Geology of the Lost Springs Pools Area, Marion and Dickinson Counties, Kansas

Abstract

The discovery well of the Lost Springs Pools Area was drilled in November 1926. By June 1, 1955, a total of 533 wells had been drilled, including 194 dry holes. Of the 339 producing wells, 218 were still producing at that date, and cumulative production exceeded 10,000,000 barrels.

Surface structure was used as a guide to exploration initially, but geologic evidence gained from drilling indicated that accumulation of petroleum was related primarily to stratigraphic factors and secondarily to structure. All wells produce from the Pennsylvanian basal conglomerate (Mississippian "chat").

Accumulation of petroleum in the Lost Springs Pools Area is associated with the following stratigraphic and structural features: (1) a broad anticline plunging gently westward from the west flank of the Nemaha anticline, (2) local closed anticlines and small plunging anticlines superimposed upon the broad fold, (3) gentle structural terraces, (4) a thickness of the combined Pennsylvanian basal conglomerate and Mississippian limestone ranging from 80 to 120 feet, and (5) a thickness of 150 feet, or more, of the Chattanooga shale.

Possibilities for the discovery of additional petroleum reserves in the Lost Springs Pools Area and in the area north of it along the west flank of the Nemaha anticline are excellent.