Date of Award

8-1985

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Geological and Environmental Sciences

First Advisor

Dr. W. B. Harrison

Second Advisor

Dr. W. T. Straw

Third Advisor

Dr. J. Grace

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

The depositional system of the Middle Devonian Richfield Member of Lucas Formation in the Michigan Basin was delineated using well logs, cores, drillers' records, and the literature. The Richfield Member was deposited in Sabkha and lagoonal environments characterized by cycles of anhydrite, dolomite, and limestone. Seven significant productive dolomitic zones, interbedded with anhydrite and limestone can be correlated throughout the study area. These zones change laterally to anhydrite towards the west flank and to dense limestone towards the east flank of the basin. Post-depositional diagenetic history of the Richfield was established with the aid of scanning electron microscopy and electron probe analysis.

SEM and electron probe analysis revealed two stages of dolomitization that were formed in the Richfield particularly in central part of basin. This study represents detailed regional research of the Richfield Member in the Michigan Basin and it is hoped that it will provide some information for further investigation of the Richfield Member in Michigan Basin.

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