Thermal History of the Michigan Basin: Results from Thermal Maturation Data and Geodynamic Modelling
Date of Award
6-2015
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Geological and Environmental Sciences
First Advisor
Dr. Michelle A. Kominz
Second Advisor
Dr. Dave A. Barnes
Third Advisor
Dr. William B. Harrison III
Keywords
Michigan, Basin, Geodynamic, Maturation, Heat
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
Thermal cooling, crustal convection, high temperature fluid advection, and 1.0 Km of eroded overburden are required to explain thermal maturation observations in the Michigan Basin. Observed tectonic subsidence in central Michigan follows an exponential decay indicative of thermal cooling following an anomalous heating event. Crustal convection is responsible for episodes of rapid subsidence coincident with the late Paleozoic Appalachian orogeny. Fluid advection through dilated faults reactivated by the Alleghanian orogeny brought hot fluids (as much as 255⁰ C) to the surface and impacted thermal maturation of organic matter in sediments. Models require 1.0 Km of eroded overburden to model thermal conditions and porosities in the basin. Thermal maturation data (1149 samples, in 32 formations/groups, from 128 wells) show irregular distribution directly above and adjacent to the Midcontinent rift. Results of short (
Recommended Citation
Wagenvelt, Kirk A., "Thermal History of the Michigan Basin: Results from Thermal Maturation Data and Geodynamic Modelling" (2015). Masters Theses. 611.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/611