Geologic characterization of the hydrocarbon resource potential of the Upper Cretaceous Tuscaloosa marine shale in Mississippi and Louisiana, U.S.A.
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Abstract
Recent oil production from the Upper Cretaceous Tuscaloosa marine shale (TMS) has elevated the formation, previously assessed by the USGS in 2011 as part of the Eagle Ford Group, to its own distinct assessment unit for an upcoming assessment. Geologic characterization in preparation for the 2017 assessment has included the analysis of rock samples and produced oils, and the interpretation of well logs and biostratigraphic data. Results include new mapped extents of the reservoir, which reaches a maximum thickness of almost 500 feet in southern Mississippi and central Louisiana, and geochemical interpretations which support a self-sourced origin for high gravity (36-48 API) low sulfur oil. Programmed pyrolysis and petrography indicate the TMS contains dominantly Type III gas-prone kerogen with some Type II oil-prone kerogen present in the most organic-rich samples. TMS samples contain an average of 47 weight percent total clays, had organic carbon content which ranged from 0.14 to 4.0 weight percent, and had a thermal maturity of 0.57 to 0.99 percent vitrinite reflectance in the productive area. These characteristics were the same for the TMS within an area defined as a “high resistivity zone” and outside of it. These results will be integral to the planned USGS assessment of the TMS.
Suggested Citation
Enomoto, C.B., Hackley, P.C., Valentine, B.J., Rouse, W.A., Dulong, F.T., Lohr, C., Hatcherian, J.J., 2017, Geologic characterization of the hydrocarbon resource potential of the Upper Cretaceous Tuscaloosa marine shale in Mississippi and Louisiana, U.S.A., in Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies Transactions, v. 67, San Antonio, TX, November 1-3, 2017, p. 95-109.
| Publication type | Conference Paper |
|---|---|
| Title | Geologic characterization of the hydrocarbon resource potential of the Upper Cretaceous Tuscaloosa marine shale in Mississippi and Louisiana, U.S.A. |
| Volume | 67 |
| Year Published | 2017 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies |
| Contributing office(s) | Eastern Energy Resources Science Center |
| Description | 15 p. |
| Larger Work Type | Conference Paper |
| Larger Work Subtype | Conference Paper |
| Larger Work Title | Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies Transactions |
| First page | 95 |
| Last page | 109 |
| Conference Title | 67th annual GCAGS convention and 64th annual GCSSEPM meeting |
| Conference Location | San Antonio, TX |
| Conference Date | November 1-3, 2017 |
| Other Geospatial | Tuscaloosa Marine Shale |