Assessment of Hydrocarbon Seepage on Fort Peck Reservation, Northeast Montana: A Comparison of Surface Exploration Techniques

Lawrence M. Monson, Minerals Resource, Fort Peck Tribes, P.O. Box 1027, 603 Court Ave, Poplar, MT 59255, phone: 406-768-5155 x358, fax: 406-768-5146, lmonson@nemontel.net and George W. Shurr, GeoShurr Resources, LLC, Ellsworth, MN 56129.

Surface exploration techniques have been employed in separate study areas on the Fort Peck Reservation in northeastern Montana. Anomalies associated with hydrocarbon seepage are documented in all three areas and a variety of surface exploration techniques can be compared. In a small area with established production, Head Gas and Thermal Desorption methods best match production; other methods also map depletion. In a moderate-size area that has prospects defined by 3D seismic data, Head Gas along with Microbial, Iodine, and Eh soil anomalies are all associated with the best hydrocarbon prospect. In a large area that contains many curvilinear patterns observed on Landsat images, that could represent micro-seepage chimneys, results are preliminary. Reconnaissance mapping of Magnetic Susceptibility has identified a potential prospect; subsequent Soil Gas and Head Gas surveys suggest hydrocarbon potential. All work was done under DOE Contract #DE-FG26-00BC15192.

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