companies. Sources of input for multiplying against a time capital can be located by reading pub- grid. The resulting velocity derived lications such as The Oil and Gas depth information then can be con- Investor, the Oil and Gas Financial toured to provide a more accurate Sourcebook, the Oil and Gas Investor This presentation of structure. Week, and also through financial inter- Our last luncheon of 2007 was held mediaries. Through 2007, $22 billion at the Petroleum Club on December have been raised by private equity 20, with Lawrence Bruno of Core funds, hedge funds, and mezzanine Laboratories as guest speaker. His dis- funds. cussion was titled "Drilling Mud November guest speaker Tim Possible sources of capital are indi- Tracers for Formation Evaluation." Brown of Sierra Resources. vidual high-worth investors, individ- Mr. Bruno stated that drilling mud ual aggregators (mutual funds, hedge The least desirable source of velocity tracers used in water-based mud in funds), institutional investors (GE, information is from seismic processing conjunction with conventional coring pensions, endowments), and institu- velocities. Constant velocities derived can result in more accurate water and tional aggregators. Potential investors from a time surface may result in erro- hydrocarbon saturations of the forma- are going to want to see a strong man- neous depths; this method is quick, tion, a more accurate determination of agement team, a good track record, but sometimes not accurate. Rw in a reservoir that produces no competitive advantages (play or trend Purchased velocity functions are also water, a validation or adjustment of expertise, special technology, etc.), questionable in that they may contain the petrophysical parameters used in and, sometimes, a company with acquisition or processing errors, but the log-calculated Sw model, and, some of their own money at risk. they are useful if that is all that is overall, more confidence in reserve Several companies have begun small, available. If used, they are good at best calculations. Some of the characteris- grew with mezzanine loans, and sold for only one well, but don't allow for tics of high quality mud tracers are out for a profit; after selling, some lateral variation between wells. A high that they are not naturally occurring principals immediately start a new quality synthetic is good, if properly in the reservoir, they must be soluble company. tied to the data. A synthetic relates (Continued)

14 ______SIPES QUARTERLY Chapter News Continued in the mud filtrate, they must be bio- without the need for protective gloves low fluid loss and a low invasion bit logically and chemically stable, and or clothing when used in drilling design are recommended in order to they must be able to be accurately mud. obtain optimum mud cake buildup, detected in low concentrations in the For the best attainable results when and that coring rates of 80'-120' per laboratory. using drilling mud tracers during cor- hour are preferred to minimize inva- Tritium (tritiated water) is the opti- ing operations, Mr. Bruno stated that sion. mum water-based mud tracer. It does tight controls should be placed on the Michael Jones not occur naturally in formation drilling mud design, with mud moni- 2007 Secretary water, can be detected at extremely toring and sampling occurring during „ low concentrations, and is safe to use coring operations. He also said that

DENVER The current world demand is 160 mil- The Denver Chapter's luncheon lion pounds of U3O8 per year, which meetings are held monthly on the is expected to double by 2080. World fourth Thursday at the Wynkoop nuclear-power generation is now 700 Brewing Company, 1634 18th Street in billion kwh and is projected to lower downtown Denver. increase to 800 billion kwh within the At the October meeting, Jim Burnell, next decade. Colorado's infrastructure minerals geologist of the Colorado is in place and expanding along with Geological Survey, gave a very infor- adjoining states. In 2006 there were mative presentation on the uranium 5,693 uranium-mining claims filed on industry of Colorado and neighboring federal lands. There are four uranium November guest speaker states and the current high level of mills, but only one is currently active Genevieve Young. activity. From the early 1870s, when in the region, and thirty-one new whose primary goal is to develop a pitchblende was identified in a Gilpin mills are licensed for construction. plan for reducing greenhouse gas in County gold mine, Colorado has Colorado's most significant uranium the southwestern United States by played a significant role at the fore- deposits are found in ancient fluvial storing it underground in proximity to front of the nuclear industry's sandstones. The redox sensitivity of large CO -emitting facilities such as demand for uranium. In the past 137 uranium controls its occurrence in the 2 coal-fired power plants. The partner- years the mining of uranium has gone sandstone deposits and is also the key ship is a large group made up of orga- through numerous cycles within three to extraction by the in-situ leaching nizations and individuals in science, major periods. Early on the world was method, proposed in projects engineering and public relations. fascinated by radium. throughout the western U.S. Some problems stand in the way of Currently the partnership is conduct- uranium production reaching the lev- ing three pilot tests in the San Juan, els envisioned by prospectors, miners Paradox and Permian Basins to gain and investors. One critical problem is practical knowledge in gathering and a lack of milling capacity for uranium injecting CO2 into suitable subsurface ore. Use of the in-situ leaching formations. The project uses public process, a technique that is low-cost, funds allocated to the U.S. Depart- less hazardous to workers and enables ment of Energy/NETL Carbon the producer to bypass traditional Capture and Storage Program. milling, must win trust among envi- Denver SIPES members and friends ronmental groups. In underground attended a happy, catered annual hol- iday party at Southglenn Country October guest speaker Jim Burnell. mines the radiation hazard presented by polonium 210 carried by water Club. At that December event, Mike Austin announced the chapter officers Then came vanadium exploration, vapor in the mine air is real and must for 2008: Bob Cluff, chapter chairman; which in the early 1940s became a be overcome. Jim Applegate, vice chairman; Tom cover for the Manhattan Project's Our speaker at the November lun- Stander, treasurer; and the secretary, search for uranium, followed by the cheon meeting was Genevieve Young, to be announced. Bill Goff continues uranium period from 1945 until the a petroleum geologist with the as membership chairman. Mike present. Colorado Geological Survey. Her topic Austin and Mike Cruson are national Uranium mining is now entering was "CO2 Sequestration Potential of directors. another phase as demand increases, Colorado." Keith Droullard and the price of yellowcake rises in The Colorado Geological Survey is a 2007 Secretary the face of shortage and speculation. participant in the Southwest Regional Partnership on carbon sequestration, „

FEBRUARY 2008 ______15 Chapter News Continued OKLAHOMA CITY examples of production found using large turnout as there are copious hor- The meeting on October 3 had fel- 3D seismic. izontals that have been drilled, and low SIPES member from Houston and Our November speaker was Richard are being drilled, with many slated for president of New Century Andrews, a petroleum geologist with future drilling to establish gas produc- Exploration, Inc., Phil Martin, #2390, the Oklahoma Geological Survey. His tion from the Woodford. presenting a very informative talk talk is entitled "Production and Tom Rowland Outcrop/Reservoir Characteristics of Chairman titled "Fishing with Dynamite: 3D Tips „ and Trip-Ups in the Gulf Coast." Phil the Woodford Shale in South-Central presented an excellent talk giving and Southeast Oklahoma." We had a

CORPUS CHRISTI In addition to his regular duties, Completion diagnostic services are Our October meeting was held on Gary is an associate professor with an commonly being employed to mea- October 30 at the Corpus Christi Town extension campus of Embry Riddle in sure the completion results and quan- Club, with guest speaker Gary Tindall, Corpus Christi in the curriculum of tify each reservoir layers' production. Branch Chief, Analytical Investi- aeronautical science. Several case examples highlight some gation, U.S. Army. His talk was enti- At our November meeting, Mike of the possible completion problems tled "There's Always a Reason." Gary Flecker of Core Laboratories was the that can be directly identified using is stationed at the Corpus Christi guest speaker. His presentation was completion diagnostic services. These Naval Air Station. The mission of the entitled "Completion Diagnostics; Is It data provide for targeted solutions branch is to investigate the U.S. Your Completion Or Your Rock?" consisting of remedial workover and Army's aviation mishaps worldwide. Mike Flecker is currently the vice pres- optimization of the field develop- His work has taken him all over the ident/general manager of the Pro- ment. globe including Iraq, Afghanistan, Technics Division of Core The annual Christmas dinner of the South America, Europe, and Asia. One Laboratories. He started his career Corpus Christi Chapter was held at of the most meaningful investigations with Dresser Atlas (then Western the Town Club on Wednesday, was a portion of the Challenger disas- Atlas) in 1980, where he focused on December 12. The evening began with ter. His work is related to the investi- cased hole logging services. Through a cocktail hour where members and gation of material failure in fixed wing his 17-year term he held various posi- their spouses enjoyed an open bar, and rotary wing aircraft. His main tions in operations, sales, manage- delicious hors d'oeuvres and good focus has been on rotary wing aircraft ment, research and global geo- conversation. Dinner was a choice of material failure mechanisms. Gary's sciences. He then headed up the prime rib or fresh catch of the day. A group indirectly investigates other reservoir engineering department at special program of Christmas music aspects of a failure, such as human Wood Group before joining by the Sweet Adelines quartet was factors, to determine the root cause of ProTechnics as the director of technol- presented as the guests enjoyed the mishap. ogy in 2000. He then headed up their dessert. Gary is a native of Victoria, Texas, He engineering department where he Outgoing Chairman Duncan started his career with Bill Findley at guided the advancement of their log- Chisholm presented the new officers FESCO in Victoria. Gary graduated ging technology. Mike has authored for 2008. They are: Patrick Nye, chair- from Texas State University with a B.S. technical papers published in SPE's man; Steven Thomas, vice chair- in chemistry, and Embry Riddle Journal of Petroleum Technology, man/programs; David Desenberg, sec- Aeronautical University with an M.S. SPWLA's The Log Analyst and SEG's retary; and Duncan Chisholm, trea- in aeronautical science. He is present- Journal of the Society of Exploration surer. Duncan also recognized Brian ly writing his Ph.D. dissertation that Geophysicists. Calhoun, Bernie Brauer and Ed Riddle concentrates on unmanned aerial Wells that underperform expecta- for their past service. vehicles. Gary has received the tions are evaluated on a daily basis. Thomas J. Wintermute, #1850, Aviation Safety Certificate from the This evaluation often leads to point- SIPES member and a member of the University of Southern California, and ing at possible completion problems Coastal Bend Geological Library, died performed postgraduate study in or inaccurate petrophysical assess- on November 1, 2007, at the age of 80. molecular spectroscopy at Arizona ments. Limited information leads to Ed Riddle 2007 Secretary State University. low confidence or incorrect interpre- tations of the source of the disap- „ pointment.

16 ______SIPES QUARTERLY Basement Tectonics Continued

While the mid-rift high has a thin Louann Salt cover, an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 feet of salt was deposited off this high in the East Texas Salt Dome Basin. Salt isochrons infer both the external and internal shape of the mid-rift high. The Halbouty Ridge, located along the Smith-Rusk County line, and the San Augustine High are notably absent or salt isochron thins that are evident on the mid-rift high. The shape of the mid-rift high has also influenced later sedimentary depositional patterns. In the areas adjacent to it, i.e., southwest of the Trinity River and east of the Louisiana State Line, the Haynesville-Bossier- Cotton Valley System is aggradational due to very large available accommo- dation spaces. Conversely, in the area suprajacent to the mid-rift high, the Haynesville-Bossier-Cotton Valley and style of the resultant uplift. The INTRODUCTION System prograded across a flat marine current outline of the Sabine Uplift is This paper will provide a frame- shelf environment over an area nearly defined by the edge of the Wilcox out- work for the structural and strati- three times as large due to a loss of crop, resulting in a rectangular shape graphic history of the Sabine Uplift available accommodation space. along a NW-SE axis (Fig. 1). that is better understood when looked The Cotton Valley sands across this Any exploration program for the at in a regional context. It is herein shallow marine mid-rift high are Sabine Uplift area should include a suggested that a large left-lateral shoreface sands that were deposited serious consideration of Laramide wrench fault system, originating near along a shoreline that extended from compressional tectonics, sub-salt Saltillo, Mexico is the source of exter- southwest to northeast across the structures, and both gravity and mag- nal compression for the foreland fold- shelf. The sands of Overton Field, as netic mapping early in the evaluation ing that formed the Sabine Uplift. The well as the sands at Oak Hill, Willow process. Sabine Uplift formed at a restraining Springs and Carthage Fields are all (Continued) examples of this deposition. Thin widespread limestone beds are pres- ent within the Cotton Valley across the Sabine Uplift. These limestones are interpreted as transgressive shell lags and back-bay oyster beds. The position of each active shoreface sys- tem prograded through time, with the oldest system to the northwest and the youngest migrating to the south- east. Middle to Upper Cretaceous Laramide foreland tectonics applied lateral compression from the south- west and formed a foreland fold pair (the Sabine Uplift and the North Louisiana Salt Basin). Later, Paleocene-Eocene compression reacti- vated the uplift again. Pre-Jurassic transform fault lineations along NW- SE lines strongly influenced the shape

FEBRUARY 2008 ______17 Basement Tectonics Continued

deposits between Sabine Pass and Galveston, Texas today. Major transform systems are visible on maps of magnetic susceptibility, i.e., gravity, surface geologic maps, 2- D seismic data, and surface lineament analyses. These features can also be inferred from surface geography and Landsat analysis. These major faults can be traced into the offshore domain where they merge into the major mapped transform faults of the Atlantic and Gulf Coast Margins (Stephens, 2001). The expected suite of rift horst and grabens can be found at right angles to the major transform orientation (Adams, 1989, 1993, 1997). These horsts and grabens terminate into smaller strike-slip faults that also par- allel the major transform orientation stepover/sidestep (Dooley and in Texas today and in the geologic (Fig 3). The net effect of this fault pat- McClay, 1997) in that wrench fault past (Fig. 2). The Paleo-Trinity River tern is a mosaic of rectangular-rhom- system. This wrench system continues controlled Bossier sedimentation on bic fault blocks. The rectangles are across the North American continent, the west flank of the East Texas Basin elongate in a NE-SW direction, and and is referred to as the Saltillo- in much the same way that the loca- the ends of the rectangles define St.Lawrence Shear System. tion of the Sabine River controls the smaller offset transform faults that are BASEMENT TECTONICS location of the beaches and shelf sand (Continued) Pre-salt structures reflect the Triassic rift tectonics that formed as the Africa-South America block sepa- rated from the North American block. Transfer faults, commonly known as "transform faults," that formed by strike-slip motion during this rifting are oriented at ~N60W (Fig 2). Faults that parallel this orientation are pres- ent across the North American Craton. These faults form the basic building blocks for understanding basement structural tectonics. Another fault orientation of ~N45W is found almost exclusively within the post-salt sedimentary section. This orientation is the compressional syn- thetic shear that followed the Pennsylvanian/Permian Ouachita Orogenic thrusting (Fig. 2). These faults were re-activated during the Triassic rifting and have formed linear shear zones that are affecting structur- al and sedimentary systems to present day. These synthetic shears control the course of all of the major river systems

18 ______SIPES QUARTERLY Basement Tectonics Continued

major transform systems. This gener- ates a linear series of rhomb-shaped basins with intervening horsts that are at an angle within the synthetic shear zones. Both modern and ancient rivers follow the synthetic shear zones by flowing diagonally across the indi- vidual rhomb-shaped basins (Figs. 5A & 5B). These rhombs are also prefer- ential sites for salt deposition because of their early formation. Features such as salt domes, pillows, and salt welds are all to be expected within these iso- lated rhombs. The Sabine Uplift of today is a reac- tivated mid-rift high. This large rhomb-shaped area owes its origin to the same tensional forces that formed the East Texas Salt Dome Basin, a large rift basin, and the basement transform faults. The northeast and southwest boundaries are major continuous for many miles, if not con- the Halbouty Ridge, and offset horsts transform systems. They extend into tinuous across much of the basin. such as those that influenced the sea- the offshore Gulf of Mexico where Across portions of the Sabine Uplift ward edge of Haynesville oolite shoal they are among the transfer faults where the Louann Salt cover is thin deposition at Gladewater, Gilmer, and shown by Stephens, 2001. Also in that (less than ~1000'), these fault blocks Overton Fields are all influenced by paper, Stephens' work reflects both can be mapped utilizing seismic data. these basement fault blocks (Fig. 4). the N60W and N45W basement fault The base of salt surface is critical to The synthetic shear zones cut across orientations. It is important to recog- understanding later depositional and this basement architecture and have a nize that the origin of the Sabine structural trends. Repetitive at large, unique internal structure. These syn- Uplift cannot be interpreted without intermediate, and small scales, fea- thetic shear zones have opened by placing it into its proper regional con- tures such as the East Texas Salt Dome transverse shear along planes within text. Basin and the Sabine Mid-Rift Horst, the shear zone that are parallel to the SALT TECTONICS The key to understanding salt tec- tonics across the Sabine Uplift is to initially understand the geometry of the Louann Salt at the end of salt dep- osition. The depositional surface of the Louann Salt was originally a flat surface; therefore, the original salt isopach was a cast of the pre-salt sur- face (Fig. 3). It follows from this that subsequent sediment loading will cause salt deformation to proceed along pre- dictable and repeatable paths. These paths will lead to salt deformation that yields structures that can now be used to predict the original salt isopach. Original salt thicknesses of less than about 1000' will deform very little, unless the salt thins abruptly against the edge of an adjacent horst. (Continued)

FEBRUARY 2008 ______19 Basement Tectonics Continued

Valley sediments. A subsiding shelf characterized the area southwest of the Trinity River and east of the Texas- Louisiana State Line (Fig. 6). In con- trast, the area between the Trinity River and the Texas-Louisiana State Line was supported by the large mid- rift high in the pre-salt. This area did not subside during the Jurassic depo- sition like the areas on either side. Therefore, the sedimentary section across the mid-rift high was forced to prograde to the southeast instead of aggrading in place. The East Texas Salt Dome Basin also had a profound influence on this Fig. 6. This map shows a simplified comparison of the aggrada- Jurassic sedimentation. Since the top tional and progradational Cotton Valley Shelf Systems. The aggra- dational systems are narrower with stacked sand systems. The Mid- of the Louann Salt was deposited as a Rift High beneath the current Sabine Uplift has forced the Cotton flat surface, the Salt Dome Basin was a Valley to prograde across the shelf , resulting in a shelf system that is nearly three times as wide as in an aggradational setting. large flat area with little or no stream gradient potential nor any relief to aid Thicker salt will deform into pillows, ment along a sloping basal surface, or in the nucleation of Haynesville grain- stocks, ridges and domes. Along the external tectonic compression or ten- stone shoals. However, Haynesville edge of the salt basin, the salt move- sion which either change the confin- grainstone shoals developed in front ment will cause the formation of large ing pressures on the salt body or of the flat basin area and nucleated relief faults. Similarly, faults will form physically change the shape of the over the Halbouty Ridge on the north- within the basin where the salt thins confining boundaries of the salt body. west flank of the mid-rift high (Fig. 7). Upon detailed examination, the abruptly, or where the slope on the HAYNESVILLE-BOSSIER- pre-salt surface is great enough to Halbouty Ridge is determined to be a COTTON VALLEY DEPOSITION allow salt flowage down slope. Thus, ridge composed of many smaller salt structures can be used as indica- The Sabine Uplift had a profound horsts. Grainstone shoal development tors of sub-salt faults. effect on deposition of the (Continued) The shape, size, and type of salt Haynesville, Bossier, and Cotton deformation must be mapped and understood in order to map and understand the pre-salt tectonics; the pre-salt tectonics must be understood to predict its effects on later deposi- tional and structural patterns. For example, salt domes, pillows, and ridges may form along the edges or more often in the corners of the basement grabens. Proper analysis of the lines of domes and ridges will define the basement transform sys- tems (Adams, 1993). The horst and grabens can often be determined after the transform systems are defined (Adams 1993, 1997). One of the most important conclu- sions to understand is the necessity for external forces to initiate salt Fig. 7. Location of the Haynesville Shelf Margin and the limestone movement. These external forces can percentage of the Haynesville interval over the Mid-Rift High. The shale be the gravitational force of uneven which replaces limestone across the shelf is interpreted to have been sediment loading, gravitational move- carried onto the shelf by longshore currents from North Louisiana.

20 ______SIPES QUARTERLY Basement Tectonics Continued occurred suprajacent to these individ- ual horsts and coalesced into a region- al shelf-edge grainstone complex. At the end of Haynesville deposition, the carbonate system was drowned by the transgressive Bossier Shale influx. The shape and amount of the pre- Bossier relief on the Haynesville shelf- edge can be determined by isopach- ing the Bossier Shale as illustrated in the dip cross section (Fig. 8). The Haynesville porosity is time-trans- gressive to the east as it climbs strati- graphically. The Halbouty Ridge and the Haynesville grainstone shoal became part of a buttress that divert- ed major Bossier river systems. The Bossier rivers and streams were diverted around the flat area of the East Texas Salt Dome Basin into the synthetic shear zones adjacent to the mid-rift high, i.e., the Trinity River. inward of the shoreface system. Each and its capping limestone beds (Fig The East Texas Salt Dome Basin had system prograded seaward of the 10). This cross-section also shows the no sufficient stream gradient except prior shoreface system. The lime- effects of the Halbouty Ridge on within the synthetic shear zones on stones are important vertical seals Haynesville grainstone development either side of the East Texas Salt Dome within the predominantly sand-shale as well as the effect of basement Basin and the Halbouty Ridge. sequence and are almost always asso- grabens on Haynesville sedimenta- Therefore, gravity forced these rivers ciated with the gas production from tion. In Harrison County, a large area into the synthetic shears. The Bossier the Cotton Valley sands below. of Haynesville Limestone in front of is the basinward deep water time A regional N-S cross-section shows the Halbouty Ridge is replaced by a equivalent of the Cotton Valley the progradational nature and corre- predominantly shale interval. Figure Massive Sands. Progradation of the lation for each general sand package (Continued) Bossier-Cotton Valley Delta System migrated the Cotton Valley shoreline across the East Texas Salt Dome Basin onto the mid-rift high. The Sabine Uplift mid-rift high became the ideal shallow water shelf for Cotton Valley sand deposition. Multiple bay-beach-shoreface systems developed with a NE-SW strike orien- tation and prograded across the shelf. Figure 9 shows a stylized distribution of the major Cotton Valley shoreface systems across the Sabine Uplift as depicted in the N-S cross-section in Figure 10. The lowermost Cotton Valley sequence for the Taylor Sands contain minor transgressive events that cap each sand sequence with shell limestone lags that are correla- tive and mappable across the Sabine Uplift. On a regional scale these lime- stones correlate into time-equivalent shales that developed on the shelf bas-

FEBRUARY 2008 ______21 Basement Tectonics Continued

to the Triassic Mid-Rift High that underlies the current arch. The sur- face geologic map of the Sabine Uplift area shows the outline of the Wilcox outcrop to be a rectangle, with its long dimension oriented NW-SE (Fig. 1). Coincidentally, this Wilcox outcrop outline is very similar to the outline of the mid-rift high with displacement to the northeast. This strongly supports the idea that compression was from the southwest. It can be concluded that the forces that caused the Cretaceous and Eocene uplift of the Sabine Arch (Granata, 1963, Jackson and Laubach, 1988b, and 1991, and Halbouty and Halbouty, 1982) acted on the mid-rift basement block in its entirety. This data supports the opin- ion of Jackson and Laubach, 1988b that the arching is not due to volcan- ism or igneous intrusions, but rather 7 includes a limestone percent map of either releasing or restraining. They to exterior compressive forces as the Haynesville interval where the also incorporate the term "double being the most reasonable cause of the shale in this trough is inferred to have bend" as a fault style. This work is arching. its origin in the North Louisiana Salt important in explaining how large It is suggested that the external force Dome Basin and is considered rough- amounts of energy can be transmitted responsible for the arching of the ly correlative to the shales that encase long distances to form arches and Sabine Uplift was transmitted to the the Gray Sand. uplifts. Scaled sand box models are southwest flank of the mid-rift high used to demonstrate several of these LARAMIDE COMPRESSION by a Laramide wrench fault that orig- styles (Dooley and McClay, 1997). The lasting effects of the mid-rift inated near Saltillo, Mexico and which The Sabine Uplift is a rectangular high do not stop with Cotton Valley is oriented NE-SW from that point to uplift that owes its antecedent shape deposition. The large basement high (Continued) acted as a buttress during Laramide wrench faulting and became a fault fold with significant thinning over the crest of the fold. Jackson and Laubach, 1988a, 1988b, and 1991 recognized the fold nature of the Sabine Uplift. They recognized the coincidence of timing of the folding with the Laramide Orogeny to the west, but they did not discuss the mechanism by which the Sabine Uplift was connected to the Laramide Orogeny. Further work and model studies have provided more insight into the nature of the fault ori- gin and orientation of the Sabine Uplift. Aydin and Nur, 1985 use the term stepover to describe the process of en echelon fault movement, while Dooley and McClay, 1997 refine that terminology and include both stepover and sidestep as well as defin- ing the nature of the geometry as

22 ______SIPES QUARTERLY Basement Tectonics Continued

The line of this wrench fault system defines a restraining double bend or restraining sidestep where the system is offset by the Mt. Enterprise fault. In this scenario, the Sabine Uplift becomes a fault fold or a pop-up block at the point of impingement. Not unexpectedly, the periods of major uplift on the Sabine are coincident with the major periods of Laramide activity, namely the Middle Cretaceous and the Paleocene-Eocene (Jackson and Laubach, 1988b). SABINE UPLIFT What does the structure of the Sabine Uplift look like when viewed in the context of lateral compression across a restraining side-step along a continental scale wrench fault? Figure 12 is a cartoon map view of this scenario. Note the position of the near Jacksonville in Cherokee County, termed the Saltillo-St. Lawrence Shear side-step relative to the basement Texas. At that point the wrench fault System. Both surface and buried mid-rift high. The mid-rift high is is offset via the Mt. Enterprise Fault faults define most of this pathway, as nearly bisected by the side-step in the Zone to a point near Black Lake Field do sites of historical seismicity (Davis Saltillo-St. Lawrence Shear System in eastern Red River Parish, Louisiana etal, 1985). Occurrences of some of the (the Mt. Enterprise Fault), and the off- where the fault turns back to the larger earthquakes in Texas are near set of the side-step is nearly coinci- northeast. The fault system continues Jacksonville and Rusk in Cherokee dent with the width of the mid-rift to the northeast through the New County, where the wrench fault line high. Also, the Wilcox outcrop outline Madrid Fault Zone, the Lima-Indiana (here defined by the Elkhart graben is offset to the northeast. (Trenton) Field, and exits the craton system) turns east along the Mt. Figure 13 is a SW-NE cross-section through the St. Lawrence River gap Enterprise fault zone. of this compressive system as viewed (Fig. 11). This wrench fault system is parallel to the wrench fault prior to the compression. Note the thick Jurassic salt away from the mid-rift high versus the thin salt over the mid- rift high. Also note the subtle thinning of the Upper Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous interval over the mid-rift high. This is a continuation of the Haynesville-Bossier-Cotton Valley response described earlier in this paper. Salt movement, crustal isostacy and differential compaction are all in part responsible for the thickening of this interval off of the mid-rift high. The mid-rift high is shown here with flanking blocks that gradually step deeper. This may not be the case in all orientations, but is valid for this model. The resultant post-compression cross-sectional view is shown in

(Continued)

FEBRUARY 2008 ______23 Basement Tectonics Continued

wrench fault system that links multi- ple known fault and earthquake zones and areas of known hydrothermal activity with a simple fault fold geom- etry that is linked in time and space to known orogenic activity in Mexico. SUMMARY Basement structures play an inte- gral part in understanding the history of the Gulf Coast. The orientation of pre-existing transform faults and the presence of rift-related horst and graben structures control the location, size and shape of subsequent salt structures, fault systems, rivers, shelf margins, reefs, basins and indeed all of the elements necessary for map- ping and understanding a deposition- al system. For the Sabine Uplift, the presence of a Triassic mid-rift high influenced the location of the Figure 14. The major uplift is accom- times to the Sabine Uplift. Likewise, Haynesville Shelf Margin, the location plished by vertical reactivation of the active salt dome growth in the East of the Bossier rivers and depo-centers, NW-SE transform faults that flank the Texas and North Louisiana Salt Dome the depositional slope and extent of mid-rift high. Compression has Basins began in the middle Lower the Cotton Valley shelf sand system, squeezed the mid-rift high upward Cretaceous. If salt movement was the orientation of the Cotton Valley and generated vertical thrust faults on more sensitive to external force rather shoreface systems, the extent of ero- the flanks. These faults are not seen on than up-warping, salt deformation sion during uplift, and the shape of seismic but are inferred to fit the would have started prior to the major the present-day surface outcrop pat- observed uplift based on the depths to uplifts that are adjacent to the salt tern. magnetic basement. The two periods dome basins. The Sabine Uplift and The transforms and rift structures of uplift are demonstrated diagram- the North Louisiana Salt Dome Basin control the extent and thickness of the matically with the Middle Cretaceous have the general appearance of a fold original salt deposits. The extent and uplift centered over the mid-rift high pair. That is, they appear to be geneti- thickness of the original salt deposits and the Paleocene-Eocene uplift offset cally related in both time and space. control the shape, size, and orienta- slightly to the northeast. This offset The presence of a heretofore tion of the resultant salt structures. can be viewed as an early precursor to unmapped wrench fault system The mid-rift high caused the the formation of an overturned fold. across the Gulf Coast of Texas has Haynesville-Bossier-Cotton Valley Overturned folds are present along major implications for paleogeo- sequence to prograde across a low- the Saltillo-St. Lawrence Shear System graphic and structural reconstruc- relief marine shelf while the same near Monterrey, Mexico in the tions of the Gulf Coast, especially for sequence on either side of the mid-rift Huastecan Fold Belt. The difference in the Lower Cretaceous and older inter- high was aggradational. the amount of fold asymmetry, or vals. Many faults that have been The shape of the mid-rift high also overturning, is related to the amount mapped solely as down-to-the-coast determined the manner in which the of horizontal versus vertical stress faults along the Middle Texas Coast Sabine Uplift responded to the lateral applied at that particular point along may, in fact, have an important strike- compression associated with the the shear system. slip component. This hypothesis Saltillo-St. Lawrence Shear System. If the Sabine Uplift is a response to would also impact fault and fracture The rectangular shape of the mid-rift craton-wide stresses and intra-plate orientation interpretations. high is reflected in the rectangular movement, it then stands to reason Occam's Razor states that when shape of the Sabine Uplift. The timing that other similar features may have a more than one solution is proposed and extent of erosion during the uplift similar or related origin. For example, for a problem, the more likely solu- of the Sabine Uplift has controlled the the Llano Uplift, the Monroe Uplift, tion is the simpler solution. In the case trapping of some of the largest oil and and possibly the Chittim Anticline all of the origin of the Sabine Uplift, the gas fields in the United States. appear to have formed at similar simplest solution is the presence of a (Continued)

24 ______SIPES QUARTERLY Basement Tectonics Continued

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Deformation, Basin formation, and Jackson, M. L. W., and Laubach, S. E., Sedimentation, SEPM Special Pub. #37, 1988(b), Cretaceous and Tertiary John P. Carr and Carr Resources, Inc p. 35-44. Tectonics as Cause of Sabine Arch, have provided support for the work Balsley, J. K. and Parker, L. R., 1991, Eastern Texas and Northwestern presented here as well as giving per- Wave-Dominated Deltas, Shelf Sands Louisiana: GCAGS Trans., V. 38, p. 245- mission for publication. Many geolo- and Turbidites: Clastic Depositional 256. gists with whom the author worked Models for Hydrocarbon Exploration: Jackson, M. L. W., and Laubach, S. E., with for many years at Mitchell An AAPG Field Guidebook. School 1991, Structural History and Origin of Energy Corporation provided valu- taught by J. K. Balsley, June 7-16, 1993, the Sabine Arch, East Texas and able discussion of the concepts and 219 p. Northwest Louisiana: Texas Bur. of applications of basement tectonics. Bennison, Allan P., 1975, AAPG Econ. Geol., Geologic Circular 91-3, Geological Highway Map of the 47p. The valuable discussions and ideas Southeastern Region, Alabama, Jackson, M. P. A., 1982, Fault provided by John P. Carr and Dale Louisiana, Florida, Mississippi, and Tectonics of the East Texas Basin: Short have greatly improved the man- Georgia, compiled and published by Texas Bur. of Econ. Geol., Geologic uscript. Randy Permenter of AFAD American Association of Petroleum Circular 82-4, 31p. Graphics did the drafting. The AAPG Geologists. Jackson, M. P. A., and Seni, S. J., has graciously provided permission Bolden, G. P., 1989, Seismic and 1984, Atlas of Salt Domes in the East to use the Geologic Highway Map of Landsat in a wrench Faulting System: Texas Basin: Texas Bur. of Econ. Geol., Texas © 1979 and the Geologic in Search for the Subtle Trap, Report of Investigations, No. 140, 102p. Highway Map of the Southeast Hydrocarbon Exploration in Mature Jackson, M. P. A., and Talbot, C. J., Basins, a Symposium by the West 1986, External shapes, Strain Rates, and Region © 1975. Mary Kay Grosvald Texas Geological Society, October 19- Dynamics of Salt Structures: G. S. A. and Ron Hart of AAPG were particu- 20, 1989, ed. Flis, Price & Sarg, p. 181- Bull., V. 97, p. 305-323. larly helpful in making this data avail- 189. Jenyon, M. K., 1985, Fault-associated able. As with any endeavor, many Davis, S. D., Pennington, W. D., and salt flow and Mass Movement: Jour. people have contributed ideas and Carlson, S. M., 1985, Historical Geol. Soc. of London, V. 142, p. 547- assistance. I gratefully acknowledge Seismicity of the State of Texas-A 553. their assistance, however any errors Summary: GCAGS Trans., V. 35, p. 39- Kupfer, D. H., Crow, C. T., and are mine alone. This paper is a short- 44. Hessenbruch, J. M., 1976, North ened version of the paper that was Dooley, T., and McClay, K., 1997, Louisiana Basin and Salt Movements Analog Modeling of Pull-Apart Basins: (Halokinetics): GCAGS Trans., V. 26, p. originally published by the East Texas AAPG Bull., V. 81, no. 11, p. 1804-1826. 94-110. Geological Society, and their permis- Granata, W. H., Jr., 1953, Cretaceous Lobao, J. J., and Pilger, R. H., Jr., sion for republishing is greatly appre- Stratigraphy and Structural 1985, Early Evolution of Salt Structures ciated. Mark O'Koren and James M. Development of the Sabine Uplift Area, in the North Louisiana Salt Basin: Norris provided excellent help in edit- Texas and Louisiana: in Report on GCAGS Trans., V. 35, p. 189-198. ing the paper for this publication. Selected North Louisiana and South Lowrie, A., 1984, Sediment BIBLIOGRAPHY Arkansas oil and gas fields and Distribution Around Salt Domes and Regional Geology: Shreveport Geol. Ridges on the Louisiana Slope: Adams, R. L., 1989, Effects of Soc. Reference Rept., V. 5, p50-95. GCAGS Trans., V. 34, p. 123-130. Inherited Pre-Jurassic Tectonics on the Halbouty, M. T., and Halbouty, J. J., Mathisen, M. E., 1995, Salt Structures U.S. Gulf Coast: (abs): AAPG Bull., V. 1982, Relationships Between East Texas as Indicators of Subsalt Rift Basin 73, no. 3, p. 325-326. Field Region and Sabine Uplift in Faults and Fault Controlled Reservoirs: Adams, R. L., 1993, Effects of Texas: AAPG Bull., V. 66, no. 8, p. 1042- GCSSEPM Foundation 16th Annual Inherited Pre-Jurassic Tectonics on the 1054. Research Conference Proceedings, U.S. Gulf Coast: GCAGS Trans., V. 43, Holwerda, J. G., and Hutchinson, R. December 3-6, 1995, p. 153-170. p. 1-9. W., 1968, Potash-Bearing Evaporites in McGowen, M. K., and Harris, D. W., Adams, R. L., 1997, Microbasin the Danakil Area, Ethiopia: Economic 1984, Cotton Valley (Upper Jurassic) Analysis of South Louisiana: An Geology, V. 63, p. 124-150. and Hosston (Lower Cretaceous) Exploration Model, Or: Hutton and Hughes, D. J., 1968, Salt Tectonics as Depositional Systems and their Lyell were Wrong!: GCAGS Trans., V. Related to Several Smackover Fields Influence on Salt Tectonics in the East 47, p. 1-12. along the Northwest Rim of the Gulf of Texas Basin: Texas Bur. of Econ. Geol., Adams, R. L., 2006, Basement Mexico Basin: GCAGS Trans., V. 1, 320- Geological Circular, No. 84-5, Tectonics and Origin of the Sabine 330. Reprinted from the GCSSEPM Uplift: in The Gulf Coast Mesozoic Gas Jackson, M. L. W., and Laubach, S. E., Foundation Third Annual Research Province, pub. by The East Texas 1988(a), Cretaceous and Tertiary Conference Proceedings, March 1984, Geological Society, p. 1-1 to 1-31. Tectonics as Cause of Sabine Arch, p. 213-253. Aydi, A., and Nur, A., 1985, The Eastern Texas and Northwestern Parker, T. J., and McDowell, A. N., Types and Role of Step-overs in Strike- Louisiana: (abs) in AAPG Bull., V. 79, 1955, Model Studies of Salt Dome Slip Tectonics: in Strike-Slip no. 9, p. 1114. (Continued)

FEBRUARY 2008 ______25 Technology Corner

An Introduction to GIS by Jon B. Selby, #2928 — Austin, Texas

GIS, a.k.a. Geographic Information fastest growing new or emerging absorb carbon dioxide and nitrogen). Systems, is a frequently used acronym fields." The article cites GIS techni- GIS is also used to track Earth's known in almost every professional jargon. cians starting at $38,000/year, an aver- resources (agricultural, energy, water, While some readers might be familiar age of $50,000 for analysts, $85,000 for mineral, etc.), to identify what is avail- with or even current users of a GIS, directors and about $100,000/year for able (and at what cost), to determine there are some for whom it is another private contractors. GIS is employed future potential and to explore for technological thingamajigger. Let's by urban planners, environmental more. begin with an overview of GIS. organizations, emergency agencies, In short, GIS is a tool which allows There are several different defini- health care organizations, almost the user to assign data to specific loca- tions for GIS, dependent upon its every government agency (including tions and create images such as maps source field, e.g., geography, cartogra- the military), geologists, zoologists, and 3D models based upon select cri- phy, computer science, however, all ranchers, agricultural industries, non- teria. GIS software is used to perform definitions consist of a database of profits, and is even used to reshape the following standard functions: data information and specific locations, a congressional districts. entry, editing, data management, map(s) and a computing system Several of the most important con- analysis and output. which links the two. Paul Bolstad in tributing factors to the increasing use In our industry GIS can be used to GIS Fundamentals (p. 1) describes GIS of GIS are advancements in technolo- create geologic/geographic maps and as, "a computer-based system to aid in gy, the development of GPS and the models used to help locate hydrocar- the collection, maintenance, storage, blossoming of GIScience, which is the bons, water and other resources, and analysis, output, and distribution of science/theoretical aspect behind GIS. it could be utilized to find the best spatial data and information" or sim- Combine these factors with the very placement of a well or pipeline. In ply "a tool for making and using spa- real fact that humans have doubled in upcoming articles, the focus will be on tial information." population over the past 50 years to 6 applications of GIS for geologists, Over the past 50 years this tool has billion and another 5 billion more are engineers and landmen, current uses become increasingly more powerful expected to arrive over the next 50 and future capabilities, as well as a and integral to any industry that deals years. Massive efforts are underway review of some of the software avail- with "what" and "where." The New to catalog the status quo of Earth's able.

York Times reported in April of 2007 environment and monitor changes. „ that "the Bureau of Labor Statistics For example, GIS is used to track the lists GIS-related jobs as among the oceans' and atmosphere's ability to

Basement Tectonics Continued

Tectonics: AAPG Bull., V. 39, no. 12, p. Exploration Plays Beyond the Sigsbee Walker, J. R., and Ensminger, H. R., 2384-2470. Escarpment in the Central Gulf of 1970, Effects of Diapirism on Renfro, H. B., 1979, AAPG Geological Mexico: GCSSEPM Foundation 21st Sedimentation in Gulf of Mexico: Highway Map of Texas, compiled and Annual Research Conference, AAPG Bull., V. 54, no. 11, p. 2058-2069. published by American Association of December 2-5, 2001, p. 129-154. Weimer, R. J., 1984, Relation of Petroleum Geologists. Tanner, J. H., III, 1967, Wrench Fault Unconformities, Tectonics and Sea- Selig, F., and Wermund, E. G., 1966, Movement along Washita Valley Fault, Level Changes, Cretaceous of Western Families of Salt Domes in the Gulf Arbuckle Mountain Area, Oklahoma: Interior, U.S.A.: in Interregional Coastal Province: Geophysics, V. 31, AAPG Bull., V.51, no. 1, p. 126-134. Unconformities and Hydrocarbon no. 4, p. 726-740. Trusheim, F., 1960, Mechanism of Accumulation, AAPG Memoir 36, Ed, Stephens, B. P., 2001, Basement Salt Migration in Northern Germany: by J. S. Schlee, p. 7-35. Controls on Hydrocarbon Systems, AAPG Bull., V. 44, no. 9, p. 1519-1540. „ Depositional Pathways, and

26 ______SIPES QUARTERLY 2007-2008 SIPES CORNERSTONE GROUP Many thanks to the members listed below for their continuing support of our society 2008-2009 members will be printed in the May 2008 Quarterly

Promotor – $2500 James S. Classen — Boise, ID Julius M. Ridgway — Jackson, MS 0 Rex D. Coppedge — Fairview, TX Deborah K. Sacrey — Houston, TX Charles Weiner — Houston, TX Robert D. Cowdery — Wichita, KS Charles D. Schmidt — Valley Center, KS Michael G. Cruson — Golden, CO C. Randall Schott — Houston, TX 0 Oil Finder – $1000 Edward K. David — Roswell, NM Jonathan B. Selby — Austin, TX Michael N. Austin — Broomfield, CO Lawrence H. Davis — Oklahoma City, OK George D. Severson — New Orleans, LA Robert B. Ferguson — Lake Forest, CA Marlan W. Downey — Dallas, TX Robert C. Shoup — Houston, TX Lucius C. Geer — Houston, TX Douglas A. Draves — San Antonio, TX Daniel L Smith — Houston, TX Scott G. Heape — Addison, TX Duncan D. Dubroff — Houston, TX Joe H Smith — San Antonio, TX Alan K. Jasper — Tyler, TX Ralph C. Duchin — Tucson, AZ William M. Smith — Oklahoma City, OK George S. Johnson — Amarillo, TX James P. Evans III — Franklin, LA John F. Sulik — Corpus Christi, TX John E. Scherer — Midland, TX David A. Eyler — Midland, TX Earl R. Swett — Galveston, TX Paul R. Fenemore — Irving, TX C. Al Taylor, Jr. — Reston, VA William R. Finley — Lafayette, LA William D. Trumbly — Norman, OK 0 Driller – $600 Thomas E. Gentry — Midland, TX C. G. Tyner — Houston, TX Wilbur C. Bradley — Wichita, KS William T. Goff III — Littleton, CO Michael R. Vasicek — Midland, TX William C. Burkett — Midland, TX Mark E. Gregg — Houston, TX G. Clint Wainwright, Jr. — Houston, TX Stewart Chuber — Schulenburg, TX David G. Griffin — Midland, TX Scott A. Wainwright — Metairie, LA Marshall C. Crouch III — Denver, CO Chuck H. Hadley — Houston, TX H. Vaughan Watkins, Jr. — Madison, MS Arlen L. Edgar — Midland, TX Edward W. Heath — Durango, CO Jerry W. Watkins — Dallas, TX Linda A. Ewing — San Antonio, TX Donald R. Hembre — Littleton, CO Larry R. Wollschlager — Midland, TX Earl E. Gaertner — Durango, CO James H. Henderson — Dallas, TX Robert M. Wynne, Jr. — Midland, TX Donald C. Gifford — Dallas, TX Terry L. Hollrah — Oklahoma City, OK James M. Zotkiewicz — Metairie, LA Patrick J. F. Gratton — Dallas, TX Leonard E. Jordan — Shreveport, LA A. T. Green, Jr. — Metairie, LA Ralph O. Kehle — Durango, CO 0 Investor – $100 Robert D. Gunn — Wichita Falls, TX Robert C. Leibrock — Midland, TX John T. Abney — Tulsa, OK Frank W. Harrison, Jr. — Lafayette, LA Peter MacKenzie — Worthington, OH Kenneth J. Huffman — Mandeville, LA Donald I. Andrews — Metairie, LA Marcus D. Maddox — Midland, TX Michael P. Arden — Navasota, TX Robert H. Marshall — Midland, TX * Thomas Mairs — Dallas, TX Lloyd K. Parrish, Jr. — Wichita, KS William C. Bahlburg — Plano, TX Roger L. Martin — Wichita, KS David K. Becker — Corpus Christi, TX A. Scott Ritchie — Wichita, KS J. Phil Martin, Jr. — Houston, TX Paul M. Strunk — Corpus Christi, TX Louis C. Bortz — Denver, CO Christophe G. Mazzini — Dallas, TX Foy W. Boyd, Jr. — Midland, TX Gene Van Dyke — Houston, TX Douglas H. McGinness II — Wichita, KS Clifford A. Walker — Dallas, TX Robert A. Cooksey — Richardson, TX Patrick H. McKinney — Houston, TX Ralph J. Daigle — Houston, TX * Wilbur McMurtry — Oklahoma City, OK Ross M. Davis — Houston, TX 0 Prospector – $300 Gerard J. Medina — Norman, OK Robert D. Dougherty — Great Bend, KS Victor H. Abadie III — Montara, CA Daniel S. Morris — Houston, TX M. R. Douglass — Destrehan, LA Avinash C. Ahuja — Corpus Christi, TX Marvin A. Munchrath — Lafayette, LA Robert M. Grace — Midland, TX Rajan Ahuja — Corpus Christi, TX Robert G. Murphy — Mandeville, LA Peter G. Gray — Lafayette, LA Robert W. Anderson — Houston, TX H. Jack Naumann, Jr. — Midland, TX Paul E. Habermas — Houston, TX Thornton E. Anderson — Wichita, KS Mark E. O’Koren — The Woodlands, TX Robert T. Halpin — Dallas, TX James K. Applegate — Denver, CO Fred L. Oliver — Dallas, TX Andrew W. Hampf — Houston, TX James B. Bennett — Houston, TX Robert B. Owen — Durango, CO Harold W. Hanke — Oklahoma City, OK Raymond N. Blackhall — Spring, TX Arthur J. Pansze, Jr. — Arvada, CO Charles J. Hoke — El Dorado, AR Paul W. Britt — Sugar Land, TX M. Davis Payne — Midland, TX W. Ralph Holloway — Dallas, TX Warren W. Brooks — Grass Valley, CA Hugh C. Pendery — Dallas, TX Owen R. Hopkins — Corpus Christi, TX Johnnie B. Brown — Midland, TX Lee M. Petersen — Weatherford, TX Alfred James III — Wichita, KS Leonard E. Bryans — Dallas, TX Jeanne S.F. Phelps — Houston, TX George D. Klein — Sugar Land, TX Arthur N. Budge — Dallas, TX Michael A. Pollok — Purcell, OK Wesley W. Lilley — Centennial, CO Lanny O. Butner — Wichita, KS Harry Ptasynski — Casper, WY Robert W. Luker — Corpus Christi, TX Brian S. Calhoun — Corpus Christi, TX John M. Rakowski — Florissant, CO (Continued) A. T. Carleton, Jr. — Midland, TX Bradley S. Ray — Dallas, TX

FEBRUARY 2008 ______27 President’s Column Continued

This last year, the SIPES Foundation funded the printing of the "Walking Guide to the Geology of Carlsbad Caverns." Many of you participated in giving funds to support this project. SIPES received an invitation to attend the 2007 annual Carlsbad Caverns-Guadalupe Mountains Association membership meeting held in Carlsbad, New Mexico. I accepted the invitation, and attended the meet- ing on October 20 with James L. Brezina of the Midland Chapter and our wives. SIPES was given recognition at the event, and it was expressed on behalf of Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The park personnel wanted to extend their appreciation to SIPES members for their generous support of the park and its resources. After the meeting and lunch, George S. Johnson (left) with guide book author Paul Burger, and we went out to the Caverns for a private guided tour of the Midland Member James Brezina touring Carlsbad Caverns. Carlsbad Caverns conducted by Paul Burger who wrote Some of you may remember that SIPES held its Annual the guide book. It was a wonderful event and you can put Convention in New Orleans in 1994; it was the highest another star in the book for SIPES members! attendance on record with 307 attendees. I believe that we A special thank you goes to A. T. Green in New Orleans can set a new record this year. We have an excellent pro- for his encouragement and commitment to SIPES. A. T. gram lined up, and a beautiful location. If you love food, wrote me saying, "George, I will work hard to encourage there is none better than "Bubba Gump Shrimp Co." Check my friends within SIPES to attend our New Orleans it out! Convention." Are you willing to commit? All it takes is The SIPES National Board and the New Orleans Chapter effort and time to share. are working very hard to finalize the details of the meet- Finally, Proverbs 16:24 "Pleasant words are like a honey- ing. You will be able to listen to a technical program with comb. Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones." Send twenty talks ranging from new field discoveries, old field your questions, comments, ideas or prayer requests, to studies, drilling trends, price forecasting and making a [email protected] or dreamsofoil@sud- profit. You will also be able to meet old friends and meet denlink.net. new faces; it will b e a time to relax and to smell the roses. To Him be the glory, I have heard all my life be sure to take time out to smell the George S. Johnson roses along life's journey. This is your opportunity, don't „ miss it.

Cornerstone Group Continued

Jack P. Martin — Lafayette, LA M. R. Stipp — Midland, TX William J. Furlong — New Orleans, LA Eric L. Michaelson — Midland, TX Charles J. Swize — Pattison, TX Monty J. Gist — Midland, TX Robert J. Moffatt, Jr. — Shreveport, LA John von Netzer — Oklahoma City, OK Eduardo Gonzales — Carrollton, TX Craig E. Moore — Houston, TX John V. Walter — Dallas, TX David R. Grogan — Woodbine, MD James F. O’Connell — Amarillo, TX Roy C. Walther — New Orleans, LA John C. Grunau — Shreveport, LA Elwin M. Peacock — Houston, TX Roger D. Wilkinson — Edmond, OK James M. Hancock, Jr. — Stafford, TX Paul C. Perret — New Orleans, LA W. David Willig — Houston, TX Floyd E. Heard — Midland, TX Edward B. Picou, Jr. — New Orleans, LA John C. Worley — Rockport, TX Lee Higgins — Dallas, TX David M. Pulling — Norman, OK Charles R. Jones — Midland, TX John W. Raine III — Lafayette, LA 0 Scout – $50 John E. Kimberly — Midland, TX E. Gordon Reigle — Midland, TX John D. Kullman — Midland, TX H. Sherman Anderson — Dallas, TX Daniel M. Reynolds — Wichita, KS Nina C. Lian — Houston, TX Norman K. Barker — Midland, TX Stephen D. Reynolds — Denver, CO Steven R. Lockwood — Austin, TX Orville R. Berg — Shreveport, LA W. Mark Rush — Houston, TX Jeannie F. Mallick — Houston, TX Richard C. Blackwell — Midland, TX Wayland C. Savre — Houston, TX Michael S. Morris — Azle, TX E. Bernard Brauer — Corpus Christi, TX Roy G. Sharrock — Dallas, TX William D. Neville — The Woodlands, TX Herbert L. Brewer — Dallas, TX Rudolf B. Siegert — Slidell, LA Matthew J. Parsley — Midland, TX Anthony S. Carollo, Jr. — Metairie, LA John D. Sistrunk, Jr. — Dallas, TX Walter I. Phillips — Wichita, KS Hardtner L. Coon — Houston, TX Stephen A. Sonnenberg — Golden, CO Richard W. Thompson, Jr. — Plano, TX Hugh W. Curfman — Lafayette, LA Marion E. Spitler — Carrollton, TX Rosilee Winn — Santa Fe, NM Rebecca L. Dodge — Carrollton, GA Lawrence W. Staub — Richardson, TX * Deceased Bruce W. Fields — Corpus Christi, TX Raymond W. Stephens, Jr. — Covington, LA 7

28 ______SIPES QUARTERLY How I Became an Independent

by George S. Johnson, #2724 Sunshine Exploration Company — Amarillo, Texas I was born in training in El Paso during June and could serve my fellow geologists and Vernon, Texas and July, then I went on to Arizona for give something back to the profession grew up in the clerk school, where I learned my disci- that's been so good to me. Also, I have town of Tulare, pline, and how to be humble. learned that you can accomplish more California, work- After active duty, I returned to in one hour with God than in one life- ing the summers Schlumberger to finish one year as a time without him. when in high logging engineer. Then I left and took school picking a job as a groundwater geologist in How did you become an independent? cotton, peaches, Amarillo, Texas where I learned water- Send your 1-2 page account to the SIPES oranges and well logging, testing, and subsurface Office in Dallas, or by email to George S. Johnson grapes earning mapping. Then came my big break [email protected]. All stories will be includ- about $1.00 per after a year and a half, I landed a job as ed on a CD that will be published by the hour. This is when I realized that I a petroleum geologist with Colorado SIPES Foundation. „ wanted to go to college. Also, I Interstate Gas Company. At CIG, I learned a work ethic that has lasted learned the West Panhandle Gas Field me a lifetime. by sitting on Red Cave and Wolfcamp I was fortunate, to have been raised development wells. Four and a half IN MEMORIAM in a fire station, my dad was training years later, I took a job with Amarillo officer for Tulare County, California Oil Company as a petroleum geologist We regret to note Division of Forestry. I earned my way working the Panhandle of Texas and the passing of through college by working the sum- Western Oklahoma. This is when I the following members: mers as a firefighter making $500 per knew that someday, I would become month. It was here where I learned an independent geologist. Richard W. Boebel, #988 responsibility that would add to my Texas Oil and Gas Corp. was the best of New Orleans, Louisiana work ethic. training ground for independents. who died on September 1, 2007 I began at College of the Sequoias Later, I moved to Oklahoma City, and ™ studying engineering, then transfer- accepted a petroleum geology job Arthur N. Budge, Sr., #1838 ring to Humboldt State College to with TXO working Canadian and of Dallas, Texas study forestry. Then it happened, I Grady Counties, Oklahoma. I worked who died on November 27, 2007 took physical and historical geology seven and a half months for TXO and ™ my junior year and fell in love with drilled thirty-eight wells, all produc- Lucius C. Geer, #408 geology. That summer I transferred to tive. I was ready to be independent of Houston, Texas West Texas State University and grad- except for one thing, MONEY. So, I who died on December 12, 2007 uated two years later with a B.S. in took a job with Search Drilling ™ geology followed later with an M.S. in Company, starting their exploration Warren Y. Pickering, #833 geology. department in Amarillo, and receiving of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma My first job was with the Texas a 1%-2% ORRI on everything that the who died in the Fall of 2007 Highway Department drafting high- company drilled. ™ ways and calculating cut and fill. After I continued my drilling success, and Paul C. Raymond, Jr., #2076 six months, I got a job with two and a half years later left Search of Midland, Texas Schlumberger Well Services as a log- Drilling Company making $50,000 per who died on November 27, 2007 ging engineer in Brownfield, Texas month in overrides. At last, I was ™ and I was on my way to a career in ready to become an independent in Robert L. Segar, #1986 petroleum. This was the best training 1980, starting Sunshine Exploration of Allen, Texas that I could have received toward Company, an Oklahoma Corporation. who died on December 16, 2007 being an independent geologist. I After twenty-seven years as an inde- ™ learned to read electrical logs, and pendent I have learned that your best how to sleep with my eyes open. assets are the people in the industry. It While at Schlumberger, the army is true, people need people. That is called me to active duty and basic why I joined SIPES in 1999, so that I

FEBRUARY 2008 ______29 SIPES Foundation Donors — January 1 to December 311,, 2002007

$1000 - $1999 David M. Pulling Donald C. Gifford Ross E. Brannian In memory of Wilbur E. McMurtry In memory of James A. Savage Garnet W. Brock Robert B. Ferguson & Thomas Mairs A. Scott Ritchie Brian S. Calhoun George S. Johnson Robert W. Luker In memory of Donald C. Wambaugh In memory of Joe H. Warren, Jr. Scholarship Endowment Fund Alfred T. Carleton, Jr. Constance N. Knight $400 - $499 Howard N. Marr Robert L. Cash Scholarship Endowment Fund Lanny O. Butner In memory of Thomas Mairs Robert A. Cooksey J. Phil Martin, Jr. Rex D. Coppedge Robert H. Marshall William R. Dixon In honor of Jack P. Martin Sally J. Meader-Roberts In memory of Thomas Mairs Robert D. Gunn Scholarship Endowment Fund In memory of James O. Lewis Edward A. McCullough Endowed Fund C. Walter Dobie SIPES Dallas Chapter Scholarship Endowment Fund In memory of James A. Savage Charles A. O’Niell III H. Jack Naumann, Jr. Robert D. Dougherty Carlsbad Caverns Guide Robert B. Owen Carlsbad Caverns Guide M. R. Douglass SIPES Houston Chapter In memory of Thomas J. Wintermute Scholarship Endowment Fund In memory of Thomas H. Philpott In memory of Fred L. Stricklin, Jr. & Lucius C. Geer $300 - $399 Hugh C. Pendery Duncan C. Dubroff Robert A. Anderson Edward B. Picou, Jr. Ralph C. Duchin $800 - $899 Edward K. David In memory of Richard W. Boebel Michael N. Fein In honor of Alfred T. Carleton, Jr. C.H. Roberts, Jr. Roger A. Freidline Peter MacKenzie In memory of Z.W. Rogers, Jr. Clement E. George Scholarship Endowment Fund David G. Griffin James D. Robertson Eduardo Gonzales In memory of Rayburn D. Ocamb Stephen R. Robichaud A. T. Green, Jr. $700 - $799 Dudley J. Hughes In memory of Robert E. Eggerton C. Ray Scurlock & Robert W. Sabate’ Donald R. Hembre Larry L. Jones Roy G. Sharrock Mark E. Gregg Scholarship Endowment Fund William M. Smith Dean C. Hamilton $600 - $699 H. Rudy Parkison Scholarship Endowment Fund Scott G. Heape James P. Evans III In memory of Arthur N. Budge, James P. Talbot Stephen E. Collins Joe H. Warren & James A. Savage Memorial Scholarship Fund In memory of Richard W. Boebel C. G. Tyner & Robert W. Sabate’ Lloyd K. Parrish, Jr. Scholarship Endowment Fund Floyd E. Heard In memory of Betty Heard Robert C. Leibrock Lee M. Petersen M. Robin Vasicek In memory of Jack G. Elam In memory of Robert M. Leibrock Edward W. Heath In memory of Charles E. “Gene” Mear & Victor F. Vasicek Edward A. McCullough Endowed Fund Scholarship Endowment Fund John E. Scherer John R. von Netzer Marc H. Helsinger In honor of Robert D. Cowdery, John C. Worley $500 - $599 Earl E. Gaertner & Diane M. Finstrom Albert R. Hensley In memory of Thomas J. Wintermute Nolan Hirsch James L. Allen Daniel L. Smith Scholarship Endowment Fund G. Warfield Hobbs IV Michael N. Austin Roger D. Wilkinson In memory of Thomas Mairs In honor of Steve Reynolds In memory of Wilbur E. McMurtry $100 - $199 Traveling Seminar Owen R. Hopkins John T. Abney Dick S. Horton William C. Burkett $200 - $299 Craig W. Adams Dan A. Hughes Scholarship Endowment Fund Joseph B. Ambrister Scholarship Endowment Fund James B. Bennett Scholarship Endowment Fund David A. Eyler Marvolene Speed Bennett Stephen E. Jackson James K. Anderson In memory of Jerry A. Cooper & Carleton D. Speed, Jr. Fund Alfred James III In honor of Arlen L. Edgar, Robert W. Anderson Donald C. Gifford & Diane M. Finstrom George R. Jones James A. Gibbs Donald I. Andrews In memory of James A. Savage Louis C. Bortz Ralph O. Kehle William C. Bahlburg John E. Kimberly Kenneth J. Huffman E. Bernard Brauer Teresa H. Becker Carlsbad Caverns Guide George D. Klein Scholarship Endowment Fund Scholarship Endowment Fund Edgar B. Krider Bill D. Broughton In memory of Warren E. Tomlinson Orville R. Berg Charles J. Kosarek Jon F. Cobb Raymond N. Blackhall Douglas H. McGinness II Lawrence H. Davis Henry C. Libby Foy W. Boyd, Jr. In memory of Paul C. Raymond, Jr. In honor of Douglas H. McGinness Scholarship Endowment Fund Robert E. Boyer Edward A. McCullough Endowed Fund Scholarship Endowment Fund (Continued)

The SIPES Foundation gratefully accepts all donations and acknowledges these contributions with a letter. Due to limited space in the newsletter, we are unable to list gifts under $26.

30 ______SIPES QUARTERLY Foundation Donors Continued

Richard R. Lindsly Stephen A. Sonnenberg Jene C. Darmstetter Roger L. Martin In memory of Clarence Netherland Marion E. Spitler James W. Denny Patrick H. McKinney Peter J. Massion In memory of James A. Savage Arlen L. Edgar Roy & Diane Meyer Michael S. Morris B. C. St. Martin* In memory of George B. McBride, and family Charles E. Mear & In memory of C.E. “Gene” Mear Christopher P. Moyes Joseph D. Stewart Paul C. Raymond, Jr. Scholarship Endowment Fund Robert G. Murphy M. R. Stipp Toby Elster In memory of Richard W. Boebel Edward A. McCullough Endowed Fund Eric L. Michaelson Bruce W. Fields Harry A. Miller, Jr. Lewis M. O’Neal Paul M. Strunk Scholarship Endowment Fund W. George Nancarrow Gary W. Palmer Michael W. Taylor William J. Furlong In memory of Mark Eidelbach Carl A. Taylor, Jr. Matthew J. Parsley Thomas E. Gentry Sam H. Peppiatt J. Durwood Pate George W. Todd In memory of Lester L. Gentry Scholarship Endowment Fund Michael A. Pollok M. Davis Payne Sal & Lynne Girifalco Wes B. Perry, Jr. Joe T. Vaughn Norman D. Raman In memory of C. E. “Gene” Mear Perry O. Roehl In memory of Bernold M. Hanson G. Clint Wainwright, Jr. Scholarship Endowment Fund Joe Simo Ronald W. Pritchett Scott A. Wainwright John C. Goss Thomas J. Smith In memory of Philip J. McKenna James P. Walker David N. Grimes Colles C. Stowell James A. Ragsdale In memory of Warren Y. Pickering David R. Grogan In memory of Thomas H. Philpott Larry J. Rairden William A. Walker, Jr. William S. Grubb Tony R. Stuart Scholarship Endowment Fund Robert W. Waring Scholarship Endowment Fund In memory of Jack W. Shirley Richard W. Thompson, Jr. John M. Rakowski In memory of Harold J. Reedy William R. Guffey Stephen E. Collins Dwight S. Ramsay H. Vaughan Watkins, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund Robert T. Halpin William M. Raymond W. David Willig Raymond M. Timpanelli In memory of Bill Pa C. Clyde Hamblin E. Gordon Reigle Scholarship Endowment Fund Harold W. Hanke Jack K. Richardson Mark D. Wilson George R. White In memory of Samuel J. Cerny Ralph O. Wilson II J.D. Hughes Scholarship Endowment Fund Bettye Wiggins Marvolene Speed Bennett A. Darryl James In memory of Arthur N. Budge Julius M. Ridgway & Carleton D. Speed, Jr. Fund In memory of Laurence E. Gnagy In memory of Marvin L. Oxley Jon R. Withrow Michael S. Johnson I. Wayne Woolsey Cecil R. Rives Thomas E. Witty John M. Jurasin Richard H. Sams James M. Zotkiewicz John D. Kullman $26 - $49 In memory of Ed C. Roy Lloyd & Carol Labrie James D. Cobb, Jr. Wayland C. Savre $50 - $99 and family Eugene J. Lipstate Charles D. Schmidt Craig F. Anderson In memory of C.E. “Gene” Mear Roger M. Matson Scholarship Endowment Fund In memory of Philip J. McKenna C. Randall Schott Richard C. Blackwell Arch J. Lair, Jr. George D. Severson Scholarship Endowment Fund E. Lee Mills Vinton H. Sholl Susan M. Landon Glenn S. Brant Jeannie F. Mallick Rudolf B. Siegert Wallace E. Brunson * Deceased Jeffry A. Smith Jack P. Martin Jack C. Cartwright In memory of Harry Westmoreland In honor of Nolan Hirsch Scott M. Daniel In memory of W.G. Thorsen

FEBRUARY 2008 ______31 SIPES Foundation Scholarship Appreciation Letters

November 19, 2007 December 1, 2007

Connie (Dodge) Knight Golden, Colorado Jaron Andrews New Mexico Tech University Socorro, NM Dear Colleagues and Friends: Dear Lanny Butner & SIPES Members: I am pleased to make a donation of $1,000.00 to the SIPES Foundation Scholarship Endowment I just wanted to extend my thanks and grati- Fund. I want to express the heartfelt gratitude tude for the money I received from the SIPES that comes with my donation. Foundation scholarship. The money that I received from from the award will help me with research costs. This May I graduated from New I began my career in petroleum geology with Mexico Tech with a B.S. in geochemistry, with a Amoco in 1973. About nine years ago, when I was chemistry minor. I have now completed my first completing my Ph.D. at Colorado School semester of graduate school at New Mexico Tech of Mines, I received a scholarship check from in the master's program for hydrology. The schol- SIPES. I can't tell you what a shot in the arm that arship money will go towards my research which was. focuses on using surfactant/iron modified zeolites as a filter media to remove arsenic from ground- In 1995, when I made the decision to work water. full-time on my Ph.D., I was a single parent and sole provider for myself and my daughter. At that As you may know, arsenic drinking water stan- time, I deeply appreciated SIPES's financial dards have been lowered from 50ppb to 10ppb, support. However, more than that, I was and municipalities from all over New Mexico are humbled and greatly honored by the vote of desperate for cheap and efficient methods to meet the new EPA standards. I hope that my research confidence from professionals that meant so work will aid in this new problem, and make a dif- much to me. ference in my neighborhood.

I completed my Ph.D. in 1999, and I have All throughout college I was able to fund my worked in the petroleum industry since. I feel entire education solely on scholarships, and I want very fortunate that I am able to give something to thank you for having a scholarship which is back. I don't know which SIPES members elected merit-based. I could not qualify for financial aid, me for the scholarship. However, please use my but still had to pay my own way through school. check to help another student. Also, would you Your scholarship has given me the means to carry please pass on my sincere gratitude to the my education onward to new heights. I am very Denver Chapter Members? proud to win the SIPES award, and hope that someday I can start my own business and become Sincerely, an independent earth scientist. Thank you again!

Connie Knight Sincerely, Acting VP of Exploration True North Energy Corp. Jaron Andrews

32 ______SIPES QUARTERLY Buy a SIPES Liimestone or Marblle Paperweiight for onlly $18.00 Send your order to: SIPES 4925 Greenville Avenue, Suite 1106 Dallas, TX 75206 Telephone: 214-363-1780 Fax: 214-363-8195 e-mail: [email protected]

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

The following new members were approved by the SIPES Membership Committee from October 17, 2007 to January 14, 2008:

SIPES Number NAME CHAPTER SPONSORS

3125 David B. Olutusin At-Large M. Freeman B. Fyke D. Oicle (Alberta, CANADA)

1607 Arthur T. Cerniglia New Orleans Reinstatement 3126 John M. Hooper Oklahoma City Reciprocal- DPA 3127 George B. Asquith At-Large (Lubbock, TX) Reciprocal- DPA 3128 Frank G. Cornish Corpus Christi W. Croft R. Parker G. Stanton 3129 Robert H. Baillio Houston J. Grubb W. Neville J. Putman III 3130 Henry L. Cullins, Jr. Houston J. Grubb L. Jones J. Putman III 3131 Bruce H. Houff Houston B. Buongiorno J. Crocker C. Fontenot 3132 Gerrit Wind Houston Reciprocal- DPA 3133 Walter W. Wornardt Houston G. Klein N. Neidell J. Pacht 3134 Gary C. Huber Denver M. Cruson G. Nydegger A. Pansze

3135 Susan G. Hall Midland L. Melzer T. Gentry B. Graham 1141 Jerry H. Dunnam Midland R. Guenther, Jr H. Hansen D. McGookey 2059 Harry P. Trivedi Oklahoma City Reciprocal- DPA 2610 Charles M. Killgore Dallas Reinstatement 2146 James M. Green Houston Reinstatement 3136 Russell K. Hall Midland Reciprocal- SPEE 3137 Gary M. Weir Houston Reciprocal- DPA 3138 Russell S. Peeples At-Large (Sunray, TX) G. Brown G. Johnson J. O’Connell 3139 Barbra S. Landreth Oklahoma City K. Gentry H. Lackey, Jr. T. Rowland 3140 Cyril M. Gallick Midland J. Kullman D. McGookey S. Robichaud 3141 William G. Watson Midland Reciprocal- DPA 3145 Mark W. Herndon Oklahoma City M. Austin H. Lackey, Jr. M. Pollok

FEBRUARY 2008 ______33 SIPES 2008 Convention The Omni Royal Orleans Hotel The Omni Royal Orleans Hotel is located in the heart of the historic French Quarter at the intersection of St. Louis and Royal streets and will serve as host hotel for the SIPES 2008 Convention. The SIPES Group room rate is $189 per night. To receive your special group rate, it is important that you make your reservations by April 18, 2008. To make your reservation, please call the Omni Group Reservations Desk at 1-800-578-0500, and advise the reservationist that you are with the SIPES group.

SIPES 2008 Convention Technical Program New Orleans Speakers Listed Alphabetically 2008

‹ Marion Bone — TimeSlice Technology, Inc., ‹ Lee Petersen, #2838 — Houston, TX Oro Quay Corporation, “Urban 3D Seismic in the Barnett Shale Play” Palo Pinto Exploration, Inc., ‹ Bill Britain — EnergyNet, Inc., Amarillo, TX Fort Worth, TX “A&D Metrics and the ‘MLP Factor’” “Low-budget Subsurface Exploration in the 21st Century” ‹ Philip Carlisle, #2557 — Fort Worth, TX “Going Independent - Case History of Aspen Integrated ‹ Jeanne Phelps, #2509 — Houston, TX Oil and Gas Company, LLC” “SONRIS: Louisiana’s Oil and Gas Database” ‹ ‹ Jim Clancy, Branscomb PC — Corpus Christi, TX David Pursell, Pickering Energy Partners — Houston, TX “The Five Oil and Gas Contract Clauses You Can’t Live Without” “Oil and Gas Supply and Demand” ‹ Stephen Reynolds, #2852 — ‹ Thomas Ewing — Frontera Exploration Consultants, San Antonio, TX Infinity Oil and Gas, Denver, CO “Ethics, Professionalism, and Codes of Ethics” “Barnett Shale” ‹ ‹ Bill Finley, #2167 — Rozel Energy, LLC, Eddie Rhea, #2937 — Foundation Energy, Lafayette, LA Dallas, TX “Creole Geology Breathes New Life “Creating and Financing an Oil & Gas Company” into First Gulf of Mexico Oil Field” ‹ Deborah Sacrey, #1271 — Independent Geologist/Geophysicist, Houston, TX ‹ Russell Hall, #3136 — Russell K. Hall and Associates, Inc., Midland, TX “Unconventional Pay in the Cook Mountain Formation - “Evaluating Resource Plays with Statistical Models” Wharton County, Texas” ‹ ‹ Allen Howard, Nutech — Houston, TX Stephen Trammel — IHS Energy, Houston, TX “By-passed Oil Case Studies” “Hot Oil and Gas Trends in The Lower 48” ‹ ‹ Kenneth Huffman, #2936 — La Bay Exploration, Benjamin Waring — Oil and Gas New Orleans, LA Landman/Attorney, New Orleans, LA “Rabbit Island SL 340 Revitalized: “Offshore Lease and Online Information” Getting New Energy from an Old Rabbit” ‹ Roger Young — eSeis, Inc., Houston, TX ‹ George Johnson, #2724 — “Relating Depositional Facies to Seismic AVO Response” Sunshine Exploration Company, Amarillo, TX “Turning Water into Oil” ‹ Bill Knebusch, #3050 — Consultant, Amarillo, TX “Granite Wash in the Texas Panhandle”

Speakers and topics are subject to change

34 ______SIPES QUARTERLY Don’t Miss the SIPES Convention New Orleans, Louisiana May 12-15, 2008 Register Early for Tours and Events! Tuesday — May 13 Wednesday — May 14

NEW ORLEANS LITERARY “A RIVER RUNS FEAST - WALKING TOUR THROUGH IT” — 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon New Orleans Motor Cost: $60.00 Coach City Tour Before 4/18/08 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon ($85.00 After 4/18/08) Cost: $60.00 Before 4/18/08 ($85.00 After 4/18/08)

THE SAVVY GOURMET LONGUE VUE ESTATE & COOKING CLASS GARDENS WITH LUNCH 9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. AT RALPH’S ON THE Cost: $140.00 Before 4/18/08 PARK RESTAURANT ($165.00 After 4/18/08) 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Cost: $95.00 Before 4/18/08 ($120.00 After 4/18/08)

GRAND DAME OF THE RIVER ROAD - HOUMAS HOUSE GARDEN DISTRICT PLANTATION GRANDEUR & FRENCH TOUR & LUNCH QUARTER FACETS - 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. WALKING & MOTOR Cost: $120.00 COACH TOUR Before 4/18/08 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. ($145.00 After 4/18/08) Cost: $90.00 Before 4/18/08 ($115.00 After 4/18/08) Thursday — May 15

GEOLOGY OF THE KATRINA SIPES AWARDS DISASTER BANQUET FIELD TRIP 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Cost: $75.00 Cost: $45.00 Before 4/18/08 ($60.00 After 4/18/08)

FEBRUARY 2008 ______35 President ...... George S. Johnson...... Amarillo 2007-08 Vice-President...... Lanny O. Butner...... Wichita Vice-President of SIPES National Energy ...... H. Jack Naumann, Jr...... Midland Secretary...... Clifford A. Walker...... Dallas Officers Treasurer...... Lee M. Petersen...... Fort Worth

Michael N. Austin ...... Constitution/Conventions ...... Denver Raymond N. Blackhall...... NAPE...... Houston Michael G. Cruson ...... Honors & Awards/Prof. Enterprise Management...... Denver William R. Finley...... Membership Committee/Directory ...... Lafayette Bobby M. Greenwood...... Membership Committee ...... Dallas SIPES Owen R. Hopkins ...... Quarterly ...... Corpus Christi Directors Kenneth J. Huffman ...... 2008 Annual Meeting ...... New Orleans Peter MacKenzie ...... Conventions/Public Relations...... Worthington, Ohio Marc D. Maddox ...... Environmental/Quarterly ...... Midland J. Phil Martin, Jr...... State Legislative Affairs...... Houston Jon B. Selby ...... Honors & Awards/Technology Communication...... Austin Thomas J. Smith ...... Honors & Awards/Prof. Society Liaison ...... Oklahoma City

SIPES Vision Statement

To be the pre-eminent organization for furthering the professional and business interests of independent practitioners of the earth sciences. In achieving this vision, emphasis will be placed on (1) professional competence, (2) professional business ethics, and (3) presenting a favorable, credible and effective image of the Society.

Adopted by the SIPES Board of Directors September 21, 1996

Return to: PRESORTED STANDARD SIPES US POSTAGE PAID 4925 Greenville Avenue, Suite 1106 DALLAS, TX Dallas, Texas 75206-4019 PERMIT NO. 1300

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