Petroleum Systems and Assessment of Undiscovered Oil and Gas in the Denver Basin Province - Chapter 2 - Oil and Gas Exploration and Development along the Front Range

Oct 12, 2026

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Chapter 2 examines petroleum systems and the development of undiscovered oil and gas along the Front Range in the Denver Basin, covering Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming. It outlines the regional context and organizes exploration focus by stratigraphic units, including Permian Lyons Sandstone, Cretaceous “D” and Muddy (“J”) Sandstones, Niobrara, Pierre Shale, and fractured Pierre Shale. The chapter also addresses conventional versus unconventional reservoirs, Wattenberg Field, and coal-bed methane, followed by conclusions and reference materials.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryPresentations

FormatPDF

Pages45

Reading Time16 min

AccessFree to download

Contents

Abstract

Introduction

Oil and Gas Exploration in the Front Range Area

Permian Lyons Sandstone

Cretaceous “D” and Muddy (“J”) Sandstones

Conclusions

Selected References

Glossary of Terms

Figures

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Chapter 2 Oil and Gas Exploration and Development along the Front Range in the Denver Basin of Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming By Debra K. Higley and Dave O. Cox Chapter 2 of Petroleum Systems and Assessment of Undiscovered Oil and Gas in the Denver Basin Province, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming—USGS Province 39 Compiled by Debra K. Higley U. S. Geological Survey Digital Data Series DDS–69–P U. S. Department of the Interior U. S. Geological Survey U.S. Department of the Interior DIRK KEMPTHORNE, Secretary U.S. Geological Survey Mark D. Myers, Director U. S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia: 2007 For product and ordering information: World Wide Web: [http://www.usgs.gov/pubprod](http://www.usgs.gov/pubprod) [Telephone: 1](Telephone: 1)–[888](888)–[ASK](ASK)–[USGS](USGS) For more information on the USGS—the Federal source for science about the Earth, its natural and living resources, natural hazards, and the environment: World Wide Web: [http://www.usgs.gov](http://www.usgs.gov) [Telephone:1](Telephone:1)–[888](888)–[ASK](ASK)–[USGS](USGS) Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U. S. Government. Although this report is in the public domain, permission must be secured from the individual copyright owners to reproduce any copyrighted materials contained within this report. Suggested citation: Higley, D. K. , Cox, D. O. , 2007, Oil and gas exploration and development along the front range in the Denver Basin of Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming, in Higley, D. K. , compiler, Petroleum systems and assessment of undiscovered oil and gas in the Denver Basin Province, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming—USGS Province 39: U. S. Geological Survey Digital Data Series DDS–69–P, ch. 2, 41 p. Graphics by the author. ISBN 1-411-31943-1 Contents Abstract ........................................................................................................................................................ 1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 1 Oil and Gas Exploration in the Front Range Area .................................................................................. 4 Permian Lyons Sandstone ................................................................................................................ 5 Cretaceous “D” and Muddy (“J”) Sandstones............................................................................. 8 Conventional Reservoirs.......................................................................................................... 8 Unconventional Reservoirs (Wattenberg Field) ................................................................... 12 Upper Cretaceous Niobrara Formation and Codell Sandstone Member of the Carlile Shale ........................................................................................................................................ 15 Upper Cretaceous Pierre Shale Sandstones ................................................................................ 17 Fractured Cretaceous Pierre Shale (Florence Field) ................................................................... 31 Coal-Bed Methane from Denver and (or) Laramie Formations.................................................. 32 Conclusions ................................................................................................................................................. 34 Selected References.................................................................................................................................. 35 Glossary of Terms ....................................................................................................................................... 40 Figures 1. Map showing t

FAQs

What region does Chapter 2 focus on for oil and gas exploration?

It focuses on the Front Range within the Denver Basin, spanning Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming.

Which stratigraphic units are covered in the chapter’s exploration overview?

The chapter covers units including Permian Lyons Sandstone; Cretaceous “D” and Muddy (“J”) Sandstones; Niobrara Formation and Codell Sandstone Member; Pierre Shale sandstones; fractured Cretaceous Pierre Shale (Florence Field); and coal-bed methane from Denver and Laramie Formations.

How does the chapter distinguish reservoir types?

It differentiates conventional reservoirs from unconventional reservoirs, including discussion tied to the Wattenberg Field.

Oct 12, 2026

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