Sedimentology as a natural hazard and how scientific predictions can save lives

Francis K. Rengers, PhD

US Geological Survey

Abstract:

 In 2020 the Grizzly Creek wildfire burned both sides of the narrow and deep Glenwood Canyon in Colorado, USA. Within the canyon there is a major Interstate Highway (I-70, the only east-west interstate highway across the state of Colorado), a major railroad (the Union Pacific), and a critical waterway (the Colorado River that supplies water to millions of downstream users). Within this canyon, there is a history of life-threatening postfire debris flows from two previous fires (the 1994 South Canyon Fire and the 2002 Coal Seam Fire) that both produced debris flows a few months following the wildfires. Based on this historical knowledge, several government agencies used their combined expertise to coordinate on life-safety decision-making following the Grizzly Creek Fire. After the Grizzly Creek Fire, nine large debris flows were triggered by rainstorms in the summer of 2021, followed by three small debris flows in the summer of 2023. Despite the disruptive postfire debris flow activity, there were no fatalities during these storms, which was largely due to a tiered strategy of hazard assessment/forecasting, monitoring, and adaptation. Many different government agencies worked together to share knowledge and inform decision-making to preserve life safety during these events, including: the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Geological Survey, Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), and the National Weather Service (NWS). Weather forecasts and estimates of debris-flow likelihood, volume, and triggering rainfall thresholds were used to anticipate the location, triggering rainfall, and debris flow volume. These forecasts were compared with rainfall monitoring, and a record of the storms that triggered debris flows to deliver warnings to the public and advise canyon closures. Specifically, if the NWS issued a watch, CDOT staff would be positioned at either end of the canyon, and then if the NWS upgraded the watch to a warning CDOT staff would close the highway. This helped to make sure that the public was out of the canyon when there was a potential for debris flows. As the burn area recovered the warnings were adapted based on observations from monitoring. This collaborative model may be helpful in future wildfire situations in areas with critical infrastructure where the mandate for life safety falls across multiple jurisdictions.

Bio

For the past 10+ years Francis Rengers has worked as a Research Geologist at the U.S. Geological Survey in the landslide hazard program (https://www.usgs.gov/programs/landslide-hazards).  Prior to the USGS, he spent time at a state agency (The Colorado Water Conservation Board), and in the private sector (Engineering and Hydrosystems, Inc. and Golder Associates). Rengers has undergraduate degrees in Geology and French from West Virginia University, an M.S. degree from Colorado State University in Fluvial Geomorphology, and a Ph.D. in Geoscience from the University of Colorado. Since 2014 he has worked on the topic of postfire debris flows in the Landslide Hazard Program at the USGS. He is active in AGU and GSA, recently serving as the Chair of the Environmental and Engineering Geology Division of the Geological Society of America (GSA) (2020-2024)

Registration is Closed

This is an in-person and online event!

The cost is $30.00 for current members and $40.00 for non-members. Web only Zoom registration is $10.00 ($5.00 for students). Unemployed individuals may sign up for lunch for just $20.00. Students may sign up for lunch for $20.00. Persons who do not wish to have lunch are welcome for a $20.00 fee. Walk-ins may purchase a lunch for the standard fees ($30.00 or $40.00) although quantities are limited. Walk-ins without a lunch are charged a $15.00 fee.

Please submit reservations by 5:00p.m. the Monday before the talk.

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Geologic Analysis for Geothermal Energy, with an Example from Blackburn Oil Field, Pine Valley, Nevada

Dr. Benjamin Burke-CEO Gradient Geothermal

Abstract:

The geoscience of geothermal energy is broad, much as petroleum geoscience is broad, and encompasses the genesis of heat on Earth relict from the formation of the planet and from the radioactive decay of uranium, potassium, and thorium. Heat flux from deep in the core, asthenosphere, and lower lithosphere is achieved by conduction and fluid-based convection of groundwaters. The processes of plate tectonics and the variable thickness of the crust mean that the geothermal gradient of temperatures from the surface down to temperature thresholds considered adequate for direct uses of heat as well as for geothermal-based power generation vary across the Earth. 

A geothermal system analysis, analogous to a petroleum system analysis, involves source, migration, and reservoir evaluation. Geothermal geoscience involves both regional and local methods for evaluation of resources. Regional methods are analogous to play-fairway analysis in petroleum systems. Local analysis is focused on wells and field(s), with a focus on how available resources are accessed by available or planned wells.

An example of geothermal analysis is the current project at Blackburn Oil Field. It is a mature oil field in Pine Valley, Nevada, south of Carlin and southwest of Elko. Discovered in 1982, the field was once one of the most prolific onshore oil fields in the United States producing from the Devonian-aged Nevada Dolomite and flowing naturally without artificial lift. Now, production at the field continues with water cuts above 99%. The field is the site of a US Department of Energy Geothermal Technologies Office 'Wells of Opportunity 2' project to demonstrate how existing oil fields can produce a megawatt of geothermal power load. The study involves subsurface seismic analysis, well log analysis, geochemical and tracer analysis as well as surface engineering analysis to determine how to most efficiently generate electrical power from hot produced fluids. The talk will also take a detour into the art and science of bottom hole temperature correction methods.

Bio

Dr Benjamin Burke is Chief Executive Officer of Gradient Geothermal, a geothermal technology company and service provider. He is trained as a geochemist and geologist and has worked in the environmental consulting, oil & gas, and geothermal industries for a total of 26 years, including at ExxonMobil in Houston, plus Noble Energy, Fifth Creek Energy, and HighPoint Resources here in Denver. He is also an affiliate professor at the Colorado School of Mines and a collaborating professor at Iowa State University.  In addition, Ben has served as a Board Member for the Denver Earth Resources Library and as First Vice President and President of the Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists. 

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Please submit reservations by 10:00 a.m. the Friday before the talk.

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Surfing the Western Interior Cretaceous Seaway: Re-examining our Paradigms on Shelf Processes and Deposits and Influences on Sand Movement

Lesli J. Wood-Colorado School of Mines, lwood@mines.edu

Abstract:

Engineering of wind farms, development of carbon sequestration projects in shelfal waters, the proliferation of communication cables that connect the world, these things are impacted by processes happening on the shelves of the world’s oceans. New directions in carbon sequestration are heavily focused on drilling and injecting in areas of our ocean shelves. This renewed activity suggest that it is time to re-examine what we know about shelf processes both updip-to-downdip and along shoreline, and the influence of shelf processes on erosion and transport of sediments. As climates change, it is the global shelves and shorelines of the world’s oceans that will be most impacted by that change, getting hit by processes from both the basinward side (ie., hurricanes, storms and sea level) and the landward side (river flows, storm sediment surges, etc.). This talk will examine the super[1]greenhouse time of Cretaceous-age storm-generated hyperpycnal flows and their interaction with Western Interior Cretaceous seafloor topography to shed light on how changing conditions will impact our global modern shelves. We will discuss observations that challenge us to think beyond our traditional “progradation and retrogradation” models of shoreline change. Insights gained from combined outcrop and subsurface studies and those from physical and numerical modelling will be used to illustrate advances in how we think about shelfal processes and sediment movements and challenge us to think about the future of global shelves and how they will respond to change. We will talk about what has been, what is and what might come and how it can impact the way we engineer our near shore and offshore world.

Bio

Lesli Wood is the Robert J. Weimer Distinguished Professor of Sedimentary and Petroleum Geology at Colorado School of Mines and associate department head in geology and geological engineering. She holds a doctorate from Colorado State University (1992), a master’s degree from the University of Arkansas (1988) and a bachelor’s degree from Arkansas Tech University (1985). Wood is the President-Elect of the national SEPM Society for Sedimentary Geology, where she previously served as secretary-treasurer.

After completion of her doctorate, Wood was employed with Amoco where she spent five years in exploration and operations working in Trinidad, Venezuela and Pakistan, then moved to the Upstream Technology Development team where she worked in basin analysis, reservoir characterization, sequence stratigraphy and coherency and spectral decomposition technology development. She left Amoco in 1997 and spent 18 and-a-half years with the Bureau of Economic Geology in the University of Texas at Austin, where she originated and directed the Quantitative Clastics Laboratory research group. In 2015, she moved her research group to Colorado School of Mines. Wood has experience managing numerous large government- and industry-supported research projects and she has led dozens of field and core workshops. Today she teaches an expanded menu of courses for the new energy landscape that include shelf hazards to engineering and installations, characterization of clastic reservoirs exploration and sequestration, subaqueous mass failures, seismic geomorphology, basin analysis and planetary geology.

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The cost is $30.00 for current members and $40.00 for non-members. Web only Zoom registration is $10.00 ($5.00 for students). Unemployed individuals may sign up for lunch for just $20.00. Students may sign up for lunch for $20.00. Persons who do not wish to have lunch are welcome for a $20.00 fee. Walk-ins may purchase a lunch for the standard fees ($30.00 or $40.00) although quantities are limited. Walk-ins without a lunch are charged a $15.00 fee.

Please submit reservations by 10:00 a.m. the Friday before the talk.

Reservations may be secured online or by e-mail at information@rmssepm.org

Student Research Symposium-Day 2  

Event from 3:00-5 pm

WHAT IS IT?: Student Research Symposium to provide a dedicated space to highlight student’s research

WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND?:  This is an excellent way for sharing ideas, networking, and having fun! 

WHO IS INVITED?  

• Students (undergraduate or graduate) interested in presenting ongoing or completed research related to sedimentology and stratigraphy.  

• Professionals interested in engaging & providing feedback and support to students.

WHEN/WHERE IS IT?: February 28th, 2025 3:00-5 pm. Please register to receive access.

Click the Dunes to Register Now!

Free to attend

Email questions to information@rmssepm.org

Student Research Symposium-Day 1

Event from 3:00-5 pm

WHAT IS IT?: Student Research Symposium to provide a dedicated space to highlight student’s research

WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND?:  This is an excellent way for sharing ideas, networking, and having fun! 

WHO IS INVITED?  

• Students (undergraduate or graduate) interested in presenting ongoing or completed research related to sedimentology and stratigraphy.  

• Professionals interested in engaging & providing feedback and support to students.

WHEN/WHERE IS IT?: February 26th, 2025 300-5 pm. Please register to receive access.

Click the Dunes to Register Now!

Free to attend

Email questions to information@rmssepm.org

Geothermal Exploration and Subsurface Structural Modeling

Emilie Gentry-TEVERRA

Abstract:

Geothermal exploration and subsurface structural modeling are critical processes for identifying and evaluating geothermal resources. This study focuses on the integration of geological, geophysical, and geochemical data to assess geothermal potential and develop accurate subsurface models. Geothermal exploration involves the analysis of surface expressions, temperature gradients, and fluid flow patterns, while subsurface structural modeling utilizes techniques such as seismic surveys, well logging, and 3D modeling to create a detailed representation of underground formations. The objective is to identify key parameters such as reservoir size, permeability, and heat distribution, which are essential for effective resource management and sustainable energy production. By combining advanced modeling tools with comprehensive exploration data, this approach enhances the understanding of geothermal reservoirs and supports informed decision-making in the development of geothermal energy projects.

Bio

Emilie Gentry, Senior Geothermal Geoscientist with TEVERRA providing geological mapping, resource assessment, and geothermal conceptual model development. Her technical expertise is structural and subsurface geology with experience in geologic research and oil and gas development, exploration, reservoir characterization, and regulatory affairs management. Emilie uses her knowledge in faults and structural geology and her experience in oil and gas to address major challenges in the geothermal industry and bring opportunity to the larger energy industry. She earned her B.Sc. in Geological Sciences from the University of Texas at Austin and her M.Sc. in Geology at the Colorado School of Mines.

Registration is open-Click the Dunes to Register!

This is an in-person and online event!

The cost is $30.00 for current members and $40.00 for non-members. Web only Zoom registration is $10.00 ($5.00 for students). Unemployed individuals may sign up for lunch for just $20.00. Students may sign up for lunch for $20.00. Persons who do not wish to have lunch are welcome for a $20.00 fee. Walk-ins may purchase a lunch for the standard fees ($30.00 or $40.00) although quantities are limited. Walk-ins without a lunch are charged a $15.00 fee.

Please submit reservations by 10:00 a.m. the Friday before the talk.

Reservations may be secured online or by e-mail at information@rmssepm.org

3D Basin modeling as a tool for geothermal resource screening in the denver basin

Rand Gardner-USGS

Abstract:

A 3D basin model was developed to evaluate geothermal resources within the Denver-Julesburg Basin. This evaluation utilizes legacy datasets generated by oil and gas developers alongside new paleoenvironmental studies to predict the depth and distribution of potential geothermal resource in the basin. A key benefit of basin modeling is that it provides lithology-based thermal properties, which helps improve temperature-depth profiles for geothermal studies.  Depth and isopach maps were created from formation tops for 24 depositional units across the basin to generate a 3D grid with approximately 800,000 cells. Lithologic properties derived from paleogeographic maps were assigned to each cell. Approximately 20,000 bottom-hole temperature (BHT) measurements were corrected using a Förster-type model. The resulting corrected temperatures ranged from 130°F to 436°F and nearby wells were grouped into equal-area cells to create robust temperature profiles for calibration. The model was simulated every 10mW-m2 from 50 to 80mW-m2 and the heat flow scenario that best matched the corrected temperature profile in each cell was selected and contoured into a heat flow map.  An aeromagnetic map was used to help guide the heat flow map along basement features where data was sparse. Results derived from the calibrated model indicate highly elevated heat flow in the Wattenberg field area. Depth to temperature maps were created for moderate- (≥194°F) and high-temperature (≥302°F) geothermal resource cut-offs. These maps suggest that in some areas, moderate and high-temperature resources may be as shallow as 4,000 and 7,000 feet, respectively. In contrast, geothermal resources in other areas of the basin are generally deeper for both temperature cut-offs. The resulting lithologic and temperature model for the Denver-Julesburg Basin identifies depth ranges where potential geothermal resources are likely to be located, with lithology further informing whether permeability is present. In layers with limited permeability, development strategies such as enhanced or engineered geothermal systems and deep closed-loop technologies may be viable.

Bio

Rand grew up in the oil patch where he learned the ins and outs of the energy industry. He worked for Big Oil as a wildcatter before joining the USGS in 2021 where he now leads a team doing research and resource assessments. He has done fieldwork and/or resource exploration in Suriname, Guyana, French Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, Spain, France, Turkey, Mexico, USA, and Canada.

Registration is open-Click the Dunes to Register!

This is an in-person and online event!

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Please submit reservations by 10:00 a.m. the Friday before the talk.

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Using the Relationship Between Geochemical and Pressure Data to Elucidate Produced Oil Sources and Movement in the Subsurface

Dr. Sarah Compton-FractureID

Abstract:

Understanding how and why fluids move in the subsurface is key to characterizing and most efficiently developing an operator’s acreage. In the DJ Basin, oil from the Niobrara and Codell likely has a common source, and their reservoirs are likely in communication with each other. Great Western Petroleum, a pure-play DJ operator, designed the Wilson project in 2019 through a structurally calm area, with one large graben cutting the full section along the toes of the wells, to characterize fluid movement in space and time. In 2020, data from eight parent wells on the nearby Postle pad was added. This pad is characterized by several faults cutting the full section at various spots along the lateral. The case studies show differences in fluid communication despite similar completion methods, perhaps relating to different structural settings.

Bio

Sarah Compton is a geoscientist in Morrison, CO who currently works full-time with FractureID and publishes the weekly AAPG tech and innovation newsletter called Enspired. She completed an NSF iCorps Starting Blocks cohort in spring of ‘23 and was invited to present her business proposition for a SAGE mentorship group, which she was awarded and is currently working with while she actively develops her own software. The target customer is small to medium operators, and she is happy to discuss that in more detail afterwards.

Sarah earned her PhD in geology from the University of Alabama, using linear inversions to focus on the impacts of different model setups of finite element models using Hekla Volcano in Iceland. Her MS and BS in geology were earned at IUPUI focusing on the crustal evolution of southern and southeastern California using igneous petrology.

Registration is open until 10:00 am, Friday prior to Event

This is an in-person and online event!

The cost is $30.00 for current members and $40.00 for non-members. Web only Zoom registration is $10.00 ($5.00 for students). Unemployed individuals may sign up for lunch for just $20.00. Students may sign up for lunch for $20.00. Persons who do not wish to have lunch are welcome for a $20.00 fee. Walk-ins may purchase a lunch for the standard fees ($30.00 or $40.00) although quantities are limited. Walk-ins without a lunch are charged a $15.00 fee.

Please submit reservations by 10:00 a.m. the Friday before the talk.

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Environmental and Microbial Influence on Chemistry and Dolomite Formation in an Ancient Lake, Green River Formation (Eocene), Uinta Basin, Utah

Maxwell Pommer*, J. Frederick Sarg, Forrest McFarlin

Department of Geology and Geological Engineering, Colorado School of Mines

maxwell.pommer@gmail.com

*currently at Premier Corex, University of Colorado Boulder

Abstract:

Integrated stratigraphic, petrographic, and geochemical data allow interpretation of biogeochemical and mineralization processes in paleoenvironmental context of ancient lacustrine environments. These indicate lake chemistry, microbial processes, and organic matter (OM) strongly influenced dolomite formation in near-surface environments throughout deposition of the Green River Formation (Eocene, Uinta basin, Utah).

The lower Green River Formation consists of interbedded fluvio-deltaic siliciclastics, paleosols, carbonate mud, coated-grain carbonates, mollusc and ostracod limestones, and microbialites all landward of profundal OM-bearing illitic mudrocks. Calcite, dolomite, Fe-dolomite, and authigenic feldspars are common. Carbonate δ18O and δ13C are covariant, and positive excursions of carbonate δ13C (up to 6.9‰VPDB) and organic-matter δ15N (up to 13.9‰V-AIR) occur in profundal OM-bearing mudrocks. 

The upper Green River Formation consists mainly of laminated OM-lean and OM-rich dolomitic muds (i.e., “oil-shales”). Zoned dolomite crystals with Mg-calcite centers and Fe-dolomite rims are widespread in addition to authigenic feldspars, and Na-carbonates. Carbonate δ13C-enrichment (up to 15.8‰VPDB), and organic-matter δ15N-enrichment (up to 18.4‰V-AIR) occur in these OM-rich dolomite muds. Organic-matter δ13C is relatively invariable (mean = -29.3‰VPDB) and does not covary with carbonate δ13C.

Trends in mineralogy, organic-matter abundance, and stable isotopes result from changing hydrologic systems, paleoclimate, lake chemistry and microbial processes coincident with the Early Eocene Climate Optimum. The lower Green River Formation paleo-lake was smaller in area and volume, heavily influenced by meteoric fluvial input, variably oxygenated, and ranged from neutral and fresh to alkaline and saline. Especially in littoral environments with abundant microbialites, dolomite formed through recrystallization of precursor carbonate involving both replacement of precursor carbonate and direct precipitation as cements and overgrowths. The upper Green River Formation paleo-lake was more expansive with widespread low-oxygen, nutrient-rich, and alkaline saline environments with increased planktic organic-matter productivity. Microbial decay of organic matter in low-oxygen environments produced alkaline lake waters through methanogenesis, possible denitrification, and microbial sulfate reduction to a limited degree. This favored precipitation of widespread dolomite, as well as Na-carbonates, authigenic feldspars, and analcime from lake water and phreatic pore water. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) excreted by microbial communities provided favorable nucleation sites for Mg-carbonate, allowing kinetic barriers of low-temperature dolomite formation to be overcome. Cycling of pH due to turnover of organic matter and associated microbial processes potentially bolstered EPS generation and abiotic environmental conditions favorable to dolomite precipitation. It is likely that metastable precursor carbonate was recrystallized to ordered dolomite, but it is possible that direct precipitation occurred. Fe-dolomite overgrowths precipitated after dolomite where microbial Fe reduction occurred in stagnant, oxygen-depleted, alkaline pore waters.

Pommer, M., Sarg J.F., McFarlin, F., Environmental and Microbial Influence on Lake Chemistry and Dolomite Formation in the Green River Formation (Eocene), Uinta Basin, Utah. Journal of Sedimentary Research, v.93, no.4, 2023, p. 213-242.

Biography: Max is a geologist who evaluates fluid-reservoir systems and Earth’s history with integrated stratigraphic, petrologic, and geochemical methods. His research spans a broad range of topics including pore-system evolution, linking diagenesis and sequence stratigraphy, the origin of dolomite, as well as paleoenvironmental and biogeochemical dynamics.

Currently, he is a senior Geological Advisor and Lead Sedimentologist at Premier Corex, as well as a Faculty Lecturer at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he instructs a course in Petroleum and Transitional Reservoir Geology. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado Boulder, a master’s degree from The University of Texas at Austin, and a doctorate from Colorado School of Mines. Previously he was a Postdoctoral Researcher at Colorado School of Mines and has been a consultant in industry since 2011.

Registration is open until 10:00 am, Friday prior to Event

This is an in-person and online event!

The cost is $30.00 for current members and $40.00 for non-members. Web only Zoom registration is $10.00 ($5.00 for students). Unemployed individuals may sign up for lunch for just $20.00. Students may sign up for lunch for $20.00. Persons who do not wish to have lunch are welcome for a $20.00 fee. Walk-ins may purchase a lunch for the standard fees ($30.00 or $40.00) although quantities are limited. Walk-ins without a lunch are charged a $15.00 fee.

Please submit reservations by 10:00 a.m. the Friday before the talk.

Reservations may be secured online or by e-mail at information@rmssepm.org

The Niobrara Formation – organic matter enrichment in proximal highstand and distal lowstand deposits

Dr. Kira Timm

USGS Central Energy Resources Science Center

Abstract:

The Late Cretaceous Niobrara Formation represents one of the Western Interior Seaway’s major transgressive-regressive cycles, containing within it four third-order cycles. As a regionally extensive formation, lithology changes laterally and stratigraphically, dependent upon intrabasinal and extrabasinal sediment source. In areas distal to the Sevier highlands, lithologies contain greater intrabasinal input, consisting of peloidal chalks composed of coccolithophores, foraminifera, and other calcareous bioclasts. Proximal lithologies contain greater extrabasinal input and consist of peloidal carbonates in an argillaceous-silicious matrix.

The proximal Sand Wash and Washakie Basins contain Niobrara deposits from the foredeep. Here organic matter (OM) enrichment occurred in calcareous mudstones deposited during highstand conditions with marine OM primarily tied to calcareous peloids and terrestrial OM matter contained within the argillaceous-silicious matrix. Within the Denver Basin’s distal ramp environments, OM enrichment occurred in lowstand marls. Despite different eustatic conditions, the organic-rich formations are mineralogically similar, consisting of mixed carbonate mudstones.

Petrographic analysis indicates transport of OM with mineralogical components prior to deposition and preservation. During highstands, the proximal foredeep received less detrital input, less bottom water oxygenation, and westward transport of calcareous peloids and OM. In the distal ramp, oxic bottom water conditions reduced OM preservation. During lowstands, high detrital input into the foredeep buried but diluted OM. On the distal ramp, OM was transported eastward with hyperpycnal clays into dysoxic to anoxic bottom waters resulting in excellent OM preservation. While pelagic deposition is implicit in intrabasinal deposits, sedimentary structures and OM-mineralogic connection implies reworking and transport within the Niobrara.

Biography:

Kira Timm is a geologist with the U.S. Geological Survey working on the National and Global Assessment team in Lakewood, Colorado. Her research focuses on the Cretaceous strata of the Rocky Mountain region, with an emphasis in mudstone geology and petrography. In addition to research and hydrocarbon assessments, Kira runs one the of the USGS microscope labs where she enjoys the little things in life. Though not a Colorado native, she has been a Colorado geologist since moving to Denver in 2012 and obtaining her PhD in petroleum geology at the Colorado School of Mines in 2018.

Registration is open until 10:00 am, Friday prior to Event

This is an in-person and online event!

The cost is $30.00 for current members and $40.00 for non-members. Web only Zoom registration is $10.00 ($5.00 for students). Unemployed individuals may sign up for lunch for just $20.00. Students may sign up for lunch for $20.00. Persons who do not wish to have lunch are welcome for a $20.00 fee. Walk-ins may purchase a lunch for the standard fees ($30.00 or $40.00) although quantities are limited. Walk-ins without a lunch are charged a $15.00 fee.

Please submit reservations by 10:00 a.m. the Friday before the talk.

Reservations may be secured online or by e-mail at information@rmssepm.org

Student Research Symposium-Day 2  

Event from 3:30-5 pm

WHAT IS IT?: Student Research Symposium to provide a dedicated space to highlight student’s research

WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND?:  This is an excellent way for sharing ideas, networking, and having fun! 

WHO IS INVITED?  

• Students (undergraduate or graduate) interested in presenting ongoing or completed research related to sedimentology and stratigraphy.  

• Professionals interested in engaging & providing feedback and support to students.

WHEN/WHERE IS IT?: March 8th, 2024 3:30-5 pm. Please register to receive access.

Click the Dunes to Register Now!

Free to attend

Email questions to information@rmssepm.org

Student Research Symposium-Day 1

Event from 3:30-5 pm

WHAT IS IT?: Student Research Symposium to provide a dedicated space to highlight student’s research

WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND?:  This is an excellent way for sharing ideas, networking, and having fun! 

WHO IS INVITED?  

• Students (undergraduate or graduate) interested in presenting ongoing or completed research related to sedimentology and stratigraphy.  

• Professionals interested in engaging & providing feedback and support to students.

WHEN/WHERE IS IT?: March 6th, 2024 3:30-5 pm. Please register to receive access.

Click the Dunes to Register Now!

Free to attend

Email questions to information@rmssepm.org

Incorporation of detailed lithologic description in heterogenous fine-grained lithologies with DeltaLogR and improved calculations of carbon burial

Dr. Jason Flaum

USGS Central Energy Resources Science Center

Abstract:

Since the discovery of world-class hydrocarbon reservoirs within fine-grained rocks there has been a concerted effort to improve our understanding of the heterogeneity in composition, texture, and structure of these lithologies.  Such improved characterization has led to several paradigm shifts in interpretations of the depositional processes and environments associated with the occurrence of carbon-rich rocks in the geologic past.  These paradigm shifts have resulted in improved exploration and development of both continuous resources and conventional resources via application to the assessment of source rocks. 

Prior to the recent paradigm shifts mentioned above organic-rich fine-grained rocks were interpreted to be homogenous and having been deposited in quiescent oxygen deficient environments.  Such interpretations were the basis of many of the tools developed for the exploration of source rocks.  One such tool is DeltaLogR, a petrophysics based method of calculating organic-richness of mudstones.  Originally developed for assessment of organic-richness in homogenous, argillaceous lithologies, application of DeltaLogR to heterogenous calcareous lithologies that are typically associated with Mesozoic continuous resource plays has proven difficult.  In particular, two primary limiting factors have been identified: 1. Establishing a proper baseline; and 2. False positives associated with resistivity increasing at a greater percentage than sonic in cemented limestones.

In this study we present detailed lithologic and geochemical descriptions of Cenomanian-Turonian aged calcareous mudstones from the Greenhorn Formation of the USGS #1 Portland Core.  These descriptions are then utilized to establish proper recognition criteria for the identification of proper baseline units and false positive DeltaLogR values throughout the study interval.  Utilization of proper baseline units and removal of false positive values in the Greenhorn Formation allowed for accurate determination of organic carbon concentrations throughout the unit when compared to measured values.  The methodology presented in this study demonstrates that the DeltaLogR method can be an essential tool for evaluating organic carbon concentrations over a range of lithologies. 

Bio:

Jason Flaum is a research sedimentologist at the USGS Central Energy Resources Science Center in Lakewood Colorado.  Following completion of his PhD at Northwestern University he spent 11 years in industry at ExxonMobil and TOTAL evaluating continuous resource plays and source rock evaluations around the world.  He has now been at the USGS since September, 2020 where he is part of an integrated research team utilizing inorganic and organic geochemistry, sedimentology, petrography, and petrophysics to evaluate the depositional processes and environments associated with the accumulation of organic and inorganic carbon-rich strata during extreme climate events throughout the Phanerozoic. 

Registration is open until 10:00 am, Friday prior to Event

This is an in-person and online event!

The cost is $30.00 for current members and $40.00 for non-members. Web only Zoom registration is $10.00 ($5.00 for students). Unemployed individuals may sign up for lunch for just $20.00. Students may sign up for lunch for $20.00. Persons who do not wish to have lunch are welcome for a $20.00 fee. Walk-ins may purchase a lunch for the standard fees ($30.00 or $40.00) although quantities are limited. Walk-ins without a lunch are charged a $15.00 fee.

Please submit reservations by 10:00 a.m. the Friday before the talk.

Reservations may be secured online or by e-mail at information@rmssepm.org

CO2 storage potential in the DJ Basin: Screening, Reservoir Characterization and Geologic Modeling of the Lyons Sandstone

Presented by Jason Eleson

GeoIntegra Group

Abstract:

The DJ basin holds great potential for CO2 storage, but not all locations or reservoir targets are suitable. This study focuses on the Lyons Sandstone, viewed by many as a suitable target for CCS (CO2 Capture and Storage). Regional data were used to highlight areas with thicker (mostly eolian) sandstones at suitable temperatures and pressures to hold supercritical CO2. A focus area was identified that contained sufficient well control and core data to perform more detailed, reservoir-scale mapping and petrophysical characterization to build a 3D geocellular model. This resulting geologic model was simulated with CO2 injection to evaluate the impact of reservoir quality variations imparted by the eolian depositional setting. Initial results indicate favorable conditions for CO2 storage, but additional structural and stratigraphic characterization plus drilling and completion concepts is recommended to refine most likely outcomes.

Bio: Jason Eleson is the founder of the GeoIntegra Group, a group of senior geoscientists that specialize in tackling tough energy transition projects with a focus on CCS. He is also the chief geoscientist for the EnergyFuse Group, an advisory team provides industry with state-of-the-art integrated project, technical and commercial services required to plan, design, implement, operate and post-appraise energy transition projects in areas encompassing carbon management, enhanced recovery (EOR) and conventional, and unconventional hydrocarbons.  Jason has over 20 years of subsurface experience, and has worked for ExxonMobil, Enverus and Caerus Oil and Gas. He is the current 2nd VP-Elect of RMAG and former president of RMS-SEPM.

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