A Major Unconformity Between Permian and Triassic Strata at Cape Kekurnoi, Alaska Peninsula: Old and New Observations on Stratigraphy and Hydrocarbon Potential

Blodgett, Robert B.; Sralla, Bryan

Abstract:

A major angular unconformity separates carbonates and shales of the Upper Triassic Kamishak Formation from an underlying unnamed sequence of Permian agglomerate, volcaniclastic rocks (sandstone), and limestone near Puale Bay on the Alaska Peninsula. For the first time, we photographically document the angular unconformity in outcrop, as clearly exposed in a seacliff ~1.3 mi (2.1 km) west of Cape Kekurnoi in the Karluk C?4 and C?5 1:63,360-scale quadrangles. This unconformity is also documented by examination of core chips, ditch cuttings, and (or) open-hole electrical logs in two deep oil-and-gas-exploration wells (Humble Oil & Refining Co.?s Bear Creek No. 1 and Standard Oil Co. of California?s Grammer No. 1) drilled along the Alaska Peninsula southwest of Puale Bay. A third well (Richfield Oil Corp.?s Wide Bay Unit No. 1), south of and structurally on trend with the other two wells, probed deeply into the Paleozoic basement, but Triassic strata are absent, owing to either a major unconformity or a large fault. Here we briefly review current and newly acquired data on Permian and Triassic rocks of the Puale Bay-Becharof Lake-Wide Bay area on the basis of an examination of surface and subsurface materials. The resulting reinterpretation of the Permian and Triassic stratigraphy has important economic ramifications for oil and gas exploration on the Alaska Peninsula and in the Cook Inlet basin. We also present a history of petroleum exploration targeting Upper Triassic reservoirs in the region.

Genre:

USGS Numbered Series

ProdID:

81247

Citation Author:

Blodgett, Robert B.; Sralla, Bryan

Citation Contributing Office:

Western Energy Resources

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Version 1.0

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Citation Language:

ENGLISH

Citation Larger Work Title:

Studies by the U.S. Geological Survey in Alaska, 2006

Citation LatN:

1574500

Citation LatS:

1571500

Citation LonE:

-1551200

Citation LonW:

-1564500

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Citation Phsyical Description:

13 p.

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Studies by the U.S. Geological Survey in Alaska, 2006

Citation Series:

Professional Paper

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Citation Series Number:

1739-E

Citation Search Results Text:

A Major Unconformity Between Permian and Triassic Strata at Cape Kekurnoi, Alaska Peninsula: Old and New Observations on Stratigraphy and Hydrocarbon Potential; 2008; PP; 1739-E; Studies by the U.S. Geological Survey in Alaska, 2006; Blodgett, Robert B.; Sralla, Bryan