Geostatistical analysis of gas potential in Devonian shales of West Virginia

The geologic processes that control the occurrence of gas in the Devonian shales of West Virginia are understood poorly. Locating a new Devonian shale well may depend upon proximity to known producing wells. Maps of initial potentials and probability of success can play an important role in exploration and development. Experimental semivariograms show large nugget effects for both variables. Contour maps of kriged estimates for these variables show northeast-southwest and northwest-southeast-trending linearities that may implicate natural fractures as controls on gas presence and production potential. ?? 1986.