Natural Gas in Black Mesa Basin, Northeastern Arizona

Abstract

A total of 97 wells has been drilled in the Black Mesa basin of Arizona—a drilling density of one test per 350 sq mi. Exploration started in 1920 and was slow until 1955, when interest was stimulated by discoveries in the Four Corners area. In an unusually large percentage of all tests, shows of oil or gas have been found throughout the stratigraphic succession. Cretaceous to Cambrian Systems, except Silurian and Ordovician, are represented. The Pennsylvanian Hermosa Formation is productive in the Four Corners area. The Permian Coconino Sandstone yields helium, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide in the Pinta dome area near Holbrook, Rocks of reef facies and traps of the stratigraphic type may have hydrocarbon potential.