Date of Award

4-2013

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Geological and Environmental Sciences

First Advisor

Dr. David A. Barnes

Second Advisor

Dr. William B. Harrison, III

Third Advisor

Dr. G. Michael Grammer

Keywords

Sylvania, sandstone, sedimentology, dolomite, stratigraphy

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

The early-Middle Devonian Sylvania “Sandstone” is considered a target for potential CO2 geosequestration. In order to develop geostatic models for CO2 injection simulations, controls on reservoir properties must be addressed. The three objectives of this study involve: 1) develop an overview of depositional lithofacies and their vertical stacking relationships, 2) determine fluid sources and controls of diagenesis (dolomitization and silicification), and 3) examine geological controls on the distribution and character of reservoir facies.

The grossly transgressive Sylvania-Bois Blanc interval is a complex lithologic assemblage. Sylvania “Sandstone” strata transition from high energy, subtidal to lower-intertidal mixed carbonate-siliciclastic facies to more distal, subtidal, mixed biogenic cherty carbonate facies of the Bois Blanc Formation down dip from the Southwest to the Northeast in the Michigan basin. Silicified collapse breccia represents an unconformable boundary of unknown stratigraphic significance between the subjacent Bois Blanc Formation and superjacent Sylvania “Sandstone”.

Reservoir properties are primarily controlled by intensive dolomitization resulting in homogeneous porosity distribution among various lithofacies. Sucrosic dolomite and dolomitic quartz sandstone comprise the primary reservoirs while altered, highly porous chert comprises an unconventional reservoir.

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