Abstract & Conceptual Questions Petroleum Geology: Persian Gulf vs. Overthrust Belt by Richard Moye and Sandra A. Zicus Jump Point: About the Case Study Case Study Abstract Conceptual Questions How to Order the Casebook About the Case Study This case study abstract is from: GeoSystems Today: an Interactive Casebook. Each printed case (in the book) starts with a list of Questions to be Explored followed by Key Learning Outcomes. An Overview and Background section then introduces the essential geosciences concepts and issues followed by a section entitled The Human Dimension. The latter section presents an integrated perspective on the "nature-society" linkages and policy implications of the case. At the end are Some Recommended Readings for more in-depth study. After you study the basic written text, and possibly do some background reading in a related textbook such as The Blue Planet: An Introduction to Earth System Science, you should take an online Virtual Tour and do the Self-Study Exercise found at the end of each case. At this point you should be ready to discuss the Conceptual Questions at the end of each case (they are repeated here as well). A suggestion–though the conceptual questions could be discussed with only the textual material as background, exploration of the online material as well would deepen your understanding and capacity to contribute meaningfully to a discussion. You are also strongly encouraged to explore some of the advanced material listed under More Activities and Learning Resources. How much more to explore is only limited by your time, interest, ingenuity and motivation! Back to Top Case Abstract The study areas examined here are located on opposite sides of the Earth. The Persian Gulf, currently the world’s major producer of oil, is located in the Middle East, between 24° and 30° North latitude, and 48° and 56° East longitude. This shallow sea, connected to the Indian Ocean to the south, is surrounded by arid desert coastal plains and mountains. The Persian Gulf countries (Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates) contain more than two-thirds of the world’s known oil reserves, and over one-quarter of the known natural gas reserves. Currently, the region produces about 4.3 billion barrels of oil per year. Around 250 of the region’s known 300 oil deposits are in production. Sixty-nine of the oil fields are classified as giants (500 million to 5 billion barrels), 25 are supergiants (more than 5 billion barrels), at least 14 have known reserves greater than 10 billion barrels. The largest field, Ghawar in Saudi Arabia, has 83 billion barrels of oil. Hydrocarbons have been known and used in this region throughout human history, beginning with the use of surface oil seeps and deposits of solid bitumens. The first major modern discovery took place in Iran in 1908, with more discoveries throughout the region between 1932 and 1938. The Overthrust Belt and the adjacent Greater Green River Basin lie in the Rocky Mountains of the western United States, between about 41° and 44° North and 110° and 112° West latitude. Covering portions of Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho, they are regionally important producers of oil and natural gas, but do not contribute significantly to world production. Petroleum, in the form of "tar" or "oil springs," has been known in southwestern Wyoming since the early 1800s, and was used by westward-moving settlers to grease the wheels of their wagons. The first subsurface oil discovery in the Overthrust Belt was made by the Union Pacific Railroad Company while drilling for water in 1900. Significant discoveries were made in 1924 at the transition zone between the Overthrust Belt and the Green River Basin, but exploration was intermittent and most discoveries shallow until after World War II. Intensive modern exploration and development did not begin until 1975, with the discovery of oil and gas at Pineview Field in Utah. To date, twenty-nine oil and natural gas fields have been discovered in the Overthrust Belt, with twenty-four in production in 1995. The Greater Green River Basin to the east is primarily a producer of natural gas, with numerous producing fields scattered over a large area of southwestern Wyoming. Primary Objectives The primary focus of this case study is to foster an understanding of the origin and distribution of oil and gas in two very different geologic environments, and to explore the social, economic, and environmental issues associated with hydrocarbon exploration and production in both regions. Back to Top Conceptual Questions The key questions for you to examine are the following: What is the role of plate tectonics in the formation of oil and natural gas reserves? What geologic factors should be considered when evaluating the potential of an area for the presence of oil and natural gas? What about political and environmental factors? Are fossil fuels renewable resources? Is dependence on fossil fuels as a primary source of energy sustainable in the long-term? Why or why not? What are some possible ways of decreasing the dependence of the United States on fossil fuels without increasing other negative environmental, social, or political impacts? Back to Top How to Order the Casebook You can order the printed casebook and see other related resources from John Wiley & Sons, Inc at the following URL: www.wiley.com/college/ Back to Top GO TO THE VIRTUAL TOURS AND EXERCISES Created 7 March 1999 .