Edwards, Bebout, D.G., Gregory, A.R., and Weise, B.R. 1980: Wilcox Group--potential for geopressured-geothermal energy. in: Proc. 4th U.S. Gulf Coast Geopressured Geothermal Energy Conf.: Research and Development, Austin. 1979, (Eds. M.H. Dorfman & W.L. Fisher), 312-371.

Abstract

The objective of this study is to identify areas along the Wilcox trend favorable for producing large quantities of hot water from the geopressured zone in order to separate methane from solution and produce electrical energy from heat. Reservoirs likely to contain geopressured geothermal fluids in economic quantities occur in the Wilcox Group where the gulfward-dipping sandstone/shale wedge thickens abruptly across a complex growth-fault system. The Wilcox comprises sandstone-rich upper and lower parts representing two major progradational cycles, and a shale-rich middle part representing a major transgression. Lower Wilcox deltaic sequences occur in lobate patterns along the Middle and Upper Texas Gulf Basin, while major upper Wilcox deltas occurring the Lower Texas Gulf Basin.

On the basis of maximum sandstone development and formation temperatures greater than 300 degrees F (1490C), six geothermal fairways were delineated in Zapata, Duval, Live Oak, De Witt, Colorado, and Harris Counties. In addition, detailed studies were conducted to identify sites for drilling test wells. The De Witt Fairway is considered the prime test site area; the Cuero Prospect contains more than 550 ft (170 m) of sandstone with an area of approximately 14 mi (36 km2). The prospective sandstones occur at the tops of at least eight coarsening upward cycles; progressively shallower cycles contain increasingly permeable sandstones deposited in more proximal deltaic environments. The Colorado Fairway contains the second test site area. The Eagle Lake Prospect contains 1,240 ft (380 m) of sandstone and extends over an area of approximately 10 mi2 (26 km2). However, there is a question as to the presence of adequate thickness of high-permeability zones.

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©by Marc B. Edwards
Consulting Geologists, Inc