Case History of Hampton Field (Arbuckle Group), Rush County, Kansas

Abstract

Hampton field, located in northwestern Rush County, Kansas (principally in secs. 5-8, T. 17 S., R. 19 W.), is a small Arbuckle field (1.12 MMBO) along the western flank of the Central Kansas uplift. The field is a classic example of an unconformity trap and reservoir related to development of "mature" karst features into a poorly organized hierarchy of closed depressions and erosional highs (e.g., fractures, sinks, steepheads, uvalas, and half-blind valleys). An understanding of the paleogeomorphology of the pre-Pennsylvanian exposure surface and its relationship to basement structure is critical to successful exploration and development. Seismic control provides evidence of pre-existing basement structure that influenced subsequent deposition and erosion. Structural relief and closure at the Arbuckle level across Hampton field can be recognized on the seismic data. The seismic data in conjunction with the well control are a valuable exploration and development tool. The seismic data provide insights into timing of tectonic movements, the influence of basement structure on subsequent deposition and erosional topography, and on differential compaction of post-Cherokee rocks across the pre-Pennsylvanian basement structure.