Cores from deep stratigraphic test wells provide an excellent basis for determination of source-rock quality and thermal maturity of potential hydrocarbon source rocks in the Palo Duro Basin. Total organic carbon (TOC) content in Pennsylvanian and Wolfcampian rocks is highest in basinal shales. TOC values greater than 0.5 percent are common, which indicates that Palo Duro Basin shales contain sufficient organic matter to serve as source beds. Microscopic identification indicates that vitrinite, herbaceous material, and amorphous organic matter are the most abundant types of kerogen.

This folded transparent map is at the same scale as its corresponding Geologic Atlas of Texas (GAT) sheet and can be superimposed on it to compare gravity information with surface geology.

This folded transparent map is at the same scale as its corresponding Geologic Atlas of Texas (GAT) sheet and can be superimposed on it to compare gravity information with surface geology.

This folded transparent map is at the same scale as its corresponding Geologic Atlas of Texas (GAT) sheet and can be superimposed on it to compare gravity information with surface geology.