The overall objectives of this study are to define a coherent hydrogeologic framework from which a better understanding of the settings, mechanisms, and controls relating to the distribution of aquifers and hydrocarbons within the Wind River Basin can be gained, and to define play extensions and new exploration fairways. The Wind River Basin was stratigraphically subdivided into seven map units: Paleozoic, Jurassic/Triassic, Mowry/Muddy/Lakota, Frontier,Mesaverde/Meeteetse, Lance, and Tertiary, with higher-level groupings applied as required.

Specific objectives of the study were as follows:

• Place major play types into pertinent hydrogeologic domains and define relationships to regional aquifers; areas of recharge, discharge and cross-formational flow; and areas of relative overpressuring and underpressuring.
• Define boundaries of conventional and unconventional play types as they relate to the geology, structure and tectonics, source rocks, and maturation of the Wind River Basin.
• Identify zones and areas of potential stratigraphic traps.
• Identify potential fairways and extensions of existing play types.
• Identify new conceptual play types with specific hydrodynamic signatures.
• Apply regional hydrodynamics (meteoric recharge points, water chemistry, zones of biogenic activity) for coalbed methane (CBM) and shallow gas resource assessment.