TEI-869

NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS PEACEFUL

APPLICATIONS (TID-4500, 43rd. Ed.)
Category UC-35

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF TEE INTERIOR

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

Preliminary report on Bureau of Mines Yellow

Creek core hole No. 1, Rio Blanco County,
Colorado*
By
R. D. Carroll, D. L. Coffin, John R. Ege,
and F. A. Welder
March 1967
Report TEI - 869

This report is preliminary and has not been

edited or reviewed for conformity with U.S.
Geological Survey format and nomenclature.

^Prepared on behalf of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission,

JUN 2 1967
 Contents

Page
Abstract---------- ------------------------ - ---- 1

Introduction---- ------------------------------------- -- i

Lithologic log and structural analysis ,of core----- ------ 2

Assay log----- ----------- --------__--_.--_-.._----- --- IQ

Permeable zones---- -------------------------------------- 15

Water-bearing zones, flow rates and regional distribution

of water-bearing formations------------------------------ 19

Joint system-------------------------------------------- - 25

Regional structure---- ------- -----.----__-_--_.--- _ 27

Conclusions--------------------- --------- --------- _ 29

Selected references----- ------------------- ------ - _ 32

Appendix A------ - ------------- - --- -- --- 33

 Illustrations
Page
Figure 1. Geophysical logs obtained in Colorado core hole No* 1 - In pocket
2. Lithologic and engineering properties log of USBM/AEC
No. 1 (oil shale) core - . ... .-.... . in pocket
3. Cumulative percent curve dividing Yellow Creek No* 1
core into subunits based on index numbers 7
4. Relationships between density, velocity, and oil assay
established by various investigators 14
5. Geologic map showing structure contours on top of the
Black Marker (B zone) in the Parachute Creek Member
of the Green River Formation In pocket
Tables
Table 1. Engineering properties for subunits A through F 9
2. Average oil yield determined from geophysical logs 11
3. Average oil yield assays determined from geophysical
logs of oil shale section 12
4. Summary of the results of aquifer tests in the Parachute
Creek Member of the Green River Formation 21
5. Inferred joint spacings of high-angle NE-NW joint sets 26
 UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

Federal Center, Denver, Colorado 80225

PRELIMINARY REPORT ON BUREAU OF MINES YELLOW CREEK

CORE HOLE NO. 1, RIO BLANCO COUNTY, COLORADO

By

R. D. Carrol1, D, L. Coffin, John R. Ege, and

F. A. Welder
Abstract
Analysis of geologic, hydrologic, and geophysical data obtained
in and around Yellow Creek core hole No* 1, Rio Blanco County, Colorado,
indicate a 1,615-foot section of oil shale was penetrated by the hole*
Geophysical log data indicate the presence of 25 gallons per ton shale
for a thickness of 500 feet may be marginal. The richest section of
oil shale is indicated to be centered around a depth of 2,260 feet*
Within the oil shale the interval 1,182 to 1,737 feet is indicated to
be relatively structurally incompetent and probably permeable. Extension
of available regional hydrologic data indicate the oil shale section is
probably water bearing and may yield as much as 1,000 gallons per minute.
Hydrologic testing in the hole is recommended*
Introduction
At the request of the San Francisco office of the Atomic Energy
(SAN) the U.S. Geological Survey undertook to obtain pertinent
on the U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM)- Atomic Energy Commission core
No* 1, which penetrates oil shales of the Green River Formation in
Rio Blanco County, Colorado* This project was accomplished in con-
junction with personnel of the USBH and their cooperation is gratefully
Acknowledged* This report presents the results of a preliminary evaluation
°f available data with particular reference to the aforementioned drill
These data are the result of rapid analyses and should be considered
to future refinement*
 Lithologic log and structural analysis of core
Colorado core hole No* 1, Sec* 13, T* IN., R. 98 W*, Rio Blanco
County, Colorado, elevation 6,003 feet, was drilled to a depth of 2,600
feet* The hole penetrated alluvium, the Evacuation Creek, and Parachute
Creek Members of the Green River Formation* There is some suggestion
that the top of the Garden Gulch Member also may be close to the base
of the hole* The low resistivity zone on the electric log may be the
so-called Blue Marker representing the Parachute Creek-Garden Gulch
contact* The geophysical logs obtained in the hole and the pertinent
geologic markers are shown in figure 1 (in pocket)* A number of these
markers were located from information furnished by the U.S. Bureau of
Mines*
A and B grooves are lean oil shale zones which exhibit characteristic
low resistivity intervals on the electric logs* Within the latter groove
lies a distinct low resistivity layer which is called the Black Marker*
A and B grooves bound the Mahogany zone, the most persistent zone of
rich oil shale in the Green River Formation* Within the Mahogany zone
a thin tuff bed, called the Mahogany Marker, is a correlatable horizon*
 Cuttings* Cuttings were obtained in the hole to a depth of 770
feet. A field examination of the cuttings is summarized in appendix A.
Below this depth continuous core was obtained.
Gore. Approximately 1,600'feet of core from the hole was examined.
Continuous core was taken from 770 to 2,600 feet. The core is composed
of marlstone that contains various amounts of kerogen and shale with
occasional siltstone layers, abundant carbonate salt in the lower part,
and at least one thin bed of ash-fall tuff. The color ranges from
yellowish' gray . through dark yellowish brown to dusky yellowish brown
and dark "gray".
Sodium carbonate salts are abundant below 1,738 feet. The salt,
as far as can be determined from the core, seems to occur as layers as
much as 5 inches thick and generally parallels the bedding between
1,738 and 1,745 feet. Below 1,760 feet the salt seems to be contained
mostly in vugs or cavities. The salt is in the "Nahcolite zone" defined
by the U.S. Bureau of Mines (fig. l). The carbonate salts may have
been present higher in the core and subsequently been subjected to
postdepositional leaching. Vugs also occur in the core from 1,100 to
1,738 feet.
The most notable characteristic of the core is the abrupt change
at 1,745 feet that divides the rock above this depth into an upper
fractured and broken zone and below this depth into a lower unfractured
competent rock. This approximately coincides with the "zone of poor
recovery" defined by the U.S. Bureau of Mines, i.e., the interval
between 1,182 and 1,737 feet (fig. 1).
 Voids or cavities left in the rock by solution of the soluble
carbonate salts is a possible explanation for the poor recovery zone.
The solution cavities or voids would create zones of weakness. Bedding
planes locally dip as much as 25° indicating possible deposition or
collapse into cavities. High core loss was usually associated with
irregular bedding and vugs in the core. Iron oxide fracture fillings
were observed only in the poor recovery zone, suggesting the presence
of water.
For detailed analyses of the core, 25-foot core intervals were
arbitrarily chosen as the basic logging units.
The results of the core analysis within these 25-foot intervals
are presented in graphic form, figure 2 (in pocket). Figure 2 is
divided into seven columns that show:
1. The number and dip of fracture planes as rosette diagrams divided
into 10° dip increments. The length of each fan represents number of
joints.
2. The fracture frequency (fractures/foot of core) as a bar graph.
The core fractures or parts readily along bedding planes. The majority
of bedding plane fractures dip between 0° and 10°. Bedding-plane
fractures were recorded although it was not possible to determine
whether they were present in the rock or whether they were induced
by drilling stresses. It is considered valid to include the bedding
plane fractures in view of their importance with regard to the probable
extent of fracturing parallel to the bedding planes due to shock action.
 The dip rosette diagrams in figure 2 show that the bedding plane
fractures are persistent throughout the core. The low angle bedding
planes are planes of weakness and should be considered in predicting
effects from a detonation.
3. The broken core (percent of broken core/core unit) as a bar
graph.
l+. The core loss (percent of core loss/core unit) as a bar graph.
5. Index number.
6. Fracture fillings and percent of fillings coating fracture
planes for each core unit.
7. Description of core in terms of lithology, bedding, structural
and sedimentary features, color of the rock, and changes in color and
"heft" (weight) of the rock. Zones of weathering or alteration were
looked for but not found.
Structural analysis of core. The "index number" was derived to
describe the engineering character of the shale. It combines the effects
of jointing, core loss and breakage into one significant figure. The
percent of core loss and broken core were multiplied by a factor of
0.1 so as to place them numerically in the same magnitude as fracture
frequency, i.e., to convert the percent figures to the range between
0 and 10. The index number states that the higher the numerical value
the greater the degree of fracturing, breakage and loss in the core.
 Figure 3 shows the cumulative percent curve for the index numbers.
The abscissa represents hole depth and the ordinate represents cumulative
percent. The index number can be considered significant in the oil
shale because it characterizes the rock properties. A great many
geologic parameters affect the bulk response of a rock to shock. They
include rock type (lithology and bonding), rock structure (bedding,
jointing, parting, faults and shears, flow banding), rock texture and
fabric (grain size and shape, crystal or particle arrangement, pore
space), and rock alteration (weathering, zeolitization, argillation,
silicification). The oil shale core log, however, indicates no zones
or significant weathering or alteration. Lithologically the oil" shale is
nearly homogeneous. Consequently the most significant geologic features
controling changes in the bulk physical properties of the rock are
fracture frequency, core loss and broken core. These may be considered
indirect measures of the engineering properties, i.e., the structural
competency of subsurface intervals. Therefore, the index numbers of
figure 2 characterize the structural competency of the oil shale, with
increasing index number indicating decreasing structural competence.
Major changes in slope in the cumulative plot of figure 3 can be
expected to differentiate the major zones of structural competency.
The greater the slope the greater the index number and the less struc-
turally competent the zone.
 PERCENT
100 r

90

80

Subunit F
Index number averages 4.8-
70

60
= c Subunit E
Index number averages 0.6

50
O >%
CC < > Subunit
0
UJ of Index
_ *- number
averages
a 40 15.0

c 30
x
0)
c

Subunit C
20
Index number
averages 6.5

10 /Subunit Subunit B
A Index number
Index averages 2.2
number
averages
6.0

770 1020 1270 1520 1770 2020 2270 2520

CORE DEPTH-25 foot intervals (feet)

Figure 3. Cumulative percent curve dividing Yellow Creek

No. I core into subunits based on index numbers
 On the basis of the plot of figure 3 the core 'nas been divided into
six-'subunits. - These subunits, called engineering units to avoid
confusion with the term geologic unit, are shown in figure 3 and
pertinent data on these units are itemized in table 1. These units
are also shpwn in figure 1 at the appropriate intervals on the geophysical
logs.
Subunits A and G have similar index number 6.0 and 6.5? respectively,
and have undergone core loss, core breakage, and fracturing. The major
difference is that unit C has a 12.4 percent greater core loss and a
lower measurable fracture frequency than subunit A. In addition, subunit
A includes portions of the Evacuation Creek and Parachute Creek members.
The former contains barren shale and marlstone and a higher proportion
of sandstone. The latter is essentially continuous oil shale. Subunit C
is in the upper part of the "zone of poor recovery." Subunit B has an
index of 2.2 and is characterized by low core loss and core breakage.
It lies between subunits A and C. Subunit D has an index number of 15
and represents a strongly fractured and broken interval characterized
by an extremely high core loss. This probably is a structurally weak
area and lies in the lower part of the "zone of poor recovery." Subunit E
has an index number of 0.6, is characterized by solid, continuous core
containing abundant nahcolite, and is a structurally competent zone.
Subunit F, at the base of the hole, has an index number of 4.8. It is
characterized by fracturing into "discs" 4 inches or less in length
and slight core loss. The "discs" ffcuto parallel to the bedding.
 Table 1.°-Engineering properties for subunits A through F, Yellow Creek
..Core .Hole No. 1, Rio Blanco County, Colorado

Average Average index number

Sub- Core Thickness Average percent of broken Average (index number = fracture
unit interval (feet) fracture frequency core <3 inch percent of frequency +0.1 percent
(feet) ( fractures / foot) pieces core loss broken core +,0.1 percent
(percent) (percent) core loss)

A 770- 250 1.9 19.3 22.0 (1.9 + 1,9 + 2.2) = 6.0

1,020

B 1,020- 100 1.6 4.0 2.0 (1.6 + 0.4 + 0.2) = 2.2

1,120

C 1,120- 475 1.1 19.5 34.4 (1.1 + 2.0 + 3.4) = 6.5

1,595

D 1,595- 150 2.2 71.5 56.5 (2.2 + 7.2 + 5.6) - 15.0

1,745

£ 1,745- 800 0.5 0.8 0.1 (0.5 -f 0.08 + 0.01) = 0.6

2,545

F 2,545- 55 3.7 10.8 0 (3.7 + 1.1 + 0) = 4.8

2,600 (4- inch "discs") .
(TD)
 Assay log
The assay of the oil shale in gal Ions [Link] must be made on the
basis of geophysical log results pending actual retort analyses at a
are
future date,, Sufficient data ss believed available to allow some estimate
of oil yield to be made from the geophysical logs. These estimates are
shown in tables 2 and 3.
The necessary relationships between physical properties of the
oil shale and oil yield have been established by Smith (1958) and
Bardsley and Algermissen (1963).
Smith demonstrated a relationship exists between specific gravity
of core and oil yield in the Mahogany &6ne oil shales using core from
several locations in the Piceance Creek Basin. Core from one hole
located in the Uinta Basin of Utah was alsp found to fit this relation-
ship. The derivation of this relationship was restricted to oil shale
wherein a continuous section averaging 25 gal Ions per ton was available.
Because such sections are associated with the Mahogany zone the core
was restricted to this zone. The maximum length of sampled core was
201 feet. Smith's derived assay-oil yield relationship is of the form
I = 326.624 - 205.99SX + 31.56322 ' (1)
where
I = oil yield, in gallons/ton
X = core density in grams/cc,
A standard deviation of 2 gallons/ton was reported by Smith.

10
 Table 2 .--Average oil yield determined from geophysical logs from Yellow Creek , JH61e No* 1,
Rio Blanco County, Colorado

Interval Length Average Average sonic Oil yield (gal Ions /ton)
(feet) (feet) density travel time
(gms/cc) (/\ sec /ft) Smith Density Bards ley-Algermissen
Density Sonic
Velocity
986-1,100 114 2.35 (87) 16.8 14.8 14.3

1,100-1,184 84 2.19 (105) 26.9 25.2 28.5

1,184-1,354 170 2.32 (91.5) 18.6 16.8 17.6

1,354-1,554 200 2.25 (100.7) 22.9 21.3 24.9

1,554-1,770 216 2.37 (85.8) 15.7 13.4 13.5

1,770-1,876 106 2.23 (93) 24.2 22.6 18.8

1,876-1,996 120 2.25 (95.6) 22.9 21.3 21.1

1,996-2,100 104 2.24 (88.2) 23.6 22.0 15.2

2,100-2,210 110 2.23 (91.5) 24.2 22.6 17.6

2,210-2,340 130 2.12 (115.4) 31.8 29.8 37.5

2,340-2,456 116 2.23 (95.7) 24.2 22.6 20.9

2,456-2,600 144 2.27 (109.4) 21.7 20.0 32.4

Table 3.--Average oil yield assays determined from geophysical logs of oil shale
section in Yellow Creek gbrexHole No. 1. Rio Blanco County, Colorado
/Intervals averaged are listed in table I/

Interval Length Average oil yield (gallons /ton) Remarks

(feet) (feet)
Smith Bards ley and Algermissen
Density Density Velocity
986-2, 6PO 1,614 22.2 21.0 21.6 Average of total
shale section.
986-2,100 1,114 20.7 19.8 20.3 Average of upper
section of hole.
Includes rich
Mahogany zone
section.
986-1,554 568 21.0 19.3 21.0 Average of section
in vicinity of ri
Mahogany zone
section.
1,876-2,600 724 24.9 23.1 24.9 Average of basal
section of hole
including rich
basal zone.
1,996-2,600 604 25.3 23.4 25.6 Do.

2,100-2,600 500 25.7 23.7 27.8 Do.

1,996-2,456 460 26.4 24.5 23.5 Average of section
in vicinity of
rich basal zone
section indicated
by density values

12
 Bardsley and Algermissen (1963) compared measured values of oil
yield directly with the response of density and sonic logs for core
data obtained for a hole in the Uinta Basin. These data were obtained
over an interval of several hundred feet and were not restricted to
the Mahogany zone.
The following oil yield-density relationship was determined
Y = 167.92 - 65.15X (2)
where
Y = oil yield in gallons/ton
X = density in gms/cc,
A sonic velocity-oil yield relationship was also determined. It
took the form

Y = -1*. TI* 41*01 x 108 (3)

V2

where
Y = oil yield in gallons/ton
V = sonic velocity in feet/sec.
Because sonic velocity logs record the reciprocal of velocity, equation
(3) is more conveniently expressed as
Y = -16.71 + 0.004101 T2 U)
where
Y = oil yield, in gallons/ton
T = sonic log travel time, in j* sec/ft.
These equations are compared graphically in figure 4* It is seen
that the density relationship of Smith is slightly more optimistic in

13
 A - USBM relationship from cores in Mahogany cone
shales in Plceance Creek and Uinta Basins
B - Bardsley and Algermissen relationship from
cores in Uinta Basin, Utah
C - Bardsley and Algermissen sonic log
relationship
&
I
fH
fH

e*<
o«b
r*

>»
rH
»4
o
<0
(

2.40 2.60
Density, in grams per cubic centimeter

160 140 120 100 80 60

Sonic log travel time, in microseconds per foot

Figure 4.--Relationships between density, velocity, and oil assay established by various investigators,
;fcerms of oil yield for a specific density than is that derived by
Bardsley and Algermissen*
Intervals in the hole were selected arbitrarily on the basis of
the sonic log response by noting the prominent high and low velocity
intervals. These changes are also generally coincidental with high
and low density intervals. Calculations were then made by planlmetering
these intervals on the logs and applying equations (l), (2), and (4)»
These results are listed in table 2. Because hole caving and fractures
affect the response of the logs used, tending to make results optimistic
in terms of oil yield, some smoothing was done in these intervals.
There is seen to be discrepancies in some intervals between the
sonic and density derived values of oil yield using equations (2) and
(4). Examination of the geophysical logs indicates there is a relationship
between the density and velocity responses of the logs, however, its
exact form may not follow the Bardsley-Algermissen derived relationship.
A detailed examination must await laboratory assay data. The effects
of environment, e.g., depth of burial, affect the velocity of a formation
to a greater extent than the density. This may account for the discrepancies
since the sonic velocity relationship of equation (4) was derived in an
oil shale section within 500 feet of the surface, whereas the oil shale
in Yellow Creek No. 1 is situated at two to four times that depth. It
should be noted, however, that over large intervals in the hole the
average values using all, three equations are comparable.

15
 The density logs indicate two intervals wHerein the yield averages
in excess of 25 gallons per ton, in the Mahogany zone from 1,100 to
1,184 feet and near the bottom of the hole from 2,210 to 2,340 feet.
Average assays derived from the geophysical logs over several
intervals centered on these sections are shown in table 3- If the
method of obtaining oil assay relationships from the logs may be con-
sidered valid, the thickest and richest oil yield section is not in
the vicinity of the Mahogany zone but at the base of the hole. The
logs further indicate that the presence of a 500-foot section of oil
shale assaying 25 gallons per ton is marginal. The actual laboratory
oil assay is required to settle this question. The response of the
geophysical logs, hovever, indicate a more detailed analysis between
lithology, .oil 'shale,--, and the response of the various logs is warranted
pending core assay. This is true of all the logs as there are certain
features which appear to be lithologically significant, particularly
on the radiation logs.

Permeable zones
Permeable zones probably exist throughout the entire section of
hole in both the Evacuation Creek and Parachute Creek Members. The
drilling logs indicate permeability near 80 feet because of the presence
of water in the returns. Without actual hydrologic testing in the hole,
however, other permeable zones must be inferred from indirect evidence.
This method of approach infers greater permeability with greater fracture
frequency. On this basis the zone of poor core recovery (fig. l) may
be a likely permeable section.

16
 Detailed analysis of the core indicates that this zone is included
in Subunit C and Subunit D (figs. 1, 2, 3, and table 1). Subunit D
(1,595 to 1,74-5 feet) should be the most porous and permeable interval
in the hole. Subunit C (1,120 to 1,595 feet) is indicated to be the
next most permeable and porous zone in the oil shale. Subunit A (770 to
1,020 feet) which spans the- Evacuation Creek and oil shale contact has
an index number close to Subunit C and hence should have a similar
fracture porosity.
The interval between 1,74-5 and 2,54-5 (Subunit E) should be relatively
Impermeable. It is in unfractured, tight, and competent shale. In this
core interval, however, the rock parts along shale-nahcolite boundaries,
indicating potential zones of weakness.
The geophysical logs also indicate that the zone of poor core
recovery is probably more fractured than is the rest of the oil shale
section. This is most noticeable on the caliper logs. It is significant
that this zone is also of relatively low resistivity and comparatively
high radioactivity within the oil shale sequence. This, coupled with the
high average neutron count rate in this zone, implies that processes
other than increased fracturing have been operable in this section.
A conclusion cannot be drawn on the preliminary data examined, however,
the following processes which affect the various logs are presented for
consideration!
Electric log decreased resistivity can be attributed to
(1) an increase in water content, other things being equalj
(2) an increase in water salinity, other things being equal;

17
 (3) a decrease in the path length available for electrcj&ytic
conduction in the rock, or the converse, an increase in the number
of path lengths (porosity) available for electrolytic conduction; or
(4.) combinations of (1), (2), and (3).
Gamma-ray log increased count rate can be attributed to a relatively
greater concentration of radioactive materials in these sections because
of preferential environmental features, e.g., adsorption during deposition;
or preferential removal of radioactive material from adjacent zones.
The deposition of radioactive material by incoming ground waters is
another possible mechanism,
The increased neutron log count rate indicates a decreased hydrogen
content in these zones. In most lithologies this may be attributed
to a decrease in water content, however, the relative abundance of hydro-
carbons is another contributing factor to the hydrogen content in the
oil shale. A general relationship between leaness of oil shale and
A
neutron count rate was found by Bardsley and Algermissen (1963). Further
analysis of all logs is considered desirable in this hole when more
detailed data on the core is available.
The above considerations coupled with examination of the geophysical
logs (fig. l) of the zone of poor core recovery indicate that'this zone
merits a more detailed examination regionally. This is further substan-
tiated by data pertaining to regional structure.

18
 Water-bearing zones, flow rates, and regional
distribution of water-bearing formations
Yellow Creek No. IxSore/Hole penetrated the three major aquifers
'J.O /^

in the northern part of the Piceance Creek Basin (here considered to

be that part of the basin in Rio Blanco County) . From top to bottom
they are: alluvium and the Evacuation Creek and Parachute Creek Members
of the Green River Formation. The distribution of these formations is
shown in figure 5 (in pocket). These three aquifers yield water to
many springs throughout the basin, and, although only a few wells have
been drilled, preliminary data indicate that wells tapping the alluvium
may yield as much as 1,000 gpm (gallons per minute), wells tapping the
Evacuation Creek Member may yield as much as 100 gpm, and wells tapping
the Parachute Creek Member may yield as much as 1,000 gpm. Permeable
zones in the upper part of the alluvium may be above the water table,
permeable zones in the Evacuation Creek Member topographically above
the floor of the major stream valleys may be largely drained, and
permeable zones in the Parachute Creek Member are probably saturated
except near the edges of the basin.
In the Evacuation Creek and Parachute Creek Members in the northern
part of the basin, regional movement of ground water is from the high-
lands near the ejlges of the basin toward the two major streams draining
the basin, Piceance and Yellow Creeks. The ground-water reservoir in
these two members is recharged solely from precipitation and probably
eventually discharges into the alluvium along Piceance and Yellow Creeks,
where the water leaves the basin either by streamflow or by evaporation
and transpiration.
19
 Parachute Greek Member* The Parachute Creek Member is composed
almost entirely of oil shale. Oil shale is relatively impermeable;
however, the rock is fractured, and springs and seeps issuing from the
fractures at the surface indicate water movement through the fractures,
at least near the surface. Yields from the springs range from a few
gallons per minute to about 500 gpm. Subsurface fracturing is indicated
by zones of poor core recovery and recovered core that contains fractures.
Water movement through the fractures is indicated by oxidization (bleaching)
along the faces of the fractures and by deposition of carbonate minerals
in and along the fractures. Further evidence for fracturing and water
movement in the subsurface is indicated from abandoned oil-test wells
that have been completed as water wells. Data are incomplete from these
wells, but the casing records show that the wells were cased and cemented
to slightly below the uppermost oil-shale beds and plugged above the
lowermost oil-shale beds. Three of these wells (A, B, and C of fig. 5)
were tested. A summary of the test results (table 4) shows the range
of transmissitjility of the Parachute Creek Member is small; however,
additional tests may show a greater range. Until more data become
available it may be assumed that the coefficient of transmissibility
represents the transmissibility of the uncased and unplugged portion
of the Parachute Creek Member. Because core recovery and well logs
indicate that generally the entire thickness of the Parachute Creek
Member is not fractured, the determined transmissibility probably
represents only the fracture zones that contribute water to wells.

20
 Table 4. Summary of the results of aquifer tests in the Parachute Creek Member of the
Green River Formation

Coefficient of Head at end Duration of Average Duration

Location Water-bearing t r ansrais s ib i 1 i t y of recovery period recovery discharge of
format ion (gallons per day (in feet of water period (gallons discharge
per foot) above land surface) (days) per minute) (days)

A-Sec. 10, T.1S.,R.96W. Parachute Creek 2,000 22.8 1.0 57 135

Member, Green
River Formation

[Link],T.3S.,R.96W.. do. 2,000 87.8 2.1 230 .92

do. 1,000 11 2.5 .78

C-Sec. 11,T.3S.,R.96W. 64 1.0

JL/ Discharge point is 2.5 feet above land surface, well flows 20 gpm. Well was tested by pumping at
64 gpm and measuring recovery of water level after pumping stopped.
Present data are insufficient to define the contribution of water from
various zones of the Parachute Creek Member.
Fractures in the Parachute Creek Member not only contribute water
to wells and springs but also cause poor core recovery and lost circu-
lation. Lost circulation, however, was not a serious problem during
the drilling of Yellow Creek No. 1 jg/bre ,Hole into the Parachute Creek
Member. The small losses of drilling fluid were easily controlled by
adding cedar shavings and cellophane strips to the drilling fluid. In
other areas of the northern part of the Piceance Creek Basin, lost circu-
lation in the Parachute Creek Member has been a serious problem and has
caused at least two oil-test wells to be abandoned before the objective
horizon was reached.
Throughout the area water from the Parachute Creek Member is of
the sodium bicarbonate type. Measured conductivity ranges from 300 to
20,000 micromhos per centimeter at 25°C. The lower values are from
springs near the edges of the basin and the higher values from springs
or wells near the discharge points along Yellow or Piceance Creeks.
Fluoride ranges from 0.1 ppm (parts per million) to 30 ppm. Chloride,
boron, nitrate, and phosphate are present only in small amounts.
Evacuation Greek Member. The Evacuation Creek Member is composed
mainly of sandstone, barren marlstone, and siltstone. The sandstone
is fine to medium grained, cemented with calcite, and is probably of
relatively low permeability. The barren marlstone and siltstone are
probably relatively impermeable except where fractured. Many of the

22
exposed fractures of this member have been filled with clay-sized
material or calcite.
The Evacuation Greek Member forms the surface rock over most of
the basin. Downcutting by streams has formed a rough hilly topography,
and the part of the member topographically higher than the level of
the streams is mostly drained. Water wells are usually drilled in
the valleys and usually must penetrate at least 100 feet of the member
to yield sufficient water for domestic or stock supplies.
In Yellow Creek No. IjSore^Hole, the upper 90 feet of the Evacuation
Creek Member was air drilled. During the drilling, from 50 to 100 gpm
of water was blown to the surface with the cuttings. When drilling
reached a depth of about 135 feet below land surface, drilling mud was
used and formation water stopped coming into the hole. In drilling
through the Evacuation Creek Member, drilling-mud losses were small
and were controlled by the addition of cedar shavings and cellophane.
Water from the Evacuation Creek Member is of the magnesium, calcium,
bicarbonate type; generally magnesium^ is equal to or greater than calcium.
Amounts of sulfate are small and the amount of chloride is very low.
Measured conductivity ranges from 1,000 to 2,500 micromhos per centimeter.
Alluvium. The alluvium along Piceance and Yellow Creeks is generally
poorly sorted sand, gravel, clay, and silt. Sorting generally becomes
better and grain size larger near the base of the alluvium; in some
places beds of clay compose the upper 50 to 80 feet. The thickness of
the alluvium is as much as 130 feet, and the saturated thickness may

23
be as much as 100 feet. Measured transmissibility ranges from 20,000
gpd per ft (gallons per day per foot) to 150,000 gpd per ft. Maximum
well yields are estimated to be as much as 1,000 gpm.
The alluvium of the valleys tributary to Piceance and Yellow Creek
generally is thinner, and saturated thickness is less than in the main
valleys. The lithology is similar in the tributary and main valleys,
but well yields would probably be less in the tributary valleys.
Along Piceance Creek and along the lower reaches of Yellow Creek,
water in the alluvium moves toward and eventually discharges into the
stream. Along the upper and middle reaches of Yellow Creek and along
most of the tributaries, the water table is below the level of the
streambed and flood flows percolate to the water table.
Drilling into the alluvium is almost always accompanied by lost-
circulation problems. The permeability of the sand and gravel is relatively
high, and even above the water table losses of drilling fluid are common.
Heavy drilling mud and the addition of lost-circulation material are
often sufficient to allow penetration of the alluvium, but all wells
must be cased through the alluvium.
The 45 feet of alluvium penetrated by Yellow Creek No. IJJore /Hole
was partly responsible for a four-day delay in drilling because circu-
lation could not be maintained. Heavy drilling mud, cedar shavings,
and cellophane strips did not stop fluid losses, and the problem was
finally solved by air drilling.
 Water in jthe alluvium generally is of the sodium bicarbonate type.
Measured conductivity of water increases downstream and ranges from
700 micromhos per centimeter where Piceance Creek enters the basin to
about 10,000 micromhos per centimeter near the mouth of Piceance Creek.
Along Yellow Creek in the vicinity of Yellow Creek No. [Link]^Hole the
conductivity is about 2,500 micromhos per centimeter.

Joint system
Aerial .photographs taken of the ground around the drill site show
lineations and drainage features which are interpreted as joints. Two
strong joint trends and a minor trend were measured. The two strongest
joint sets had average strikes of N. 32° E. and N. 4-8° W. The weaker
trend averaged N. 6° E. Donnell (1961) describes a well-defined system
of northwest and northeast-trending joints being present in the Green
River strata. Welder (USGS, oral communication) described most of the
oil shale joints at the surface as being of the high-angle type. The
core indicates that the majority of the naturally occurring joints in
the rock are high angle, i.e., greater than 60° dip. The near-horizontal
bedding plane fractures in the core may be a combination of both naturally
occuring joints and induced fractures caused by drilling stresses.
A statistical analysis of only the high-angle core fractures in
the engineering subunits suggest the joint spacing in the rock- (listed
in table 5). These analyses are speculative and cannot be demonstrated,
however, they may indicate relative joint intensities. The intersection
of the two major high-angle northeast and northwest joint sets are
assumed to produce rhombohedral-shaped blocks. Neither the minor N. 6° E.
joints nor the effect of bedding plane fractures liavbt been considered in
table 5.
25
 Table 5. Inferred joint spacings of high angle NE-NW -joint sets
from Yellow Creekjgore /Hble No. 1,
Rio Blanco County, Colorado

Core interval Length Average joint spacing (feet)

Subunit (feet) (feet) for NE-NW joint sets
dipping >60°

A 770 - 1,020 250 0.5

B 1,020 - 1,120 100 2.5

C 1,120 - 1,595 475 1.0

D 1,595 - 1,745 150 0.5

E 1,745 - 2,545 800 5.0

F 2,545 - 2,600 55 6.0

26
 Regional structure
The electric log of Yellow Creek No. l^re .Hole at a depth of
about 1,250 feet (fig. l), shows a pronounced decrease in resistivity
which apparently represents a zone of low kerogen content. This zone
of decreased resistivity yields a characteristic response on many logs
throughout the basin and is referred to as the Black Marker. This
horizon was used as a structural datum in this report because it is
present on electric logs of wells throughout the subject area. The
structure map based on this datum (fig. 5), is generalized because of
the relatively small number of wells.
Figure 5 shows the Piceance Creek Basin in Rio Blanco County to
be elliptical in outline with the major axis trending northwest. The
basin is divided into two subbasins by a structural divide extending
roughly east-west across the area. The eastern segment of this structural
divide is the Piceance Creek anticline with axis trending northwest.
It is joined in the center of the basin by an anticline plunging into
the basin; its axis trends slightly north of west. The center of the
southern subbasin is near the southern edge of T. 2 S., R. 97 W. and
its axis trends nearly east and west. Structural relief of the Black
Marker between the low point of this syncline and the top of the Piceance
Creek anticline is about 1,000 feet.

27
 The altitude of the Black Marker in the Yellow Creek No. 1 Core
Hole is the lowest known in the region. The hole is in the northern
subbasin which is irregular in shape and has extensions to the southwest
and the southeast.
Examination of the logs of the hole indicate a fracture zone from
depths of 1,132 to 1,737 that overlies a nahcolite zone from 1,737 to
2,512. The fracture zone is coincidental with an electric log low
resistivity section, whereas the nahcolite zone is coincidental with
a relatively high resistivity zone (fig. l). The anomalous character
of the low resistivity zone has been discussed previously. The prominent
appearance of this zone on the electric log (between two high resistivity
intervals) suggested that it be examined on other logs obtained in the
area* Electric logs of oil-test wells in the central portion of the
area show zones having similar characteristic high and low resistivity
values. Along the eastern, southern and southwestern margins, however,
the basal zone of high resistivity appears to be missing. A line marking
the approximate limit of the characteristic high and low resistivity
values is shown on figure 5»
Numerous possibilities are suggested for the presence or absence
of this characteristic log response, among them a possible relationship
between ground-water movement and the leaching of nahcolite. Within
the zone of characteristic high and low resistivity values, a flowing
well in sec. 28, T. 1 S., R. 97 W., yields water with a conductivity
of 20,700 micromhos per centimeter. Without the zone, the few wells

28
sampled yield conductivities on the order of 1,000 to 2,000 micromhos
per centimeter. There has not been sufficient time, however, to examine
all, available data to allow a firm conclusion to be reached on the
significance of this zone. Apparently further investigation is
desirable.
It is significant that the three aquifer tests made on the Parachute
Creek Member were in wells outside the approximate limit of the character-
istic high and low resistivity values. Therefore, an aquifer test in
the central area of the basin is recommended.

Conclusions
Lithology. The core hole penetrated three lithologic units and
possibly bottomed at the contact of a fourth. Alluvium was encountered
to a depth of 4-5 feet, the Evacuation Creek Member of the Green River
Formation to a depth of 935 feet and the Parachute Creek Member to the
bottom of the hole (2,600 feet). The Garden Gulch Member may be within
the near vicinity of the base of the hole. The Parachute Creek Member
is composed mainly of oil shale. A thickness of 1,615 feet of this
member was penetrated.
The oil shale section is notable for a zone of excessively poor
core recovery (approximately 1,182 to 1,737 feet) overlying a relatively
tight and impermeable zone containing abundant sodium carbonate salts.

29
 Assay log. Oil yield estimates based upon geophysical log interp-
retation indicate that the major section of rich oil shale lies at the
base of the hole in the vicinity of 2,210 to 2,340 feet, rather than
in the Mahogany zone. On the basis of density log analyses this 130-foot
section assays in the neighborhood of 30 gallons per ton. An 84-foot
section in the Mahogany zone (1,100 to 1,184 feet) assays in the neighbor-
hood of 25 gallons per ton. The presence of a continuous 500-foot section
of oil shale assaying 25 gallon's per ton is indicated to be ^ marginal
v

and retort analysis will be required to check these conclusions. Log

analyses indicate a probable minimum depth of approximately 1,875 feet
to the top of such a section.
Permeable zones. Permeable zones are indicated at a depth of 80
feet in the Evacuation Creek Member and are inferred on the basis of
geophysical log response and fracturing in the Parachute Creek Member.
In the latter, the zone of poor core recovery and vicinity (1,182 to
1,737) show indications of greatest permeability in the oil shale.
Core analysis indicates that the base of the zone of poor recovery
(the interval from 1,595 to 1,745 feet) may be the most permeable
section in the oil shale. This is followed by the section from 1,120
to 1,595 feet (the upper portion of the zone of poor core recovery).
The interval from 770 to 1,020 feet, which spans the Evacuation Creek-
Parachute Creek contact is also indicated by core analysis to be a
possible permeable interval.

30
 Water-bearing zones and flow rates. Drilling results indicate a
possible water-bearing zone at a depth of around 80 feet in the Evacuation
Creek Member in Yellow Creek/Sore .xHole No. 1. No flow rate data is-
available. Studies of ground water in the Piceance Creek Basin and
data from Yellow Creek No. 1 J36re /Hole have shown three geologic units
that contain permeable zones and that yield water to wells and springs.
All three units contain intervals that are relatively impermeable.
Testing of the individual members and of specific zones within the
members is necessary to determine actual water-bearing zones and flow
rates.
Joint system. Inhole and surface data indicate the majority of
the joints occurring in the rock are high angle (greater than 60° dip).
To what extent the near horizontal bedding plane fractures observed in
the core are naturally occurring or induced by drilling is uncertain.
Regional structure. A structure contour map on the Black Marker
at the base of the Mahogany zone, indicates the region under consideration
is located in the deepest part of the northern Piceance Creek Basin.
The elevation on the base of the Mahogany zone in the Yellow Creek
No. 1 JSore JB6le is the lowest recorded in the region.
The Yellow Creek jZore Jfole appears to penetrate a section of the
Parachute Creek Member, which on the basis of electric log character
differs significantly from the section on the eastern, southern, and
western fringes of the northern basin. The electric log response
characterizing the tight, impermeable section below the zone of poor
recovery appears absent in these areas. The regional significance of
this zone requires more detailed investigation.

31
 General. All available data both within and without the Yellow
Creek No. 1 £ore Hole, indicate the probable existence of permeable
zones containing water in several intervals. The definition of the
water environment, particularly flow-rates in the hole, requires
hydrologic testing in the event a device hole is planned. Regardless
of the suitability of the hole for nuclear detonation, a hydrologic
testing program is strongly recommended for this hole to obtain infor-
mation of the hydrologic environment both as an adjunct to the general
oil-shale program and as an aid to future applications of the Plowshare
program to oil-shale development.

32
 Selected references
Bardsley, S. R., and Algermissen, S. T., 1963? Evaluating oil shale
by log analysis: Jour, of Petroleum Tech., v. 15* no. 1, p.
Donnell, John I R.., 1961, Tertiary geology and oil shale resources of
the Piceance Creek Basin between the Colorado and White Rivers,
Northwestern Colorado: U.S. Geol. Survey Bull. 1082 L, p. 835-891,
pis. 4B-59.
Lekas, M. A., and Carpenter, H. C., 1965, Fracturing oil shale with
nuclear explosives for in situ retorting: Quarterly of the Colorado
School of Mines, v. 60, no. 3, p. 7-30.
Smith, John Ward, 1958, Applicability of a specific gravity oil yield
relationship to Green River oil shale: Chem. and Eng. Data Series,
vol. 3, no. 2, p. 306-310.
Stanfield, K. E., Smith, J. W., and Robb, W. A., I960, Oil yields of
Sections of Green River oil shale in Colorado, 1954-57: U.S. Bur.
Mines Rept. Inv. 5614, 186 p.

33
Appendix A. Description of cuttings from Colorado^Core/Hole No. 1
Yellow Creek,"Rio Blanco County, Colorado
Thickness Depth to
(feet) bottom of
layer
(feet)
Quaternary undifferentiated:
Alluvium:
Soil, loose-
Gravel, very fine to medium, angular
to rounded, composed of sandstone
and marlstone, and fine to very
coarse sand 20 25
Gravel, very fine to coarse, sub-
rounded to well rounded, composed
of sandstone and marlstone, poorly
sorted, and fine to very coarse
sand - 20
Green River Formation:
Evacuation Creek Member:
Siltstone, brown, and fine-grained
brown sandstone; calcareous ~ 50
Siltstone, brown, calcareous; con-
tains plant stems 55 to 60 feet- 27 77
Silt stone (returns wet at 77 feet)- 3 80
Sandstone, brown, calcareous and
siltstone (hole is making muddy
water with conductivity of 2,450
micromhos per centimeter at 25°C) 50 130
Sandstone, light-green, fine-
grained, slightly calcareous-r- 5 135
Sandstone, brown, fine to medium-
grained, slightly calcareous 5 140
Appendix A. Description of cuttings from Colorado 5t5rexHole No. 1
Yellow Greek, Rio Blanco County, Colorado Continued
Thickness Depth to
(feet) bottom of
layer
______ (feet)
Green River Formation: Continued
Evacuation Creek Member: Continued
Siltstone,'light-green, calcareous,
lignitlc 15 155
Siltstone, lignitic 10 165

Siltstone, light-green, calcareous,

lignitic 55 220

Sandstone, light-green, calcareous

lignitic, micaceous 35 255
Siltstone, light-green, lignitic 30 285
Siltstone, light-brown, oxidized - 5 290
Siltstone, light-green, calcareous 10 300
No sample 5 305

Sandstone, fine-grained, friable,

calcareous 5 310

Siltstone, light-green, calcareous 10 320

Sandstone, light-green, fine-grained,
friable, calcareous; contains smal 1.
angular fragments of brown silt-
stone 85 4.05

Siltstone, sandy, calcareous 120 525

Siltstone 25 550

Siltstone and brown laminated marl-

stone 5 555

35,
Appendix A. Description of cuttings from Colorado jg6re/Hole No, 1
Yellow Creek, Rio Blanco County, Colorado Continued
Thickness
Depth to
(feet)bottom of
layer
_______ (feet)
Green River Formation: Continued
-Evacuation Oreek Hembez*: -Continued
Marlstone, brown, laminated,
kerogenous 5 560

Siltstone, gray, lignitic, and

laminated kerogenous marlstone 5 565
Siltstone, gray, lignitic, slightly
calcareous 4-0 605

Siltstone, and fine sandstone .10 615

Siltstone 35 650

Siltstone; contains trace of brown

marlstone 5 655
Siltstone 105 750

Marlstone, brown, and trace of

siltstone 15 765

36