Geologic and Geochemical Studies of the New Albany Group (Devonian Black Shale) in Illinois to Evaluate Its Characteristics as a Source of Hydrocarbons. Quarterly Progress Report, January 1-March 31, 1980

Bergstrom, Robert E.; Shimp, Neil F.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/106942 Copy

Description

Title

Geologic and Geochemical Studies of the New Albany Group (Devonian Black Shale) in Illinois to Evaluate Its Characteristics as a Source of Hydrocarbons. Quarterly Progress Report, January 1-March 31, 1980

Author(s)

• Bergstrom, Robert E.
• Shimp, Neil F.

Issue Date

1980

Keyword(s)

• Fossil fuels
• New Albany shale
• Petroleum

Abstract

This project is a detailed analysis of the lithology, stratigraphy, and structure of the New Albany Group in Illinois to determine those characteristics of lithology, thickness, regional distribution, vertical and lateral variability, and deformation that are most relevant to the occurrence of hydrocarbons. The mineralogic and petrographic properties of the New Albany Shale in Illinois are characterized. This includes the quantitative and qualitative characterization, by optical and x-ray techniques, of the inorganic mineral constituents, the dispersed organic matter, and the fabric of the shale. Not less than 49 major, minor, and trace elements are determined in 300 to 500 shale samples, which are representative cross sections of the cores taken. Organic and mineral carbon are included; total hydrogen; total sulfur and when that exceeds 0.5%, pyritic and sulfate sulfur. Also, other elements observed during normal routine analysis are reported. The character of off-gases from approximately 10-foot intervals in cores collected in the Illinois Basin is determined. In addition, the relative distribution of hydrocarbons is determined in ten specially prepared core samples, which are the same as those in previous unit. The carbon isotopic composition of methane in off-gases is determined from core samples whenever sufficient methane can be collected. This data is compared to other pertinent data such as gas composition and vitrinite reflectance for the purpose of making interpretations as to the origin and maturity of the gas. Laboratory experiments are performed to study the relative effects and significance of chemical and isotopic fractionation that occurs as gas is released from core samples. Data accumulated can be evaluated to gain a better understanding of the origin, migration, and location of natural gas associated with the shales.

Publisher

Champaign, IL: Illinois State Geological Survey, Prairie Research Institute

Type of Resource

text

Language

en

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/106942

DOI

10.2172/5201889

Sponsor(s)/Grant Number(s)

Work performed under DOE contract DE-AC21-76-MC05203

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