Date of Defense

12-5-2025

Date of Graduation

12-2025

Department

Geosciences

First Advisor

Stephen Kaczmarek

Second Advisor

Peter Voice

Third Advisor

Heather Petcovic

Abstract

This study presents a detailed petrological characterization of a short core section (10,323-10,325 ft) from the Prevost 1-11, Bay County, Michigan. This work is part of a broader carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) project to determine whether the Glenwood Formation could be an effective confining unit (CU) for carbon dioxide (CO2) injection in the underlying St. Peter Sandstone. The methods used to collect petrological data include standard core description, Xray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), thin section microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) including backscattered electron (BSE), energydispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and secondary electron (SE) modes. These textural, mineralogical, and compositional data indicate that the section of rock investigated is a bioturbated, Quartzarenite devoid of fossils and primary sedimentary structures. The framework grains exhibit a bimodal size distribution from fine to coarse sand. The compositional data from XRF indicate the rock is composed of SiO2 (85% -93%), MgCO3 (3.4%-7.6%), Al2O3 (0.7%- 3.4%), and K2O (0.4%-2.1%). Mineralogical data from thin section and XRD indicate the rock is composed of quartz, dolomite cement, pyrite, and small amounts of calcite. Petrographic observations and the XRF elemental data also suggest the presence of approximately 10% clay matrix. The rock has a low amount of visual porosity, likely resulting from compaction and cementation. Based on the observations, the depositional environment of the rock was most likely a high-energy shallow-water environment. The data suggest that the Glenwood Formation was deposited in a stable continental craton setting.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Open Access

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