WHPierce Exploration
Map Matrix I (Chronostratigraphic Maps)
Large Thumb Nail Views of Maps which are for Sale
The following table displays maps and graphs for sale. One will be able to purchase raster, vector, or GIS files. We have completed drafts of ninety percent of the maps and are currently working on quality control. I have just added a second map matrix link sheet (Map Matrix II) which provides links to Overburden, Burial, and Structural Contour maps of the same ages. My goal is to have this page working so that you will be able to click selected maps in the matrix below and see a miniature version of the map or graph appear. So if you see highlight color such as 4c click and see if a map or will appear. Beneath the table please read a description of each of the map or graph categories.
The table above is organized such that to the right of the Isopach map are subsurface maps or graphs that either refer to the isopach or represent contact relationships at the base of the isopach.
Definitions and Description of Map or graph types:
Isopach: Lines or color variation of equal thickness or value of an interpreted chronostratigraphic unit. Note that the goal of these maps is to represent present day thickness not reconstructed thickness. Our goal is to make these files to enable cross section construction or basin modeling in combination with files from other Isopachs. These maps are also available as contour maps. To understand the meaning of the different color dots read the data section below and study the individual data maps at right side of the map matrix. I have developed an interesting system of queries that assure obtain full control from available data and and improved "zero edge" mapping. See more in a talk that I gave to the Houston Geological Society.
Worm's Eye: Map as seen if one were looking up at the base of a stratigraphic unit representing the conformable or unconformable configuration of chronostratigraphic horizons intersecting the base of the isopach map.
Subcrop: Map as seen if one were looking down at the top of an underlying chronostratigraphic unit representing the conformable or unconformable configuration of chronostratigraphic horizons intersecting the top of the underlying isopach map.
Hiatus: Map of the time value of major unconformity beneath the isopach map. Map shows zero edges of the isopach map, the underlying isopach map and configuration of hiatus beyond those zero edges. In some cases these hiatus maps appear to be more useful than isopach maps in tracking structural patterns. Note that I have recently given an AAPG talk on unconformity interpretation on the Arabian Plate. Here you can see a more in-depth discussion of the utility of various kinds of unconformity maps, including hiatus, sub-crop, and worm's eye.
Data: Map of the control used in making the chronostratigraphic isopach maps and other subsurface maps. Distinct symbols are used for wells with calculated thicknesses (black), wells that represent subsurface pinch outs of the unit in question (white), wells that spud in rock units older than the chronostratigraphic unit(red), wells that penetrate (gray), wells that penetrate and are used to impact the mapping (yellow), and surface rock units that are older than the chronostratigraphic unit (reddish gray pattern).
Step: A stratigraphic thickness versus elevation plot for the chronostratigraphic interval on a country by country basis. These plots help the quality control process for data and maps and enable easy comparison and contrast of the tectonic setting geographically and by age.
The folowing map types can be seen on Map Matrix II
Overburden: Maps showing burial depth through geologic history. These maps can be used to aid assessment of hydrocarbon preservation. At too great of depth oil and gas may not be preserved.
Burial: Maps showing progressive burial depth since the Precambrian. These maps shown here only for the Precambrian can be used to assess the maturation of source rock provided they are constructed for specific source rock horizons.
Structural Contour or Elevation: Maps showing the elevations of major unconformities of the Arabian Plate.
By obtaining the GIS files for these maps your company would have the ability to intergrate your exploration and production work into the regional context of the Arabian Plate. The system used to make these larger chronostratigraphic units can also be used to make smaller lithostratgraphic units such as reservoirs.
Individual purchase of raster, vector, or GIS files are available and Bulk discounts will be available, Call or Write.