Silurian and Devonian carbonate and chert rocks in the Permian Basin constitute a prolific hydrocarbon-bearing succession in West Texas and New Mexico. Production from nearly 650 reservoirs developed in these rocks totals almost 2 billion barrels of oil, and current estimates indicate that a similar amount of mobile oil remains in existing reservoirs. Recovery of this substantial resource hinges on a thorough understanding of the role depositional and diagenetic processes play in the development of reservoir heterogeneity.

Coalbed methane is playing an increasingly important role in meeting the energy needs of the United States. According to one estimate, this unconventional gas may supply 4-5% of the domestic natural gas in 1994. In the San Juan Basin, Fruitland Formation coal beds contain an estimated 43 to 49 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of methane. This basin is the most active area of coalbed methane development and production in the United States.