Quartz, the most common mineral on earth, is almost universally associated with shamans. Why this ritual association occurred worldwide has remained unexplained scientifically, at least in part because western scientific thinking assumes that religious beliefs and practices are epiphenomenal and not worthy of study. This association is archaeologi-cally evident at Sally's Rocksheiter, a small rock engraving-vision quest site in the Mojave Desert, where quartz rocks were placed as offerings in cracks around the rock art panel. SEM and electron microprobe foreign materials analyses of Mojave rock engravings show that the association between quartz and rock art was common: almost 65 per cent contained remnants of quartz hammerstones, used to peck the motifs. A combination of ethnohistory and physical sciences explains why quartz, shamans and vision questing were so strongly associated: triboluminescence causes quartz to glow when struck or abraded, which was believed a visible manifestation of supernatural power. Recognition that this belief and behavioural association were based on quartz's physical properties aids our ability to identify the antiquity of the vision quest in the far west, suggesting that Mojave Desert shamanism is the oldest continuously practiced religious tradition so far identified in the world.

The western Great Basin contains thousands of constructed rock features, including rock rings, cairns, and alignments. Unlike subtractive geoglyphs, such as the Nasca Lines of Peru, that remove desert pavement, these surface features alter the location and positioning of cobble-to bouldersized rocks. The chronology of surface rock features has remained unconstrained by numerical ages because no prior chronometric approach has been able to yield age control. We propose a new strategy for studying these features by analyzing anthropogenic modifications to rock coatings, an approach that permits the use of several dating methods, two of which are assessed here: radiocarbon dating of pedogenic carbonate and rock-varnish microlaminations. Initial results from Searles Valley, eastern California, suggest that constructed rock features may be as old as early Holocene and terminal Pleistocene. Archaeological surveys of desert areas would be greatly enhanced if they noted altered positions of rock coatings.

Su!"mary. The ~ariati~n ~twee~ thickening-time test results from tests on pilot blends and cement-blend sample tests has been a subject of frequent InvestigatIOn. DIsagreement between these test results is often blamed on improper additive proportioning inadequate blending, or incorrect sampling techniques.' A comprehensive study of blending, sampling, and testing variables was conducted. This paper describes the results ,)f this research testing with a full-scale laboratory bulk plant. It also includes the results of a south Texas field study in which thickening time test results from more than 300 cement-blend samples were examined. Results of these studies suggest that significant statistical variations may be in~o~ved i.n ble~din¥, sampling, and ~esting pr~u.r~~ under deep-well conditions. The variabilities are used as guidelines for determInIng thlckerung-ttme acceptance WIndows. Vanabillttes or uncertainties can be minimized by optimization and standardization of these procedures. Re.ult. of Full·Scale Laboratory Blending and Sampling StudyCement-blend uniformity tested after even-numbered pneumatic transfers indicated that a minimum of four moves was required for adequate blending. 20 Cement-Blend Composition Class H cement, 3% (BWOW*) KCI, 0.2% low-temperature retarder Class H cement, 35% silica flour, 20% hematite, 3% KCI, 0.75% dispersant, 0.5 0 AJ fluid-loss additive Class H cement, 35 0 AJ silica flour, 70 0 AJ hematite, 13 0 AJ (BWOW) NaCI, 1.0% dispersant, 0.7 0 AJ fluid-loss additive, 0.25 0 AJ defoamer Class H cement, 3 0 AJ KCI, 0.15 0 AJ low-temperature retarder Class H cement, 35 0 AJ coarse silica, 27 0 AJ hematite, 0.5 0 AJ dispersant, 0.40AJ fluid-loss additive Class H cement, 35 0 AJ silica flour, 320AJ. hematite, 37 0 AJ NaCI, 0.9% low-temperature retarder, 0.25 0 AJ defoamer Class H cement, 35 0 AJ silica flour, 32 0 AJ hematite, 13 0 AJ NaCI, 0.2% dispersant, 0.8 0 AJ fluid-loss additive, 0.25% defoamer Class H cement, 35 0 AJ coarse silica, 46 0 AJ hematite, 0.75 0 AJ dispersant, 1.3% high-temperature retarder Class H cement, 35 0 AJ silica flour, 56 0 AJ hematite, 13% NaCI, 1.0 0 AJ dispersant, 0.7 0 AJ fluid-loss additive, 0.25 0 AJ defoamer Class H cement, 35 0 AJ silica flour, 3 0 AJ KCI, 0.25 0 AJ dispersant, 1.0 0 AJ fluid-loss additive Class H cement, 35% silica flour, 32 0 AJ hematite, 13% NaCI, 0.20AJ dispersant, 1.0 0 AJ fluid-loss additive, 0.20AJ high-temperature retarder, 0.25 0 AJ defoamer Class H cement, 35 0 AJ silica flour, 70% hematite, 13 0 AJ NaCI, 1.0 0 AJ dispersant, 0.7 0 AJ fluid-loss additive, 0.25 0 AJ defoamer Class H cement, 35% silica flour, 70 0 AJ hematite, 13% NaCI, 1.5 0 AJ dispersant, 0.7% fluid-loss additive, 0.25 0 AJ. defoamer Class H cement, 35% coarse silica, 8 0 AJ hematite, 13 0 AJ NaCI, 0.20AJ dispersant, 0.7 0 AJ fluid-loss additive, 0.20AJ high-temperature retarder, 0.25 0 AJ defoamer Class H cement, 35 0 AJ silica flour, 84 0 AJ hematite, 13% NaCI, 1.0% dispersant, 0.7 0 AJ fluid-loss additIve, 0.25% defoamer Class H cement, 85 0 AJ silica fl...

Summary This case history overview describes the application of crossfunctional team management in redevelopment of a 30-year-old south Texas gas field. Multidisciplinary cooperation and synergism were emphasized, and efforts focused on a common team goal. The results have been extraordinary; all areas have shown significant improvement, including gas production, which is up by more than 250%. Introduction By the mid-1980's, McAllen Ranch field gas production had declined to a low of 24 MMcf/D owing to reservoir depletion and curtailment. The end of curtailment and subsequent development drilling activity increased the rate to 80 MMcf/D by early 1988. However, with reduced drilling and natural decline, the rate had fallen again to about 50 MMcf/D by early 1989. At this time, a cross- functional team was established to evaluate additional investment opportunity and to develop a plan to increase production from the noncontributing reserves that were behind pipe. This team looked at all aspects of the field's production and developed a consensus plan that included acquisition, processing, and interpretation of a fine-grid 3D seismic survey; development drilling focused in the northern portion of the field (B-area); procedures to obtain regulatory approval to commingle noncontributing reserves in existing wellbores; and enhanced drilling and completion techniques. This paper describes the interaction and synergism among the various specialties and functions involved in the producing operations at McAllen Ranch and how the concept of cross-functional team management has led to the rejuvenation of this 30-year-old field. It focuses on the process of cross-functional team management rather than just the results achieved.

Summa..,. Since 1979, Esso Rep has drilled more than 150 exploration and development wells in the Paris basin. A cost-per-foot reduction of more than 40% was achieved despite a near doubling of rig rates. This paper discusses the unique directional drilling approach used and the drilling, formation evaluation, and contracting techniques.