SUBSURFACE CORRELATION OF DEVONIAN-MISSISSIPPIAN STRATA, LOCATED IN THE MIDDLESBORO SYNCLINE, SOUTHEASTERN KENTUCKY

This study analyzed hydrocarbon-bearing formations at depth by utilizing gamma-ray signatures of eight existing wells within the Middlesboro syncline, located in southeastern Kentucky. The Gamma-ray signatures were acquired from the Kentucky Geological Survey’s map information database. A KGS report on oil- and gas-bearing strata for well #8 was referenced to interpret lithographic units from each wells gamma-ray signatures. This information was correlated to produce a regional cross section built along the axis of the syncline. Results show that towards the northeast end of the sampled section there is (1) a doubling in thickness of the Chattanooga Shale, (2) a thickening of the Lockport Dolomite, and (3) an overall increase in depth of all formations. The results suggest that the thickening of the Chattanooga Shale was influenced by the NW movement of the Pine Mountain thrust sheet. Also the interaction of the fault located between wells 4 and 5 may have locally limited the thickening effect. The increase in depth to the NE could be explained by the syncline plunging in that direction. Further subsurface analysis should be conducted and compared to unaltered strata north of the Pine Mountain thrust to determine if the area is suitable for larger-scale production of hydrocarbons.