Conventional Wells in Virginia
In Virginia, Conventional Wells are wells that produce natural gas from zones other than coal. The oldest wells in the Commonwealth are conventional wells that have been producing since the 1950's. The picture to the left is a 1950's drill rig in Dickenson County, Virginia.
In conventional wells, natural gas migrates from the hydrocarbon source to rocks that act as a reservoir such as sandstones and fractured limestones (to learn more about how natural gas is formed, see our FAQ page).
Conventional wells in Virginia are typically 5,000-6,000 feet deep and target several formations such as the Lower Huron shale (Ohio Shale), Berea sandstone, Weir sandstone, Big Lime, Maxon sandstone, and Ravencliff sandstone.
The chart to the right is a geologic column prepared by the Virginia Division of Geology and Mineral Resources depicting the geologic ages, stratigraphic names and driller's common names for the main gas producing rock formations in the state.
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