PS

Stratigraphy, Exploration and EOR potential of the Tensleep/Casper Formations, SE Wyoming*

Steven G. Fryberger1, Nick Jones2, Matthew Johnson2, and Curtis Chopping2

Search and Discovery Article #10851 (2016)**

Posted August 8, 2016

*Adapted from posters that were derived from oral presentation to Wyoming Geological Association, Casper, April 15, 2016.
**Datapages 2016. Serial rights given by author. For all other rights contact author directly.

1
Present: Steven Fryberger Petroleum, Laramie, Wyoming (steve.fryberger@gmail.com)
2
Enhanced Oil Recovery Institute, University of Wyoming, Laramie

Abstract

The first theme of this poster presentation is to provide an update on the stratigraphy and sedimentology of the Tensleep/Casper Formation of
Southeast Wyoming (and parts of Northern Colorado), and oil production from these rocks. We incorporate new measured sections,
stratigraphic analysis and petrographic work undertaken by the authors. To this end we created a new database in ArcGIS (geographic
information software) of tops and other information that updates the historical well database of the Wyoming Oil and Gas Commission
archived in Casper. This new database has been used to create Common Risk Segment (CRS) maps of the Upper Tensleep oil play segment in
Southeast Wyoming. These CRS maps indicate trends in Tensleep reservoir, charge, and trap that may be useful in planning further
exploration. It is possible that use of advanced seismic acquisition or processing techniques applied over the complex structural terrains in high
potential areas of SE Wyoming will produce new leads and, ultimately, new discoveries in addition to improved exploitation of existing oil
fields. Indeed, the Play-Based CRS model we have used in this work may have relevance to re-consideration of mature regions in Wyoming or
other states. In our effort, we essentially approached Southeast Wyoming the way we would approach a new area.

The second theme is to describe the occurrence in outcrop and core, of various flow units and discontinuities associated with depositional facies
in the Tensleep. We continue to compile data on the abundance and arrangement of primary eolian strata and their role as key elements in
reservoir heterogeneity as well as small-scale flow units based on dune morphology and preservation - in outcrops and core in the Tensleep.
This descriptive work is a necessary step in order to improve digital reservoir models run in Petrel, Eclipse, or other modeling software, or to
develop new software that will improve estimates of recovery factors. The history of Wyoming includes much down-spacing of oil fields to
produce bypassed reserves; and implicitly to correct original over-optimistic estimates of recovery factors that stipulated well spacing that was
too great, and inappropriate EOR (usually waterflood) designs. This may be in part due to neglect of the heterogeneity produced by primary
strata on oil recovery, particularly in reservoirs with low-viscosity, low-gravity oil. We have created simple models of the mechanics of the
impact of eolian primary strata, mainly ripple and avalanche strata, on recovery factors in eolian reservoirs. Ultimately we plan to improve
these models, and to undertake experimental work with rock samples. The plan long term is to develop engineering formulas that create more
reliable estimates of recovery factors that present methods allow. These will take into account the impact of primary strata anisotropy, cross-
bed dip direction and effects of small reservoir flow units at the level of individual dunes.

Eolian petroleum reservoirs are not unique to Wyoming, although this state has an abundance of them; for example in Wyoming we have the
Tensleep, Leo, Minnelusa Casper, Nugget, and Sundance Formations all of which produce oil and gas. Eolian reservoirs worldwide, such as the
Rotliegend of the North Sea, commonly provide long-lived, high-volume production of both oil and gas, and importantly for Wyoming,
provide new ideas from around the world that can be applied to similar reservoirs in Wyoming. As with any geologically defined unit, each
oil/gas field has production characteristics peculiar to its history. However, common factors link most eolian reservoirs. Cross-stratification due
to bedform migration creates preferred sweep directions and thus impacts recovery factors in fields of various maturities worldwide. Moreover,
stacking of sand seas or bed forms through geological time will create distinctive flow units in subsurface petroleum reservoirs.

Selected References

Agatston, R.S., 1954, Pennsylvanian and Lower Permian of Northern and Eastern Wyoming: AAPG Bulletin, v. 38, p. 508-583.

Benniran, M.M., 1969, Casper Formation limestones, southwestern Laramie Mountains, Albany County, Wyoming: M.S. Thesis, University of
Wyoming, Laramie, 95p.

Blackstone, D.L., Jr., 1989, Precambrian basement map of WyomingOutcrop and structural configuration: Wyoming State Geological
Survey Map Series 27, 1 sheet, scale 1:1,000,000.

Chandler, M.A., G.Kocurek, D.J. Goggin, and L.W. Lake, 1989, Effects of stratigraphic heterogeneity on permeability in eolian sandstone
sequence, Page Sandstone, Northern Arizona: AAPG Bulletin, v. 73, p. 658-668.

Condra, G.E. , E.C. Reed, and L.J. Scherer , 1940, Correlations of the formations of the Laramie Range, Hartville Uplift, Black Hills, and
western Nebraska: Nebraska Geological Survey Bulletin 13, 52p.

De Bruin, R.H., and S.D. Hostetler, 1993, Oil and gas fields map of southeastern Wyoming basins: Wyoming State Geological Survey Map
Series 42, 1 sheet, scale 1:316,800.

Dyman, T.S., and S.M. Condon, 2005, 2005 Geologic assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources, Hanna, Laramie, and Shirley basins
province, Wyoming and Colorado, in Petroleum Systems and Geologic Assessment of Undiscovered Oil and Gas, Hanna, Laramie and Shirley
Basins Province, Wyoming and Colorado: U.S. Geological Survey Digital Data Series DDS-69-K, p. 1-62.

Foster, D.I., 1958, Summary of the stratigraphy of the Minnelusa Formation, Powder River Basin, Wyoming, in 13th Annual Field Conference
Guidebook, Powder River Basin of Wyoming: Wyoming Geological Association, Casper, Wyoming, p. 39-44.
Fryberger, S.G., 1984, The Permian Upper Minnelusa Formation, Wyoming: Ancient example of an offshore-prograding sand sea with
geomorphic, facies, and system-boundary traps for petroleum, Wyoming Geological Association 35th Annual Field Conference Guidebook, p.
241-271.

Fryberger, S.G., and C.Y. Hern, 2014, A geometric approach to the analysis of global eolian hydrocarbon reservoirs: Search and Discovery
#41478 (2014). Website accessed July 22, 2016,
http://www.searchanddiscovery.com/pdfz/documents/2014/41478fryberger/ndx_fryberger.pdf.html.

Fryberger, S.G., and C.J. Schenk, 1988, Pin stripe Lamination: A distinctive feature of modern and ancient eolian sediments: Sedimentary
Geology, v. 55, p. 1-15.

Fryberger, S.G. , N. Jones, and M. B. Johnson, 2014, Field Guide to the Minnelusa Formation, Ranch A and Newcastle area, Wyoming and
South Dakota: Enhanced Oil Recovery Institute, University of Wyoming, Laramie, 67p. Website accessed July 22, 2016,
https://www.uwyo.edu/eori/_files/minnelusa%20presentations/field%20guide%20gillette%20minnelusa%20symposium%202014.pdf.

Love, J.D., L.G. Henbest, and N.M. Denson, 1953, Stratigraphy and paleontology of Paleozoic rocks, Hartville area, eastern Wyoming: U.S.
Geol. Survey Chart OC 44, Oil and Gas Investigation Series.

McKee, E.D. and S.S. Oriel, et al, 1967, Paleotectonic Investigations of the Permian System in the United States, U.S. Geological Survey
Professional paper 515, 271p.

Potter, E.C., 1984, Quealy Dome, in Symposium on Wyoming Oil and Gas Fields - Laramie, Hanna and DJ Basins: Casper, Wyoming,
Wyoming Geological Association (WGA), p. 106-108.

Shell Exploration and Production, 2006, Play Based Exploration, A guide for AAPGs Imperial Barrel Award participants, 50p.

Stone, D.S., 1995, Structure and kinematic genesis of the Quealy wrench duplex: Transpressional reactivation of the Precambrian Cheyenne
belt in the Laramie Basin, Wyoming: AAPG Bulletin, v. 79, p. 1349-1376.

Weber, K.J., 1987, Computation of initial well productivities in aeolian sandstone on the basis of a geological model, Leman Gas Field, U.K. in
Reservoir Sedimentology: Society of Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists (SEPM) Special Publication 40, p. 333-354.

Wilson, W.H., 1950, The Casper Formation in the Red Buttes Area: M.S. Thesis, University of Wyoming, 38 p.

Wyoming Geological Association, 1957, Allen lake East, in Wyoming Oil and Gas fields Symposium: Casper, Wyoming, WGA, p.34-35.
 Stratigraphy, Exploration and EOR potential of the Tensleep/Casper Formations, SE Wyoming
Steven G. Fryberger, Nick Jones, Matthew Johnson and Curtis Chopping
Enhanced Oil Recovery Institute, University of Wyoming 2016

Abstract
The first theme of this poster is to provide an update on the stratigraphy and sedimentology of the
Tensleep/Casper Formation of Southeast Wyoming (and parts of Northern Colorado), and oil production from these rocks. We incorporate new After R.H. De Bruin, 2005
measured sections, stratigraphic analysis and petrographic work undertaken by the authors. To this end we created a new database in ArcGIS (geographic
information software) of tops and other information that updates the historical well database of the Wyoming Oil and Gas Commission archived in Casper. This Flat Top
new database has been used to create Common Risk Segment (CRS) maps of the Upper Tensleep oil play segment in Southeast Wyoming. These CRS maps
indicate trends in Tensleep reservoir, charge, and trap that may be useful in planning further exploration. It is possible that use of advanced seismic acquisition
or processing techniques applied over the complex structural terrains in high potential areas of SE Wyoming will produce new leads and, ultimately, new
discoveries in addition to improved exploitation of existing oil fields. Indeed, the Play-Based CRS model we have used in this work may have relevance to re-
consideration of mature regions in Wyoming or other states. In our effort, we essentially approached Southeast Wyoming the way we would approach a new area.
The second theme of this poster is to describe the occurrence in outcrop and core, of various flow units and
discontinuities associated with depositional facies in the Tensleep. We continue to compile data on the abundance and arrangement of primary eolian strata
and their role as key elements in reservoir heterogeneity as well as small-scale flow units based on dune morphology and preservation - in outcrops and core in
the Tensleep. This descriptive work is a necessary step in order to improve digital reservoir models run in Petrel, Eclipse, or other modeling software, or to
develop new software that will improve estimates of recovery factors. The history of Wyoming includes much down-spacing of oil fields to produce bypassed
reserves; and implicitly to correct original over-optimistic estimates of recovery factors that stipulated well spacing that was too great, and inappropriate EOR
(usually waterflood) designs. This may be in part due to neglect of the heterogeneity produced by primary strata on oil recovery, particularly in reservoirs with
low-viscosity, low-gravity oil. We have created simple models of the mechanics of the impact of eolian primary strata, mainly ripple and avalanche strata, on White Rocks
recovery factors in eolian reservoirs . Ultimately we plan to improve these models, and to undertake experimental work with rock samples. The plan long term is
to develop engineering formulas that create more reliable estimates of recovery factors that present methods allow. These will take into account the impact of
primary strata anisotropy, cross-bed dip direction, and effects of small reservoir flow units at the level of individual dunes.
Eolian petroleum reservoirs are not unique to Wyoming, although this state has an abundance of them; for example
in Wyoming we have the Tensleep, Leo, Minnelusa Casper, Nugget, and Sundance Formations all of which produce oil and gas. Eolian reservoirs worldwide,
such as the Rotliegend of the North Sea, commonly provide long-lived, high-volume production of both oil and gas, and importantly for Wyoming, provide new
ideas from around the world that can be applied to similar reservoirs in Wyoming. As with any geologically defined unit, each oil/gas field has production
characteristics peculiar to its history. However, common factors link most eolian reservoirs. Cross-stratification due to bedform migration creates preferred
sweep directions and thus impacts recovery factors in fields of various maturities worldwide. Moreover, stacking of sand seas or bed forms through geological
time will create distinctive flow units in subsurface petroleum reservoirs.
Paradise Valley
The Permian Upper Tensleep Formation at Flat Top Anticline near Medicine Bow, Wyoming. Several measured sections here have been
Conclusions: Tensleep Stratigraphy Southeast Wyoming used to create a model of the outcrop as a petroleum reservoir. Our observations on heterogeneity are helped by the fact that the lower half of
the outcrop is oil-saturated. Variability in oil saturation among tight and permeable eolian strata are clearly visible. Unsaturated laminations
Sand Creek
The Tensleep and Casper Formations comprise the same rocks in Southeast Wyoming.
The Tensleep Formation can be divided into a dominantly eolian Upper Tensleep Member and a carbonate rich, paralic, and eolian Lower Tensleep and beds tend to be red or white, whereas oil-saturated portions of the outcrop are brown beneath a thin whitish layer of degraded oil.
Map showing the Laramie and Eastern Hanna Basin Oil Fields, with
Member.
The Upper and Lower Tensleep of this study probably correlate to the Hyatt Ranch (Upper Tensleep) and Medicine Lodge (Lower Tensleep) Members of location of key Wyoming Tensleep sections measured for this report.
the Big Horn Basin, although that is not confirmed by this study. Orange square marks Quealy Dome oil field.
The Upper Tensleep is mainly Permian, the Lower Tensleep is Pre-Permian. Lithological change between Upper and Lower Tensleep may have been
driven by climate changes from Late Carboniferous time into more arid Permian times.
Reservoir heterogeneity caused by eolian primary strata NW Laramie Basin Stratigraphy SE
The Upper and Lower Tensleep members are recognized regionally in Southeast Wyoming. Paradise Valley

The Fountain interbedding with Tensleep occurs mainly in the Lower Tensleep, close to pre-Permian uplifts.
Shallow-marine carbonate intertonguing with the Upper Tensleep (Permian) occurs along the Laramie Range. A B Flat Top, White Rock Canyon
Sand Creek

Conclusions: Petroleum exploration, production and sedimentology Southeast Wyoming

Permian
Oil Production from the Tensleep/Casper in Southeast Wyoming is mainly from the Upper Tensleep in structural traps.
Common Risk Segment (CRS) analysis of SE Wyoming Tensleep oil shows, structure, and reservoir quality has identified four regions near existing
production that may have opportunities for further exploration, using new technology. Within the low-risk CRS areas there are lightly drilled areas.
Oil production in Southeast Wyoming occurs in a variety of stages from primary through tertiary EOR, as well as various states of IOR (mechanical
upgrades). There may further development opportunities in existing fields.
The State of Wyoming well database is a valuable asset. The authors have used this trove to create a digital database of tops and other data that updates
older (historical) tops in the State of Wyoming database, using modern stratigraphic concepts. This database will be made public, along with our maps
in ArcGIS; this may help to lower informational barriers to entry for oil industry activity in Southeast Wyoming. PC
There is evidence from outcrop and core that much oil in the Tensleep is trapped in microscopic, or very small stratigraphic traps created by primary

Tensleep
eolian strata and flow units derived from small dunes.
We are working on ways to calculate oil trapped by eolian primary strata and to devise strategies to produce it, using static and dynamic models and rock
experiments, along with natural outcrops and field studies. We hope this will help to guide down-spacing and other strategies both old and new to

Penn.
improve recovery of oil from Wyoming fields.

REFERENCES CITED
Limestone
Agatston, R.S., 1954, Pennsylvanian and Lower Permian of Northern and Eastern Wyoming: AAPG Bulletin, v. 38, p. 508-583. Sandstone
Benniran, M.M., 1969, Casper Formation Limestones, Southwestern Laramie Mountains, Albany County, Wyoming: M.S. Thesis, University of Wyoming,
Laramie, 95 p.
Blackstone, D.L., Jr., 1989, Precambrian basement map of WyomingOutcrop and structural configuration: Geological Survey of Wyoming [Wyoming State Most of the critical flow effects of eolian cross bedding and cross strata are due to strong
Geological Survey] Map Series 27, 1 sheet, scale 1:1,000,000. differences in porosity and permeability between individual laminations, as illustrated in the two Schematic cross section showing the stratigraphy of a portion of the The Tensleep (Casper) Formation at Sand Creek, in the Southern
Chandler, M.A., et al, 1989, Effects of Stratigraphic Heterogeneity on Permeability in Eolian Sandstone Sequence, Page Sandstone, Northern Arizona:: AAPG figures above. The isolation of permeable laminae by tight laminae may drastically reduce sweep
efficiency in rocks that, on standard logs and core plugs, appear quite permeable. These microfabrics
Permo-Pennsylvanian rocks of SE Wyoming. This section shows the Laramie Basin, Wyoming, south of Laramie. View to the north.
Bulletin, v. 73, p. 658-668.
De Bruin, R.H., and Hostetler, S.D., 1993, Oil and gas fields map of southeastern Wyoming basins: Geological Survey of Wyoming [Wyoming State Geological also, potentially, create anisotropic sweep tendencies in the rocks. A. On the left, brown laminae are
interbedding of marine carbonates with the Upper Tensleep along the
Survey] Map Series 42, 1 sheet, scale 1:316,800. oil saturated. White laminations have probably been reduced by the presence of oil, but are very low Laramie Range. Most common is the presence of carbonates in the
Dyman, T.S., and Condon, S.M., 2005, 2005 Geologic Assessment of Undiscovered Oil and Gas Resources, Hanna, Laramie, and Shirley Basins Province, permeability. Red laminations have no oil. Auk Field, North Sea. B. On the right we reproduce an Lower Tensleep farther west. Approximate locations of measured
Wyoming and Colorado, Chap. 2 of Petroleum Systems and Geologic Assessment of Undiscovered Oil and Gas, Hanna, Laramie and Shirley Basins excellent illustration from Weber (1987) showing the variability of permeability at laminar scales due sections indicated above and to the right of the diagram.
Province, Wyoming and Colorado, U.S. Geological Survey Digital Data Series DDS-69-K, p. 1-62. to primary stratification in the Permian Rotliegend Sandstone, Groningen gas field, Netherlands.
Foster, D.I., 1958, Summary of the Stratigraphy of the Minnelusa Formation, Powder River Basin, Wyoming, in 13th Annual Field Conference Guidebook,
Powder River Basin of Wyoming: Wyoming Geological Association, Casper, Wyoming, p. 39-44.
Fryberger, S.G., and Hern, C.Y., 2014, A Geometric Approach to the Analysis of Global Eolian Hydrocarbon Reservoirs: AAPG Search and Discovery #41478
(2014).
Fryberger, S.G., and Schenk, C.J., 1988, Pin Stripe Lamination: A distinctive feature of modern and ancient eolian sediments: Sedimentary Geology, v. 55, p. 1-
15.
McKee, E.D. and Oriel, S.S., et al, 1967, Paleotectonic Investigations of the Permian System in the United States, U.S. Geological Survey Professional paper
515, 271 p.
Potter, E.C., 1984, Quealy Dome, in Symposium on Wyoming Oil and Gas Fields - Laramie, Hanna and DJ Basins: Casper, Wyoming, Wyoming Geological
Association (WGA), p. 106-108.
Shell Exploration and Production, 2006, Play Based Exploration, A guide for AAPGs Imperial Barrel Award participants, 50p.
Stone, D.S., 1995, Structure and Kinematic Genesis of the Quealy Wrench Duplex: Transpressional Reactivation of the Precambrian Cheyenne Belt in the
Laramie Basin, Wyoming: AAPG Bulletin, v. 79, p. 1349-1376.
Weber, K.J., 1987, Computation of Initial Well Productivities in Aeolian Sandstone on the basis of a Geological Model, Leman Gas Field, U.K. in Society of
Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists (SEPM) Special Publication 40, Reservoir Sedimentology, p. 333-354.
Wilson, W.H., 1950, The Casper Formation in the Red Buttes Area: M.S. Thesis, University of Wyoming, 38 p.
Wyoming Geological Association, 1957, Allen lake East, in Wyoming Oil and Gas fields Symposium: Casper, Wyoming, WGA, p.34-35.

Acknowledgements
Our work was made possible by many kind landowners and mineral owners in the region. We owe many thanks to Deb Bailey and the folks
at Two Rivers Ranch and Joan McGraw of Medicine Bow Conservation District for access to the very important Flat Top Anticline. We also
thank Steve Bartlett and Brian Tideman at the Pete Lien and Sons Quarry near Livermore, Colorado, for access to important outcrops in the
Lyons and Ingleside formations on their property. Brenda and the folks at Lyons Sandstone Quarry in Lyons Colorado allowed access to
definitive outcrops at their quarry. Thanks to Chimney Rock Ranch at Sand Creek for access to the classic Casper outcrops near the ranch
and for their support of the University of Wyoming research for many years. We thank Shelly for access to the Paradise Valley measured
section in the Upper Casper Formation south of Laramie.
The Ingleside Formation (Casper-Tensleep correlative) at
We thank Chana M. Conley of EORI for editorial review of this poster. Thanks also to the Wyoming Geological Association for use of Owl Canyon, Colorado. We measured two sections in this
figures from various WGA publications cited in our poster (some of which go back many years!). Also, copious thanks to Shell Oil for use
area for comparison with nearby Wyoming outcrops. View to Upper Tensleep (Casper) Formation at Paradise Valley, Laramie
of non-proprietary Play Based exploration concepts from the Guide for AAPGs Imperial Barrel Award Participants. We thank Josh and Complex stacking of genetic (crossbedded) units in the Upper
Terry at the USGS Core Research Center in Lakewood, Colorado, for excellent layout of core from Wertz and Quealy Dome oil fields, which the northeast. Basin, Wyoming. Exposure is on private land, one should seek
Tensleep Formation at White Rock Canyon near Arlington, permission before visiting this outcrop.
was very helpful to our study. We also thank Google for Google Earth views that were very helpful in recording the routes of our measured
sections. Wyoming.
 Stratigraphy, Exploration and EOR potential of the Tensleep/Casper Formations, SE Wyoming
Steven G. Fryberger, Nick Jones, Matthew Johnson and Curtis Chopping
Enhanced Oil Recovery Institute, University of Wyoming 2016

Cross section Regional Tensleep Stratigraphic cross section

Tensleep penetrations used for this study Memorial Operating
102 ABC Unit 103 (Wertz)
SWNE sec 7 T26N R89W
API 49-007-21004
Wolf Energy Company
Wolf Energy Company Union Oil of California Gibson JW
Block-B Unit 1
Kerfoot Creek Unit 1 UPRR 44G-21 1 Champlin 1-19
NWSE sec 18 T25N R76W
SWSW sec 15 T28N R79W SESE 21 T22N R78W NESE sec 19 15N 75W
API 49-001-05393
API-49-007-06982 API-49-007-21093 API-49-001-20033

Goose Egg
Freezout

Ervay

Difficulty
Forelle
Index map of Wyoming and counties, showing State database of Tensleep Penetrations
(Tensleep, Casper, Minnelusa). Our study area is shown by red box with Upper Tensleep Glendo
Thickness posted. Not every Tensleep penetration was used in our regional study. Older wells
with poor logs or little data were omitted, as well as dense grids of intra-field wells, such as
those at Wertz and Lost Soldier.
Minnekahta
Opeche

Sybille
100 feet

Satanka
Upper Tensleep

200 ft

Lower
Tensleep
Index map of the cross section shown on the right. Base map is comprised of the basement
map of Wyoming, and Upper Tensleep isopachs.

Lower Permian (Wolfcampian) isopachs In Eastern

Wyoming

Amsden

Black
Hills
Regional unconformities in the Permo-Pennsylvanian
rocks of Wyoming. After Foster, 1958

Interval A of Paleotectonic maps

Madison
Interval B of Paleotectonic maps
Hartville Formation

Laramie

Distribution and thickness of interval A,

Wolfcampian = Lower Permian rocks in Wyoming and
adjacent areas. After McKee and Oriel et.al., 1967 Subdivisions of the Hartville Formation, SE
Wyoming. After McKee and Oriel et al, 1967
 Stratigraphy, Exploration and EOR potential of the Tensleep/Casper Formations, SE Wyoming
Steven G. Fryberger, Nick Jones, Matthew Johnson and Curtis Chopping
Enhanced Oil Recovery Institute, University of Wyoming 2016

The Sand Creek measured section was chosen at a locality that shows the transition upward Sand Creek, Wyoming Measured Section Champlin 1-19
from the red siltstones and arkosic fluvial sands of the Fountain Formation to the eolian dunes
NESE 19
Measured section: Tensleep (Casper) Formation
of the Casper (Tensleep). The section is relatively complete, lacking only the upper 30 feet or
so of Casper below the Satanka red siltstones. There is a major change in wind direction from T15N R75W Sand Creek, Albany County Wyoming
northward directed to south- and southeast-directed at unit 16. The section as a whole is a Fryberger, Jones, Johnson
classic cleaning-upward type, reflecting both the sorting of older fluvial sediments from the
Fountain, and in the end, the arrival of sand transported long distances from the Permian sand Upper Tensleep (Casper) Section complete except for upper 30 feet of Tensleep
sea to the north. At a nearby well north of the outcrop (Champlin 1-19), the Fountain Formation
has thinned and disappeared. This is typical of the Fountain in the Laramie Basin. It seldom
extends very far northward or westward of the old Pennsylvanian-age uplifts. Eolian sediments Reservoir Flow units
10 ft.
3.05 m. 022/18

Fluvial and pond sediments 2

100 Ft 012/14 17 Spl SC-14
12
004/15 Contorted strata

Lower Tensleep (Casper) 065/23

1
Eolian 15
Sabkha 16
Spl SC-13

160/22
Local carbonate 15 2 Spl SC-11

Bottom of log 155/14

Eolian avalanche and ripple primary strata in the Upper Tensleep Spl SC-12
(Casper) Formation at Sand Creek. Flat-bedded ripple strata with pin-
stripe laminations and inverse grading (arrow 1) form basal unit. Above
Sonic-Gamma Ray log of the Upper Tensleep (Casper) in the Champlin 1-19 well
(NESE sec 19, T15N R 75W) drilled north of the Sand Creek outcrops. A thick section
216/24 14 12
the erosional bounding surface, near the corner of the notebook, are sand of eolian dunes, very porous and permeable comprises the Upper Tensleep above the
Lower Tensleep sand and carbonate section. In the short distance northward to this well, 162/27
flow toes at the base of a slipface (arrow 2) and avalanche strata with
A carbonate pond deposit with wavy, irregular bedding. This wavy pin-stripe laminations that fade-out along the stratum. most of the fluvial recycling of Front Range Precambrian rocks, and Fountain Formation
has vanished. Thus, the Sand Canyon area provides a glimpse into how the Tensleep sand Spl SC-10
represents a local pond within an arid dune field where fresh water
sea interacted with the alluvial fans of the Fountain Formation. 034/18
table is close to the surface. The unit is bioturbated; there is no direct
evidence of evaporites. This unit was encountered at about the level of
sample 7C in the measured section.
13 13 Color change
purple to yellow-
214/22 orange
An interdune carbonate pond deposit (arrow) in the upper part of the
measured section, immediately below the sabkha shown on the cross section
(near sample 11, blue colored unit). In this outcrop the carbonate depositing
pond was discontinuous laterally, extending perhaps 200 m. Note the
220/23 12 5.5
pinch-out along the erosional bounding surface. The sabkha above (flat Major change in wind
1.5
bedded unit) was more extensive, as visible in this view. Eolian dunes direction 11
(white) cap the skyline.
115/24
Spl SC-9

10 17
218/23 Eolian dune, red, white
lag grains, f-m ss
138/22

136/24
Spl SC-8

9 5.5

114/21 8 3
3

Dome-like weathering of white, quartzose eolian dunes in

Soil, red and white
7 5.5 Spl SC-7
the uppermost part of the Sand Creek measured section. Spl SC-6
muddy lake with sheetflood sands
6 3

A fluvial channel filled with sandy red mud, cut into fluvial Bleached sand
080/09
sandstones, near base of the Tensleep (Casper). Base of channel is
marked by white arrow. This sort of stratigraphy is typical of the lower
5 6 Spl SC-5

Tensleep near the old Pennsylvanian uplifts. This unit is part of the 071/18
ss, dk red, m-fg, well 4 Spl SC-4
transitional facies from the Fountain Formation to the Casper
Formation. A soil horizon in flat bedded (fluvial?) sands, with srted, frosted. eolian ? 4
rhizocretions, bioturbation from plants and some clastic dikes.
White arrow marks where soil zone is overlain by eolian dunes.
3 4

Casper Formation. Spl SC-3

Matt Johnson pauses for scale in this image of the upper part of
the Sand Creek measured section. Arrow shows the reddish sabkha
SS, red, pebbles
2 5.5 Spl SC-2 Casper Fm.
unit just above a carbonate pond deposit (blue on the measured
section). Behind him the eolian cross beds from which sample SC-12
was taken.
Purple siltstone/sh
1 5.5 Spl SC-1 Fountain Fm.

Several slightly disconformable sets of eolian avalanche strata in

Fluvial deposits consisting of coarse sandstone and
conglomerate, with mud near the base of the Casper
Formation (rip-up clasts). This muddy, arkosic section was
A view near the base of the measured section, showing mostly
formed by recycling older Pennsylvanian Fountain Formation
fluvial deposits of Upper Fountain-Lower Tensleep transitional
contact. Upper part of outcrop is Casper Formation. View to the
south.
lithologies and the Front Range granites.
the Upper Tensleep (Casper) Formation in middle part of Detail view of eolian sabkha deposits in the upper part of the Route of measured section
measured section. Such deposits form from the interaction of
measured section. Arrows show approximate boundaries between
windblown sand and a shallow-water table that is moderately
sets. Such groups of strata can partition petroleum into subtle Sand Creek Measured section. Image courtesy of Google Earth.
evaporitic. Salt crystal concentration causes expansion of surface
compartments, even in avalanche strata which are commonly the
most porous and permeable eolian facies. The result can be
inefficient sweep during production. Below, pink mixed-source
eolian and fluvial stratification.
layers and doming to form ridges that are then filled by windblown
sand, commonly through grainfall processes. 3
 Stratigraphy, Exploration and EOR potential of the Tensleep/Casper Formations, SE Wyoming
Steven G. Fryberger, Nick Jones, Matthew Johnson and Curtis Chopping
Enhanced Oil Recovery Institute, University of Wyoming 2016

Tensleep Sandstone at Flat Top Anticline Section 3

Measured sections Section 1
Section 2
108 feet 110 feet
71 Feet

Carbon County, Wyoming (ft.) Spl 6-3
Spl 11-2

11
11 Covered slope 11
3.5 Spl 10-2
3.05 m. 10 ft.
4 Spl 5-3
4 5.5 Spl 9-2

6.5 Spl 4-3 5.5 Spl 16 186/22

129/21
Spl 15 Spl 8-2
150/17 13
9 Spl 3-3
160/19 8
Spl 14
128/24
156/19 Spl 13 164/14

Spl 12 Spl 7-2

22 22 22

Spl 2-3
071/18
Spl 11

067/16 Spl 6-2

126/27 084/22 Spl 10
Sabkha perm barrier
13.5 11
105/11
341/11
O90/25
11
131/34 083/18

2.5 Spl 1-3 1.5 Spl 9, 9a 1.5

1.5 Spl 8 1.5 Spl 5-2
055/24
Spl 7
050/16
Satellite view of the Flat Top Anticline surrounded by
Covered slope
045/20
Spl 4-2
exposures of Permo-Triassic red bed formations. East 24 14
Allen Lake Oil field (red dot) in the Tensleep is just south Interdune perm barrier Spl 6 110/27
097/22
of the town of Medicine Bow. Image courtesy of Google Spl 5 Spl 4a
Eolian dune crossbedding in unit 11 (found in all three sections arrow, dashed Earth. Heavy oil saturation
025/26 096/27
lines). This unit consists of several sets of slipface deposits with interbedded ripple
Spl 4
strata, in an approximate 60/40 APS/RPS ratio on measured section 1. Dip of cross strata Less oil saturation
076/26
104/24
8 Spl 3-2
8.5
is toward the southwest, view to west. APS means avalanche strata; RPS means ripple Spl 3 Spl 2-2
104/26
strata. Scattered or no oil shows
087/25
Spl 2 11
11
Eolian dune slipface deposits consisting of a mixture of avalanche
085/31
Spl 1-2
12
124/27 Spl 1
(APS) and ripple (RPS) strata, in Unit 1, measured section 1. These Covered slope
Primary strata perm barriers
P
sandstones are saturated with heavy, live oil. View is to the west. Covered slope

Crossbeds dip south-southwest, indicating wind from the north-

(in oil-saturated zone)
northeast.
Section 3 Flat Top anticline
Correlation of Kelly, 1984. Porosity data with Measured section 1
Section 2
Section 1 Outcrop Avalanche ripple
genetic units
50% 100%
15

14
Light- colored exposures of the Upper Tensleep
Formation in the core of the Flat Top Anticline. 13
Routes of measured sections are shown by yellow 12
lines. Image courtesy of Google Earth.
11
49-007-20631 10 Feet
QUINTANA PETROLEUM CORP
10 Sabkha
FEDERAL 1 ALLEN LAKE EAST
2096 FSL AND 1914 FEL ( NW SE ) 18 Sabkha perm barrier (grainfall)
22 NORTH 78 WEST Oil sat
41.877033 -106.215845
9
Mixed ripple and avalanche strata in Unit 2 of the Flat Top 8
measured section 1. Note that the black-brown oil-saturated sand in 7
Sybille 6
the ripple strata is broken up into many compartments by the cemented 5
Cemented fractures typical of units 1 and 2. Such Flat-bedded ripple strata in Unit 2 measured section 1, showing fabric- pin-stripe laminations from each stratum. This phenomenon creates 4000
Interdune perm barriers
4
bands of fractures would impede sweep of oil selective (white) cementation along boundaries between each ripple stratum. microscopic barriers to flow in otherwise very porous and permeable
laterally through this eolian reservoir. Eolian slipface White laminations are also known as pin-stripe laminations (Fryberger and oil reservoirs throughout the Tensleep sandstone in Wyoming as a 3
deposits in this image are saturated with dark brown whole, not just this outcrop. The sabkha UTLP 2
Schenk, 1988). These fine layers cut this oil-saturated sandstone into many
heavy oil. Dip of the crossbedding is toward the in our
small compartments.
viewer. measured
sections ? 1
4100

Approximate range of
After Kelly, 1984 Primary strata perm barriers
Extended bounding
0utcrop section 2 surfaces enclosing
110 feet
possible reservoir flow
4200 units (red lines)

LTLP
4300

4400

Eolian sabkha bedding consisting mainly of grainfall deposits in unit

10. Wavy beds are produced due to formation of salt ridges by
precipitation of evaporites from near surface water table. This sequence
records a long period of accretion, probably under conditions of rising
water table. Such deposits may indicate proximity to the sea, which would
supply halite, gypsum and anhydrite early cements through seepage-reflux.
Sandy dolomite/dolomitic sandstone in unit 14. Lithology is sabkha-like, with much more
carbonate than unit 10, which is a sabkha, created dominantly by eolian processes. After Wyoming Geological Association,
Sedimentological origins of this dominantly carbonate body are more obscure. This may Density-GR log of the Federal 1 Allen Lake East well that penetrates both 1957; with thanks.
represent carbonate sedimentation in an evaporitic lake, or the salt ridges (wavy bedding) may the Upper and Lower Tensleep at nearby Allen Lake East Tensleep oil field.
indicate proximity to sea water. Although the overlying carbonates and red beds of the Goose
Egg Formation have marine affinities, an unconformity separates this Upper Tensleep section
The sabkha encountered at Flat Top Anticline may be present in this well East Allen Lake Oil field structure
(arrow).
from the Goose Egg. Thus, there may be no immediate connection to marine shorelines in the
Upper Tensleep at Flat Top.
 Stratigraphy, Exploration and EOR potential of the Tensleep/Casper Formations, SE Wyoming
Steven G. Fryberger, Nick Jones, Matthew Johnson and Curtis Chopping
Enhanced Oil Recovery Institute, University of Wyoming,. 2016

White Rock Canyon Upper Tensleep Tensleep Formation Measured Section (Partial)
White Rock Canyon
Carbon County, Wyoming
Sept 2, 2015
Fryberger and Jones
226 ft. Upper Tensleep

24 2 Carbonate caprock
Primary strata types
avalanche ripple
4
Top Upper Tensleep
Sample WR-8 23 5
Ss, f-mg, gry,
contorted
22 strata

Sample WR-7 21 0% 50% 100%

22
Aps/rps = 20/80 20 SS, crossbedded,
broken-up, partly
covered

Aps/rps = 50/50 19 6
SS, bright orange
5
18
Sample WR-6

Aps/rps = 50/50
40 50 feet
The Upper Tensleep Sandstone at White Rock Canyon, east side of the outcrop. Our 226-foot (partial) measured section begins in the Upper Tensleep, which in this area is roughly 400
feet thick, based on local well control. It was measured on the opposite (west) side of this cliff where access was easier. It begins about the middle of the Upper Tensleep and continues to 17
the first carbonate in the Phosphoria (Goose Egg) Formation. See log this page for comparison. Note the variety of genetic units in terms of thickness, shape and crossbedding. This suggests
that oil recovery factors from these genetic units would be equally diverse, mainly as a function of the arrangement of primary strata in each, as well as geometry, lithology etc.. Thrust fault
zone of deformation shown by red lines.
Sample WR-5
10 feet
16
10
15 Covered slope, probably dunes

5.5 Ss, poorly sorted, some eolian

14 aps, mainly gravels, poorly srtd
6
Aps/rps = 20/80
13 Ss, fg-mg, gry, eolian
Shale, gry-green 1
Sample WR-4
1m
3.3 ft 34 Ss, vfg, eolian dunes, stacked,
Aps/rps = 30/70
12 lots of rps

Sample WR-3
Fluvial red beds (conglomerate, sandstones, siltstones) in unit 7.
These sediments represent Upper Fountain Formation tongues that 4 Ss, mostly fluvial, clastic dikes
Eolian avalanche and ripple primary strata in unit 17. Close
pinch-out a short distance northward at Pass Creek oil field. They
are the product of runoff into the Upper Tensleep dune field from an
Faulted section
restored
11 @ base and top, some fg ss,
xbed, eolian ripples
study reveals that 80% of this outcrop is ripple strata, despite the
relatively steep dips visible on the image.
ancient uplift to the south that exposed arkosic rocks to erosion. Aps/rps = 10/90 10 11 Ss, mostly eolian
rps
210/24
9 2
Sample WR-2
Aps/rps = 70/30 20 Ss, f-mg, large
Upper part of the measured section, consisting mainly of
eolian dunes with some sabkha and small thicknesses of 8 bedform, gray

relatively clean, coarse fluvial sandstones.

287/23 5 Ss, red, poor sorted, fluvial
Tongue of channel, laminated to 2 ft.
Fountain
Formation ?
7 6 Ss, massive faint xbeds,
weathers back,
270/177
bioturbated

270/18 6 10.5
Ss, xbedded-flat bedded,
distinct wxing into 4 sets

5 .5 Shale, green
320/26 4 2

3 8.5 Ss, xbed-flat bedded, massive

overall, fg

2 2 Ss, vfg, massive-faint xlaminated

320/19
1 14 Ss, vfg, massive faint xbeds.
Clear xbedding across ravine
Sample WR-1

Covered slope

View of the outcrop from the east side reveals complexity of individual genetic units,
most of which probably act as flow units in subsurface reservoirs. Red fluvial sand is
indicated by arrow.
A small fluvial channel with coarse reddish sand and irregular bedding
(between dashed lines). It is enclosed by dune sands above and below. Unit 18.
Steep cliff above goes to top of section units 19-23.
 Stratigraphy, Exploration and EOR potential of the Tensleep/Casper Formations, SE Wyoming
Steven G. Fryberger, Nick Jones, Matthew Johnson and Curtis Chopping
*1 Enhanced Oil Recovery Institute, University of Wyoming. 2016

Paradise Valley Measured Section

Tensleep/Casper Formation
Paradise Valley,
Albany County Wyoming
Partial measured Section
101 Feet
(June 4, 2015) Fryberger and Jones

13 5 Spl PV-9

Marine transgression
SS, burrowed, white, flat-irregular beds
12 3
007/11
Spl PV-8
SS, calcareous, maroon-deep
red (karst?) 11 5
10 4
022/17
Spl PV-7
SS, small, red eolian dunes, chaotic
Close-up view of a set of avalanche strata on a dune slipface at the base of the measured section. This is Unit 1 of the dip directions
Lower part of the Paradise Valley measured section with dune bedforms, where Nick Jones is seated taking notes. Generally,
measured section. Crossbedded unit above the erosional bounding surface consists of stacked sets of strata of Unit 2, which overall
has higher proportion of ripple primary strata to avalanche strata, perhaps because the preserved bedforms are smaller.
bedforms become smaller up-section. This sequence (see measured section) would make a complex petroleum reservoir with
numerous distinctive flow units. The best flow units are probably the dunes shown here at the base of the cliff below the dashed line,
068/23 9 17
due to a preponderance of permeable avalanche strata.

SS, very calcareous, sabkha partly

B eolian
8 15

068/19
Sandy limestone
7 Spl PV-6
6
2
Spl PV-5
SS, eolian sabkha
5 5
072/18
075/21
Rise of water table Spl PV-4

Mostly eolian ripple strata this

section
A A monolayer of coarse sand grains (within white oval) typical of eolian 21
sedimentation. The coarse-grained lags are formed by wind scour of fine and
medium sand. Many of the coarse grains are light-colored. An overview of the measured section at Paradise Valley. It consists of an eolian sequence
sandwiched between two marine carbonates (not visible in this image). Units at the base and 065/20
4 Spl PV-3
Small-scale eolian sedimentary structures at Paradise top of the section are marine limestones of the Tensleep (Casper). Dune sequence in this
Valley Casper (Tensleep) section. (A) Pin-stripe laminations outcrop has largest dunes at base, smaller, more complex sets of dunes, sabkhas and marine
typical of eolian ripple strata. (B) Bagnold surface shoreline deposits, including carbonates higher-up. Dashed white line shows base of sabkha
consisting of a thin layer of coarse sand grains winnowed by (Unit 5)
077/15
the wind, typical of eolian deposits.
Major change in wind
direction to SE
Sand sheet-sabkha 3 5 Spl PV-3A

015/14
340/17

14
Thickness of
Paradise Valley
115/24
Avalanche and ripple
2
Section eolian primary strata:
dunes moving SW
103/23
120/24
1 5 Spl PV-2

Paradise Valley section is on private land. Please ask permission

The marine limestone that forms the base of the dominantly eolian rocks of the
measured section in the background. This limestone contained shell fragments.
to access.
Distribution of poles of cross-lamination in the Casper/Tensleep
Stratigraphy of the Casper Formation near Laramie. Our measured section was in the upper, Permian part of the Sandstone at Red Buttes. The diagram shows 375 dip and strike
Formation about where the brown bar is positioned. This area along the Laramie Mountains is one of the few where readings plotted on the upper hemisphere of a stereographic polar
(Permian) marine carbonates interbed with the Upper Tensleep dunes. Carbonates in the Permian part of the Casper net. After W.H. Wilson, 1950 MS thesis University of Wyoming.
(Tensleep) are commonly thin, continental limestones, occasionally dolomitic with affinities to interdune lakes or
ponds. After Benniran, 1969.
 Stratigraphy, Exploration and EOR potential of the Tensleep/Casper Formations, SE Wyoming
Steven G. Fryberger, Nick Jones, Matthew Johnson and Curtis Chopping
Enhanced Oil Recovery Institute, University of Wyoming 2016

Upper Fountain-Ingleside Fm Lien Quarry and Owl Canyon Northern Colorado

Measured section Section ends in Upper Ingleside Fm.

Upper Fountain- Ingleside Formations
Lien Quarry, Colorado
13 14

3.05 m. 10 ft.
12 10
Lien Quarry
11 11
Limestone Spl ING-10
Contact of eolian dunes from unit 9 with marine limestone unit 11. A
thin reworked eolian sand (unit 10, arrow) only a few inches thick (gray)
Reworked eolian sands records the reworking of the dune sands.
10 2 Spl ING-9

Many small dunes and interdunes Overview of the Owl Canyon Upper Fountain-Ingleside Formations measured
9 19 section. This section begins in the Upper Fountain fluvial conglomerates and
008/29
Spl ING-8 arkosic sandstones. It continues into mixed eolian, fluvial and marine sediments of
the Ingleside Formation (Virgil-Wolfcamp). A thin gray limestone (white arrow)
012/27
4
Spl ING-7 (?) visible is this photograph taken north of the measured section proper. This
8
010/18 limestone pinches-out at the measured section, leaving only an erosional bounding
surface.
Sabkha-eolian sand 11
sheet, eolian ripple strata 7
Flat-bedded eolian ripple strata in Unit 6 (sand sheet).
Unit 8 in the Lien Quarry measured section. It consists of
Eolian sand sheet crossbedded, small eolian dunes.
6
6 Spl ING-6
010/18
Limestone along strike 5
5.5
4 Spl ING-5 The clastic dikes shown here are all that remain of a thin limestone
016/24
Spl ING-4
7.5 that occupies this disconformity 100 m farther north along the outcrop

4.5 Spl ING-3

3 (see measured section and photo above, left). Arrow shows erosional
010/12 bounding surface. Top of Unit 4
035/22 2 Spl ING-2 Route of measured section
5.5
Spl ING-1
094/22 1
covered
Measured section
094/22 Route of measured section at Lien Quarry
structural
(partial section of Upper Fountain-Ingleside). Upper Fountain- Ingleside limestone 4
Image courtesy of Google Earth. Thick limestone 2
Section begins in Upper Fountain Fm.
Formations 16
Ss, some eolian with reddish- 8 Ls, gray-white, massive, vuggy at base Permian red-bed dunes?
orange, inverse graded aps, Owl Canyon road cut, Colorado 1
ripples strata 5
7 Fryberger and Jones 2015 1
Ss, reworked 3.05 m.
Below: Fountain-Ingleside outcrop; locality of our measured section along Sequence may be derived
from eolian dune field (mostly 4
10 ft.
Thin, ratty limestone
6
U.S. Highway 287 recycled into fluvial).
4 Red shale 10
Spl OC-9
5.5 3.05 m. 10 ft. 3 Top Ingleside?
3.05 m. 10 ft. Thin shale
Ss, gray-white
with shale
Ss, pinkish, laminated in part, some
12 bioturbation (?), small bedforms, some 13.5 Thick Limestone 3
eolian 22
Ss, purple, fluvial
channel 7
Upper part of the measured section (mainly
Permian Upper Tensleep-Minnelusa Ss, orange, fining upward
Ss, purplish, flat-bedded massive, burrowed horizons Spl OC-11
3 8.5
correlative) in the Ingleside Formation at Owl
Canyon road-cut. Gray, blocky weathering units Ss, gray, fluvial 5.5
Spl OC-8 Sandstone, across canyon 10
are shallow-marine limestones. Reddish and Ss, orange, well sorted, fluvial mostly Thick limestone 1
rounded-weathering units are mixed eolian- 5.5
recycled eolian, roots, bioturbation 15
Ls, gray-white, vugs near top and
shoreline sandstones. 2 Coastal sabkha
base, massive, shaly breaks 10
Eolian sand Eolian sabkha
Ss, red-orange, arkosic, mostly sheet Thin dune
fluvial + thin eolian sand sheets Spl OC-7?
Ss, reworked 1.5 SS, mostly massive, 2
15 some laminated 3
Eolian ss, dark red, small 6
dunes shoreline sands
Eolian
Ss, purple, massive (soil?)
1.5 dune
Ss, orange, eolian sand sheet with Top of Thick Limestone 2,
Ss, cross-laminated, eolian with some from previous page
a few fluvial intra-beds 7.5 fluvial, pink

Ss, mottled, flat-irregularly bedded 10 Ss, xlam

3
Ss, massive, brown Small
Our section (shown to the right on this 5
Ss, orange, eolian sand sheet, eolian
page) begins in the Upper Fountain 3
lam. Stst, brown dune
1.5 50
Formation. The transition to Ingleside is in 1 Spl OC-5 Ss, cross-laminated
the vegetated slope. To our surprise we found Ss, massive, brown 4
considerable eolian dune and sand sheet 064/30 Route of measured section
Ss, eolian dune, drk red 4 Spl OC-4
deposits within the dominantly fluvial About 50 feet estimated
0-2.5 Spl OC-3
Fountain. These commonly had a pink color. of mostly covered slope
One of these units is marked by the arrow on Ss, red-brown + stst, white
Spl OC-2
11
the left. patches Spl OC-1
Route of the Owl Canyon measured section in Fountain and
Ingleside Formations; image courtesy of Google Earth.
Ss, bleached
Ss, brown, irreg. lams
 Stratigraphy, Exploration and EOR potential of the Tensleep/Casper Formations, SE Wyoming
Steven G. Fryberger, Nick Jones, Matthew Johnson and Curtis Chopping
Tensleep stratigraphy
Upper Tensleep thickness
Hanna Basin
Upper Tensleep thicker than 250 feet is shown in yellow, thinner than 150 feet is shown in
orange. Thick Upper Tensleep is associated with the Hanna Basin, Northern Laramie Basin and
SE Laramie Basin. Thin in the Laramie Basin follows the Cheyenne Belt of deformation.
Total Tensleep thickness
Hanna Basin
The thickness of the Upper and Lower Tensleep combined follows the pattern of the Upper Tensleep. It
is clear that major Laramide uplifts of the Medicine Bow and Sierra Madre Mountains have stripped.-off
the Tensleep. There are also more subtle trends related to local faulting.
This Figure after McKee, E.D. et al, 1967
Tensleep schematic cross section Southern Wyoming. After McKee and Oriel et al., 1967.
Enhanced Oil Recovery Institute, University of Wyoming 2016
Upper Tensleep Hydrocarbon shows and Structure
Wertz-Lost soldier
Hanna Basin Medicine bow
Sybille
Atlantic Rim
Satanka
Quealy Dome
Baggs
Green areas on this map enclose regions with oil or gas shows in the Upper Tensleep, based
on Wyoming Oil and Gas Commission records of production, drill stem tests, and limited core
and sample data. This map also shows major faults in red from the state geological map, and
structure contours are subsea on the top of the Upper Tensleep. There are distinct, structurally
defined shows in Wertz, Atlantic Rim, Baggs, Medicine Bow and Quealy Dome regions.
Satanka Shale thickness
Cross section of the Tensleep Formation in Southeast Wyoming. Section is hung on the top Ervay Formation.
Hanna Basin
Sybille carbonate-evaporate thickness
Hanna Basin
Satanka Shale thickness map (overlies Tensleep regionally;); thus this is basically a top seal map where the Satanka is not
zero thickness). Areas with Satanka eroded are colored purple. Orange shading shows thick Satanka (greater than 100 feet)
in southern Laramie Basin.
Lower Permian lithofacies map by Agatston shows the evaporites in the
Black Hills, and the carbonates of the Lusk Embayment to the south.
Generalized loss of carbonates into the dune fields of Central and Western
Wyoming is accurate for Lower Permian rocks, in general. Compare with
Fryberger et al. (2014, p. 41), showing the Lusk Embayment, based on
drilling in the Minnelusa play through 1984..
The Sybille carbonate-evaporite sequence of the Goose Egg Formation immediately overlies the Satanka Shale.
The thickness is a good indication of post-Tensleep tectonics. Thick Sybille is present in the Lost Soldier-Wertz area,
Hanna Basin, and a NE-SW-trending area defined by faults in the Laramie Basin that may indicate early fault
movement). On this map, thicks are indicated by purple shading; thins, by orange.
Lithofacies map of Eastern Wyoming during Lower
Permian. After Agatston, 1954
 Stratigraphy, Exploration and EOR potential of the Tensleep/Casper Formations, SE Wyoming
Steven G. Fryberger, Nick Jones, Matthew Johnson and Curtis Chopping
Enhanced Oil Recovery Institute, University of Wyoming 2016
Play Based exploration (PBE) and Common Risk Segment (CRS) evaluation
Play Based exploration is a method used to build-up, then leverage regional understanding of basins and petroleum systems, in
both mature and immature basins, to the specific geological plays they contain. The benefits lie in providing an early focus on a
range of exploration or production activities.
The multi-scale approach (from basin to prospect scale within a petroleum system) provides greater technical rigor, and hence
quicker, more confident E and P decisions, even with partial or incomplete data. New play growth, or rejuvenation of older plays is
enabled by the creativity and innovation that can be unleashed most effectively at the level of basin or petroleum system
understanding.
The PBE methodology is encapsulated in the Exploration Pyramid ( see cartoon on right), where the initial focus is on the basics
- the determination and description of the regional context and the basin framework leading to an understanding of the working
petroleum system(s).
Petroleum system understanding forms the basis for the subsequent play focus - quantifying the various aspects of the system
within each play, and using tools such as common risk segment mapping to highlight sweet spots within each play. The focus of
the EORI CRS mapping within PBE method is shown by the red dots and arrows on the figures on this page. CRS mapping can
involve quantitative Possibility of Success (PoS) estimates or reflect low risk versus high risk determinations made using the
regional geological overview. These estimates are stacked in a program such as ArcGIS (see diagrams at bottom of page). Areas in
which reservoir, charge, and trap are best, and overlap geographically, will focus both exploration and production opportunities.
EORI currently works at the CRS play segment level; we do not target prospects per se, although some attractive ideas occasionally
emerge from our databases.
When the CRS low risk areas have been mapped by EORI and where possible, quantified, the focus shifts to operators who may
choose to create more detailed geological and geophysical analysis to define prospects within each play, and build a portfolio,
including making estimates of volumetrics, risk, and uncertainty. It is at this stage the seismic data and consideration of field level
petrophysics come under consideration; especially in the evaluation of field acquisition or development choices.
Play based exploration (PBE), admittedly, requires up-front investment of time if the regional play framework has not already been
defined. However, that investment will be repaid by swifter and simpler assessment of individual prospects, and in the quality of
subsequent decisions by industry.
This page was greatly benefited by the Shell Exploration and Production Play Based Exploration guide. We express our thanks.
ArcGIS map of CRS segments, stacked Track of analysis of CRS
Based on new database segments this report
The ways we use Common Risk Segment mapping is illustrated above and follows the right track (within
dashed red line). The layers that indicate our considered risks as low risk, intermediate risk and high risk
for the parameters of entrapment (= structural closure in SE Wyoming Tensleep), charge, and reservoir
presence and quality are stacked in ArcGIS maps based on our new picks as assessment in the region. Our
work stops at the CRS level and does not formally evaluate prospects.
Concepts and illustrations on this page after Shell Exploration and Production, Play Based Exploration: A Guide for AAPGs Imperial Barrel Award Participants, with thanks.
Play Based Exploration Pyramid
Southeast Wyoming Tensleep CRS: Scope
Prospect focus
Most play execution activity is concerned with defining prospects seismic
evaluation and other maturation activities, and eventually, drilling.
Play/Play Segment Focus
An understanding of the petroleum system in the basin leads to the
identification, mapping, and quantification of plays within the basin. Existing
knowledge is summarized in play element, summary play maps, and common
risk segment maps, leading to identification of sweet spots.
Basin Focus:
The essential ingredients for the petroleum system are verified by examining
the basin as a whole. Elements such as plate setting, tectonic and stratigraphic
frameworks, and basin history determine the fill, stratigraphic sequences, and
potential for generating and trapping hydrocarbons.
Prospect: A potential trap, a successful prospect becomes an oil/gas field when drilled as a discovery, or disappears when
unsuccessful. Many can exist in a single play
Cost, detail
Play Segment: A subdivision of a geological play. Fields and prospects that share common geological controls and thus a
common PoS (Possibility of Success) profile.
Play: A group of hydrocarbon fields and prospects having a chance for charge, reservoir and trap; and belonging to a
geologically related stratigraphic unit (e.g.; the Upper Jurassic play).
Petroleum System: A natural system that links an active or once active source rock to all of the geologic elements and
processes that are essential for a hydrocarbon accumulation to exist in time and space, regardless of economics.
The working definitions shown above are used in PBE analysis of this poster. Our work focuses on CRS mapping of the Upper Tensleep in Southeast
Wyoming at the play segment level. We also use constructive elements building from the bottom of the list, including the petroleum system and play to
weigh evaluation of individual play segments.
Data structure overview
Another view of the method used to take a fresh look at the Wyoming Tensleep and Minnelusa petroleum
systems and CRS high-graded exploration and production opportunities. We have picked proprietary databases
(released with each report), stacked the key maps as indicated by the red dots. We have not yet explicitly
evaluated source-rock maturity, instead using indicators of charge, such as oil shows and production that
The logic of sweet-spot identification involves the stacking of positive geological indicators that confirm oil migration into a region. We do yet evaluate land and partnership frameworks, except very generally,
collectively fulfill the requirements for the existence of an oil field or a very productive region of a such as that is the UP railroad strip, etc., as these consideration apply more at prospect level.
basin. The common overlap area in which all factors are positive, or low risk in terms of presence is a
natural sweet spot. This approach is usable at basin, CRS play segment, and prospect scale.
 Stratigraphy, Exploration and EOR potential of the Tensleep/Casper Formations, SE Wyoming
Steven G. Fryberger, Nick Jones, Matthew Johnson and Curtis Chopping
Enhanced Oil Recovery Institute, University of Wyoming 2016

Tensleep CRS Overview

Common Risk Segments (CRS) are geological risk elements for petroleum exploration or development
Tensleep Formation Common Risk Segment Maps
(commonly reservoir, source, and trap) that have a definable, quantifiable and geographically mappable
distribution. The assessment of CRS segments is commonly a matter of judgment by an experienced
geologist about relative risk in terms such as low risk of no charge versus high risk of no charge, for
example. These understandings can also be expressed as possibilities of success (PoS) as percentages from
zero to 100, or statistical categories such as P5-P50-P95 for probabilistic estimates. In this report we Upper Tensleep Combined CRS map Upper Tensleep Reservoir risk (quality)
evaluate risk in terms of a common set of geological risk factors perceived to be typical of a region (such as
the Atlantic Rim), but our values are relative, that is, expressed as high risk-low risk etc. and not
Wertz
quantified further. Wertz
The maps on this page illustrate elements used in construction of a basic common risk segment map of the
Upper Tensleep Formation in Southeast Wyoming. The combined CRS map is displayed immediately to the
right of this text. Not surprisingly, the composite CRS map for low risk finds existing Tensleep production
(red areas on map are oil fields). However, study of the maps depicting reservoir quality, structure, and Hanna Basin
charge (shows) reveal why the fields are where they are, and highlights trends that would not be obvious
without this technique. This may perhaps encourage further work in these regions, and this may lead to
further discoveries even in this mature petroleum province. Hanna Basin Atlantic Rim
Quealy dome occurs in an area of complex structures related to shear faulting. There may be undetected or
incorrectly mapped structures in this area if older seismic data was used by operators and not reprocessed Big Medicine Bow
Espy-Atlantic Rim
using modern methods to correct time-depth relationships, among other issues. Because Quealy Dome has Quealy Dome
over 300 feet of oil column, this area may be worth another look.

There is also the Big Medicine Bow trend of shows and structures that extends from southwest to northeast
from East Allen Lake, Big Medicine Bow, and Pass Creek (Tensleep) oil fields. Big Medicine Bow and Pass
Creek oil fields are on primary production. If water bypassing can be identified, there may be room for
additional injection or producing wells in these fields. There are strong oil shows in outcrop at Flat Top Quealy Dome
anticline, suggesting that another look may be worthwhile along NE-SW-trending faults in this area north of
East Allen Lake near Medicine Bow.
Tensleep reservoir common risk segment (CRS) map (quality) based on porosity and permeability of Upper
To the west, the Atlantic Rim area has good shows and several producing fields from relatively tight Tensleep sandstones. Contours show net/gross in Upper Tensleep, with net cutoff at 65 ms/ft (10% porosity);
reservoirs. More production may be found in subtle structures along the Sierra Madre trend and southward thus this is a conservative map. The map does not consider fracture-dependent production/exploration
following shows that include free oil in Tensleep drill stem tests as noted on the detail maps. opportunities. Green: Low risk; Blue: Moderate risk; Purple: High risk. Regional faults shown as red lines,
State of Wyoming basement map as background.
The Lost Soldier-Wertz area, including Mahoney Dome, has major production from big structures, with
good Upper Tensleep Reservoir and charge presumably from down-dip Phosphoria source rocks. Perhaps
something has been missed in this prolific region, or within the fields themselves.
Combined Upper Tensleep Common Risk Segment (CRS) map. Green areas show regions with the best chance to find new
We searched carefully for a reason to be hopeful about the relatively under-drilled Hanna Basin; however, production (lowest risk). Blue areas show moderate risk. Red hachured areas show high risk areas, mainly regions such as the
deep burial appears to have reduced porosity in the Upper Tensleep and greatly increased the risk of drilling Hanna Basin with deeply buried, tight Tensleep, or areas with insufficient evidence for robust structural traps. State of Wyoming
tight reservoir even if structural closures could be defined. Perhaps good secondary porosity has developed in basement map as background.
the Tensleep for some reason, but we did not detect it. The high risk CRS region along the Laramie Range is
mainly due to lack of 4-way closure, although there may be some fault traps that have closure. What appear
to be lacking are the large folded anticlines similar to the region around Quealy Dome. Reservoir quality in
the Upper Tensleep is very good; however, there are few shows close to the Laramie Range. It should be
noted that our main information on shows came from drill stem tests and production, as well as the very few
lithological logs contributed by operators. We did not have complete sample descriptions (mud logs) for
many wells; thus sample shows may have been missed. Southeast Wyoming seismic trade data
Upper Tensleep Trap Risk

Upper Tensleep Charge Risk Lost Soldier- Wertz

! !
ns!
!
! ! !
ns!
TLP producer
! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
in! Wertz ! !
prod 1800 BO, 1K BW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
! !!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!
! !! !! !!!!!
Wertz !
!
!
!! !
Trace dd oil stain! in samples!
TLP producer ns!
!!!
TLP producer!!!!!!!!!!!!
TLP producer no shows in sample log (TLP)!
!
ns!!! TLP oil! !well! ! ! Regions west of Hanna Basin
!

! ns!!
Wamsutter not
speckled ostn good odor (sample desc)
! ! !! ns
dead oil stain (sample log)! ns
ns!! !
studied
! ns!
Hanna Basin ns
ns!!! ns! !
good flour, cut, live ostn, dd oil top of TLP
ns ns ns!
ns!!!!! ! ns
! ns!!
ns
! !
ns!! ns! ! ns!
ns! nde !!
ns! ns!!
ns!!
! !

!
ns ns !
!
ns!
Atlantic Rim
ns ! ! ns! !
Atlantic Rim !
ns!ns
!
!! NS geol report
ns! ! ! ns! no shows in spls
! !! !! ns ns!! nde!! no shows (sample report)
DST TLP rec 120! ft OCM
!!
ns!
! ! 49K BO, 2015 on pump !
ns!! nde! nde
!
NS! Quealy Dome
TLP producer 41K BO 117K BW!!! UTLP !!
producer
! ns!
ns
! ! ns! ns!
TLP producer 184K BO 2MMBW!
TLP producer 134,367 BO 1MMBW ns! NS!
ns !
TLP dst 2867' sl mddy + sl gc w! !
!
!
! ns nde ns! no shows in samples, dst water
!
ns NS ! !
!! ns ! ! ns!!
ns ns! nde
ns!! ns! ns! ! ns!
! !
! !!
ns !!!! ns s
Quealy Dome
ns! ns!
!

ns! ns !
ns!! !!ns
! !!!!!!
ns
ns ! ! ns
ns! ns
ns!!! ! !
ns! !
ns ns!
ns! ns! !
spotty tarry residue, weak cut
! ns!
ns!
ns! ns!
ns!!
Availability of trade seismic data in southeast Wyoming (sample). Black lines show 2D data, red polygons
! TLP produced 570 BO no water UTLP + 4,989 MCF
Tensleep trap (structure) common risk segment (CRS) map. Contours above show the subsea top Upper show 3D surveys. These data are superimposed on the combined CRS map for the region based on this study
Tensleep from corrected state records. Green shading is low risk of not finding a commercial structure; blue (see maps this page). Map in background is the Wyoming Basement map. Seismic data is courtesy of SEI
asphalt 10 ft below TLP!
shading is moderate risk; purple shading is high risk. Major regional faults are shown by red lines, background is Seismic Exchange data brokers in Houston and Denver. Other trade data is available.
the Wyoming Basement map. This map is based on the distribution of known producing structures at Tensleep
Tensleep charge risk map. Green polygons enclose producing oil fields and oil shows from state records level, and structural setting. In Southeast Wyoming, there do not appear to be stratigraphic traps above intra-
(posted on map), thus defining areas of low risk vis a vis the expectation of finding oil charge. Low-risk formational (reservoir heterogeneity) level. High-risk area near Rawlins is related to very shallow depth of
regions extend shows along structural or stratigraphic trends (green hachures) beyond the immediate oil Tensleep, with exposure of the formation in places along the ridge that runs from Sinclair north towards Mahoney
production or shows. Dome.
 Steven G. Fryberger, Nick Jones, Matthew Johnson and Curtis Chopping
Enhanced Oil Recovery Institute, University of Wyoming 2016

Tensleep Formation Common Big Medicine Bow

Quealy Dome
Risk Segment Maps:
Closer views and remarks Thrust faults
Basement faults
Flat Top Anticline
Basement faults Outcrop oil saturation

Low-risk Tensleep Region

Structures from publications
Quealy Dome

Cretaceous production

Tensleep Production

Structures from publications Precambrian outcrops

Fault

Subsea top Tensleep contour

The Quealy Dome low-risk CRS play segment is characterized by numerous free oil shows on drill stem tests and Tensleep production at Quealy, Herrick
and Little Laramie oil fields. The structuration - as visible on the Wyoming Geological Survey basement map, and on subsurface contours (based on wells) -
is complex. Undrilled anticlinal closures, overthrusts and fault traps may remain. The complexity noted by Stone (1995) is impressive, and one wonders if
older 2D seismic data has been processed in ways that image this complexity properly. The source rock may or may not be the Phosphoria Formation in this
region.
Espy-Atlantic Rim
This low-risk CRS area is characterized by both production and shows, including the oil-saturated outcrop at Flat Top Anticline. The region is
defined by these factors as well as the structural ridge that separates it from the Hanna Basin to the west and a pothole basin to the southeast
(see structural contours on map). Tensleep production is from Big Medicine Bow, Pass Creek, and East Allen Lake oil fields on anticlines
related to thrust faults. There are two sets of faults in the region those that extend from northwest to southeast in response to reverse
thrusting from the Snowy Range, and others of more complexity related to basin boundaries and shear components (near Flat Top) of Snowy
Range thrusts. The nearly orthogonal relationships of the anticlines in the area attests to the structural complexity of this region with very good
shows and production.

Lost Soldier-Wertz

Espy field

Low-risk Tensleep Region

Lost Soldier-Wertz oil fields

Cretaceous production

Tensleep Production

Precambrian outcrops

Structures from publications

Fault
Subsea top Tensleep contour Structures from publications

This region of CRS low risk encompasses the Atlantic Rim Tensleep production and shows. Oil fields include Espy, Hatfield, Rim and Sugar
Creek . The region may extend southward along the Sierra Madre structural nose the Browning 1-13 in T14N R91W Upper Tensleep
produced 570 BO and no water, a good show (green circle on map). Regional contours hint that there may be better porosity with depth along
the west flank of the Atlantic Rim. The main drawback to this region for exploration is that the Tensleep, where productive, tends to be tighter
here than in other areas. Nevertheless, shows and production indicate good oil charge into the area if new structural closures can be found.
The Lost Soldier-Wertz low-risk CRS area is notable for those two very large Tensleep fields, as well as a few smaller ones, such as Mahoney Dome. It
is an interesting question whether there might be any significant undiscovered Tensleep accumulations in an area that has been so intensively explored.
Probably this area, which is low-risk geologically, awaits the new idea in an old area concept if it is to contribute more reserves. It might be worth a
review of older seismic to make sure that processing and acquisition parameters are up-to-date, and that no prospective thrust faults have been
overlooked, or structural closures incorrectly mapped due to time-depth calculation errors in original processing.
 Stratigraphy, Exploration and EOR potential of the Tensleep/Casper Formations, SE Wyoming
Steven G. Fryberger, Nick Jones, Matthew Johnson and Curtis Chopping
Enhanced Oil Recovery Institute, University of Wyoming 2016

EOR status in Southeast Wyoming Examples Wertz 46

Tensleep oil fields in SE Wyoming are mainly structural traps. However, it is likely An Upper Tensleep genetic unit was not
EOR Status of Tensleep Fields in SE Wyoming. perforated, despite high oil saturation.
that recovery factors from these fields are heavily influenced by eolian reservoir
Oil may have been swept by an adjacent
Wertz heterogeneity at multiple scales that we observed repeatedly in core and outcrop--
Eolian avalanche injection-producer well, or not displaced.
Injecting natural gas and water similar to eolian reservoirs worldwide (Fryberger and Hern, 2014). Evidence for and ripple primary Unit appears isolated stratigraphically
some of this heterogeneity is presented on this slide, from primary strata to larger strata; note white, from perforated unit below
Mahoney Dome dune-sized genetic units that are obviously flow units due to manifest poroperm unsaturated
Lost Soldier laminations
Injecting natural gas and water Injecting water differences observed in core.
Allen Lake East
Injecting water 6400
Sherard
No recent oil production
Big Medicine Bow
Hatfield Primary recovery 6400 50 6500 6500
Injecting water
Espy
Injecting water 6600
Little Laramie 50 6600
Pass Creek
Primary recovery Quealy Dome Injecting water 10% por
Injecting water 6700
Sugar Creek
No recent oil production 6400 50

Herrick Eolian Dune Sandsheet

Injecting water Faint eolian primary strata are visible in Facies Interdune Sabkha
Marine
Perforations
oil-saturated core from Wertz 46.
Green shaded areas indicate regions of oil shows. Background: Basement map of Wyoming.
Petrel static model showing Lower and Upper Tensleep at Wertz Oil Field

Quealy Dome Oil Field

Eolian genetic units and primary strata have probably
reduced the recovery factor at this field, based on
poroperm extremes measured in core data.

Upper Tensleep
Avalanche strata
400 Permeability md 0
40 Porosity % 0

0 Oil SAT % 100

Tensleep producing area Lower Tensleep

Ripple strata Amsden

Preferred flow directions created by anisotropic permeability at small

(laminar) scale in avalanche and ripple strata. These are predicted
using data from minipermeameter measurements in the Middle Jurassic
5391.4 Page Sandstone (shown in image below). Red arrows are proportional in This cross section from a static model (Petrel) of a portion of Wertz Oil Field shows several scales of heterogeneity. The Lower Tensleep has strong partitioning due to numerous tight
5384.9
length to directional permeability along primary strata. What these carbonates versus the lack of similar carbonates in the Upper Tensleep. There are broad flow units that correlate across this section, with one example shown by dashed blue lines. Green
10% por boxes highlight reservoir variability revealed by density logs. Below this scale lurk the hard-to-measure effects of primary strata with millions of microscopic stratigraphic traps among
Wilson 6 Quealy Dome: eolian avalanche 100 Md perm 60% sat diagrams do not show is the reduction of sweep efficiency and recovery
individual laminae.
and ripple primary eolian strata occur in all factor due to micro-traps for oil created by primary strata. After Chandler,
producing zones, with poroperm contrasts et al. 1989.
between each type. Note cemented primary Oil Fields in Tensleep - Laramie Basin and
Field map and data after Potter, 1984 bounding surfaces in core.
environs
Townshi Permeabili Oil API Initial
Oil Field p Range Discovery Year Depth Porosity ty Column Gravity Intial Production Pressure psi Comment
Little Laramie 16N 75W 1948 3712 23% unknown 80 ft 18 80 BOPD 24 BW 1600
500 BOPD
Big Medicine Bow 21N 79W 1935 5400 10.3 10-100 md 150 ft 62 81,000MCF est. 1900 Sundance/Tensleep production
Allen Lake East 22N 78W 1937 2140 13% 49-400 md 45 20-23.7 unknown 1750 water drive
76- 27 api
Quealy Dome 17N 77W 1934 3146 16% 140 md 300+ ft sour unknown unknown 3% sulphur, 15 deg F pour point
Herrick 16N 76W 1947 3630 20% 800 md 100 ft 22 api 265 BOPD 1500

Pass Creek 20N 80W 1977 3542 20% unknown unknown 33 api 405 BOPD 3 BW 1671
.01-300
Lost Soldier 26N 90W 1930 (Tensleep) 1650 3-21% md 3100 ft 35.4 1800 BOPD 2520
89- deepened to total TLP prod incr to
Wertz 26N 90W 1936 (Tensleep) 5886 3.3-18.9% 70 avg 450+ 35.3 1700 BOPD 2600 8350 BOPD
160 BOPD 764
Espy 19N 89W 1975 (Tensleep) 8500 0-7% unknown unknown 45 BW 3228 originally a Niobrara discovery
Hatfield Dome 19-20N 88W 1947 (Tensleep) 5900 3% fracture 400 ft 43.6 300 BOPD 2600 many producing horizons
less than 5 100 ft
Sugar Creek 19N 90W 1968 10500 8% md (gas) gas 4114 MCFGPD 4880 faulted anticline (thrust?)
Mahony Dome 26N 88W 1919 2525 12% 10 md 250+ ft 34.4 65 BOPD unknown "lenticular sands" reservoir character
Mahoney Dome UTLP plugged back and completed as
East 26N 87W 1940 4280 11.50% 15 md 53+ ft 43 50 BOPD unknown gas well
Permeability variations from Page Sandstone outcrops in Northern Arizona. There is about one
order of magnitude difference in permeability between interdune and grain flow (avalanche)
deposits. After Chandler, et al. 1989. Page Sandstone outcrop in Page, Arizona, is studied by geologists on a Shell Field trip. Outcrop consists
of stacked eolian sand dunes that migrated from right to left.