Moosetooth Geological Consulting

Maurits Thayer, president of Moosetooth Geological Consulting, has a deep-rooted connection to geology that began in rural southwest Wyoming, where he was raised. Growing up surrounded by these vast, rugged landscapes, he gained an innate understanding of the earth’s geological processes—a foundation that would shape his future. Today, Thayer combines this knowledge with years of hands-on experience and technical skills to deliver comprehensive geoscience services to his clients.

His extensive work across terrains like the Rocky Mountains and Permian Basin has refined his ability to integrate geological and geophysical data, transforming it into precise models for predicting reservoir performance.

It’s this holistic approach that sets Moosetooth apart. Clients rely on Thayer’s evaluations not just for surface-level assessments but to uncover the hidden potential of their assets, empowering them to make informed decisions about future development.

The consulting process often begins with picking formation tops from well logs. These serve as the framework for assessing the subsurface and geologic history of a study area. Insights into how the formations have been deformed from original horizontal bedding, known as structural analysis, can be obtained. The tops also serve to break out the stratigraphic section into individual parts where differences in rock type, both in a vertical and horizontal sense, can then be further evaluated.

Once the structural and stratigraphic foundations have been established, calculations can be made to assess rock types, porosity and fluid content (either oil, gas or water) within a specific part of the stratigraphic section. This petrophysical analysis is crucial in assessing the productivity of a formation. The company has an extensive background in building and applying robust petrophysical models in a variety of basins and depositional environments.

Moosetooth can also provide seismic interpretation services if the data is available or desired by the client. Seismic volumes enhance the clarity of the subsurface in several ways and are often an important element to the success of a project. Moosetooth generates synthetic seismograms to accurately tie seismic reflections to their proper geologic interval. The data is then interpreted with horizons and faults, which helps pinpoint potential hydrocarbon traps and guides the selection of future drilling locations. Overall, an interpreted seismic volume can provide a more detailed picture of the subsurface than from well logs alone.

The company also provides other services such as economic modeling, decline curve analysis, geochemical analysis and data management, which aids in integrating its quantitative-based approach to serving its clients.

“Evaluating organic shale is like cooking a steak—if it’s ‘cooked’ to the right level, say medium-rare or medium, it hits the sweet spot for generating hydrocarbons in an unconventional petroleum system. If the source rock is ‘undercooked,’ it’s not yet ready to produce, which is valuable information for our clients to have early on. This way, they know exactly when and how to capitalize on their resources,” says Thayer.

A prime example of Moosetooth’s comprehensive approach is its work with a client owning multiple assets across several Wyoming basins. Faced with uncertainty about their portfolio’s potential, the client sought Moosetooth’s expertise for a thorough evaluation. Leveraging its deep understanding of prospect evaluation, Moosetooth identified underperforming assets weighing down the client’s cash flow. With its guidance, the client strategically divested these low-potential assets, freeing up resources for more promising opportunities.

This strategic overhaul transformed the client’s financial health in just a year and a half, moving them from a severely cash flow negative position to cash flow neutral. Identifying promising prospects in the remaining acreage, Moosetooth helped the client stabilize and positioned them for future growth and value generation.

Thayer doesn’t just deliver reports; he collaborates closely with clients, translating complex geological data into actionable strategies while being approachable and responsive. In the high-stakes environment of oil and gas exploration, where trust and collaboration are essential, Thayer’s ability to connect on a personal level is as valuable as his technical skills, creating a partnership that drives long-term success.