Course Details
This field trip compares the Marcellus Shale along a transect from distal, organic-rich condensed mudstone facies to proximal silty-shale facies. At each stop, we discuss various aspects of mudstone evaluation including the application of sequence stratigraphy; organic and inorganic geochemistry and their use for understanding depositional environments; and structural aspects of mudstones, including the pervasive sets of systematic joints hosted by the Marcellus Shale. Moreover, these geological aspects are discussed as they relate to the life cycle of an unconventional reservoir, from exploration to drilling and completions, and finally production. This course also takes the time to focus on the grey shale facies of the overlying Hamilton Group. We will discuss examples of dynamic stratigraphy in shale dominated successions including the intermittent occurrence of reservoir quality black shale, and the expansion of stratigraphic sections over short distances. Finally, we will look at horizontal and vertical permeability pathways in the form of pyritic lag deposits flooring and within black shale facies, and gas chimneys associated with hydrocarbon generation.
Who Should Attend
• Geologists • Geophysicists
• Petrophysicists
• Engineers
This course is designed for those who wish to understand the methods used to apply geologic analyses of organic-rich mudstones to exploration, development, drilling, completions, and production.