Bibliography - J. W. Reeves
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Surface problems in the search for oil in Sussex, by J. W. Reeves, M.Sc., published 1948 in The Proceedings of the Geologists' Association London (no. 59 issue 4, article, pp.234-269) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 4700]   View Online

A search for oil resolves itself ultimately into a geological survey, but one where the controlling factor is of commercial rather than academic interest. This gives to it a difference, not so much of method or design, but rather of emphasis. The predominant concern of the oil geologist is a successfully producing oil well, the drilling of which is noted by his Company in 'cost per foot.' It is upon results in drilling that he will be judged and his value assessed. He tends to think, therefore, in three dimensions rather than in two, and measurements, in structure and thickness, assume a greater significance than is usual. His search is for facts, rather than opinions, and for detailed measurements on which he can base reasonably accurate forecasts. The drawing of sections enters largely into his scheme of things, for they will be the principal aid to the drilling department. From them he tries to indicate the presence of water, oil or gas shows, the occurrence of soft beds which may cause caving and, more particularly, the position of beds hard enough and thick enough to 'carry strings of casing.' Generally it is on such matters that his advice will be needed and consequently it is on them that his mind is directed in the field, although, naturally, he will find much of academic interest.

Subdivision of the Weald Clay in Sussex, by J. W. Reeves, published 1958 in The Proceedings of the Geologists' Association London (no. 69 issue 1, article, pp.1-16)   View Online

The monotonous nature and paucity of good exposures have discouraged attempts at subdivision of the Weald Clay in Sussex for more than a century. Using the oldest and youngest of a series of red clay bands occurring throughout the area as Index Horizons, the formation has been divided into three Groups. These are Group I, buff grey, Group II, red, and Group III, yellow. The detailed mapping of the Index Horizons and other beds has produced definite figures for thicknesses of the strata, and shown a very large increase in thickness as the formation is traced to the west and north-west from Eastbourne to Horsham. The Groups are lithological and have not yet been placed in any palaeontological zoning.

Subdivision of the Weald Clay in North Sussex, in Surrey and Kent, by J. W. Reeves, published 1968 in The Proceedings of the Geologists' Association London (no. 79 issue 4, article, pp.457-476)   View Online

The subdivision of the Weald Clay into three Groups, using the oldest and newest of a succession of red clay bands, so effective in Sussex, is only possible in the extreme west of this northern part of the Weald: in an area lying roughly between the Victoria-Brighton and the Lewes-Croydon railway lines and in Kent over some eighteen square miles, of which Headcorn is approximately the centre.
Over the whole of some fifty square miles of the outcrop to the north of Tunbridge Wells, red clays appear to be completely absent, although the other normal beds of the formation occur. Elsewhere parts of the three Groups have been traced. Red clays are occasionally recorded in the exploratory borings for the Kent Coalfield. The majority of these occur in the Hastings Beds. They form useful index horizons in attempted correlation.
The thickness of the Weald Clay decreases as it is traced eastward across the area, gradually at first and then more rapidly over the last few square miles. That a decrease is taking place to the north is shown from records of borings.