What is that?

[hatchcanyon]

Two years ago we were in South Fork Coal Wash in the northwestern San Rafael Swell and saw this strange seep:

My question: Is this a Oil-(Tar-)seep? The fluid was bluish black.

 

[WasatchWill]

Interesting. Whatever it is, doesn't look or sound like something I'd trust my water filter with.

 

[Nick]

Before Glen Canyon was flooded, there was a spot near The Rincon called Oil Seep Bar. Crude oil just bubbled out of the ground in several spots there, catching bugs and lizards in it. Some folks came along in 1920 and tried to drill it but the flow was too slow and the operation went bust.

 

[hatchcanyon]

Thank you for the answer!

In the Swell we know another place named Oil Well Flat. It is located north of I 70, west of Buckhorn Road and east of Cane Wash