Deep Drilling Through Cumberland Overthrust Block in Southwestern Virginia

Abstract

Since 1948, when gas was discovered in commercial quantity in Buchanan County, 180 wells have been completed in southwestern Virginia. Much of the area under development lies within the boundaries of the Cumberland overthrust block and 38 of the deeper wells have penetrated a zone of shearing near the base of the Devonian shale. This zone, which is very definitely indicated by strong gas blow-outs when drilled, is regarded as the sole of the Cumberland overthrust block.