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At least 703 records · Page 39Linked to original sources

Hydrologic reconnaissance of the Wasatch Plateau-Book Cliffs coal-fields area, Utah

Data obtained during a hydrologic reconnaissance in 1975-77 in the Wasatch Plateau-Book Cliffs coal area of Utah were correlated with existing long-term data. Maps were prepared showing average precipitation, average streamflow, stream temperature, ground- and surface-water quality, sediment yield, and geology. Recommendations were made for additional study and suggested approaches for continued monitoring in the coal areas. During the 1931-75 water years, the minimum discharges for the five major streams that head in the area ranged from about 12,000 to 26,000 acre-feet per year, and the maximum discharges ranged from about 59,000 to 315,000 acre-feet per year. Correlations indicate that 3 years of low-flow records at stream sites in the Wasatch Plateau would allow the development of relationships with long-term sites that can be used to estimate future low-flow records within a standard error of about 20 percent. Most water-quality degradation in streams occurs along the flanks of the Wasatch Plateau and Book Cliffs. In the uplands, dissolved-solids concentrations generally ranged from less than 100 to about 250 milligrams per liter, and in the lowlands the concentrations ranged from about 250 to more than 6,000 milligrams per liter. In the lowland areas, the Ferron Sandstone Member of the Mancos Shale appears to have the most potential for subsurface development of water of suitable chemical quality for human consumption. Three wells in the Ferron yielded water with dissolved-solids concentrations ranging from about 650 to 1,230 milligrams per liter.

Utah↗

Source rock potential of upper cretaceous marine shales in the Wind River Basin, Wyoming: Chapter 8 in Petroleum systems and geologic assessment of oil and gas resources in the Wind River Basin Province, Wyoming

Seventy-eight samples collected from marine shales from the Cretaceous Mowry Shale, the lower part of the Frontier Formation, and the lower shaly and upper sandy members of the Cody Shale in the Wind River Basin, Wyoming, were analyzed using Rock-Eval and total organic carbon analysis to determine the source rock potential. Results indicate that the Mowry Shale has a generative potential based on organic richness that is considered to be fair to very good, and hydrogen indices and S 2 /S 3 ratios indicate a capability to generate both oil and gas. Maps of the Mowry indicate that it is most organic rich and oil-prone in the eastern part of the basin. Results of total organic carbon and Rock-Eval analyses for the Frontier Formation indicate that it is composed of mainly type III gas-prone kerogen, with organic richness levels that are generally poor to fair. Results of similar analyses of samples from the lower shaly member of the Cody Shale show a generative potential ranging from fair to excellent, and hydrogen indices and S 2 /S 3 ratios indicate that it is capable of generating both oil and gas. Maps showing the distribution of kerogen types and organic richness for the lower shaly member of the Cody Shale are similar to the Mowry and show that lower shaly member of the Cody is more organic rich and more oil-prone in the eastern part of the basin. Analyses of samples of the upper sandy member of the Cody Shale indicate that it has little or no potential as a source rock. Thermal maturity mapping based on vitrinite reflectance measurements in the coal-bearing post-Cody Upper Cretaceous and Paleocene rocks shows that Upper Cretaceous marine shales in the deeper parts of the Wind River Basin are thermally mature to overmature with respect to hydrocarbon generation.

Wyoming↗

Thermal maturity map of the lower part of the Upper Cretaceous Mesaverde Group, Uintah Basin, Utah

The ability of rock to generate oil and gas is directly related to the type and quantity of kerogen and to its thermal maturity; therefore, thermal maturity is a commonly used tool for oil and gas exploration. The purpose of this study ws to provide a thermal-maturity map for the lower part of the Upper Cretaceous Mesaverde Group in the eastern part of the Uinta Basin. Prior to this study, thermal-maturity data were not available for the Uinta Basin. This study uses coal rank to show the thermal maturity of the associated rocks. The map was prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy under its western gas sands project.

Utah↗

Coal geology and assessment of coal resources and reserves in the Powder River Basin, Wyoming and Montana

This report presents the final results of the first assessment of both coal resources and reserves for all significant coal beds in the entire Powder River Basin, northeastern Wyoming and southeastern Montana. The basin covers about 19,500 square miles, exclusive of the part of the basin within the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservations in Montana. The Powder River Basin, which contains the largest resources of low-sulfur, low-ash, subbituminous coal in the United States, is the single most important coal basin in the United States. The U.S. Geological Survey used a geology-based assessment methodology to estimate an original coal resource of about 1.16 trillion short tons for 47 coal beds in the Powder River Basin; in-place (remaining) resources are about 1.15 trillion short tons. This is the first time that all beds were mapped individually over the entire basin. A total of 162 billion short tons of recoverable coal resources (coal reserve base) are estimated at a 10:1 stripping ratio or less. An estimated 25 billion short tons of that coal reserve base met the definition of reserves, which are resources that can be economically produced at or below the current sales price at the time of the evaluation. The total underground coal resource in coal beds 10–20 feet thick is estimated at 304 billion short tons.

Montana, Wyoming↗

Palynological investigations in the Pennsylvanian of Kentucky - VII

This is the seventh open-file report concerned primarily with palynological analyses of Pennsylvanian coals, shales, and underclays. It is part of the cooperative mapping project between Kentucky and the U. S. Geological Survey. This report contains palynological analyses of samples from Wise, Norton, Appalachia, and Keokee quadrangles in Virginia as well as from Roxana, Benham, Pennington Gap, Louellen, Williamsburg, and Saxton quadrangles of eastern Kentucky. Two sets of samples were examined from localities in the Jellico West quadrangle of Tennessee, and four sets-of samples were examined from South Hill and Cromwell quadrangles of western Kentucky. A total of 138 samples have been run and more than 13,250 specimens identified and counted. All analyses completed since the release of Open-file Report VI are included in this report. Other reports will be placed in open-file when they are completed and released for general use.

Open-File Report↗

Calorific value and compositional ultimate analysis with a case study of a Texas lignite

Measurements to determine coal quality as fuel include proximate analysis, ultimate analysis and calorific value. The latter is an attribute taking non-negative real values, so a simple transformation is sufficient for its spatial modeling applying geostatistics. The analyses, however, involve proportions that follow the properties of compositional data, thus requiring special preprocessing for an adequate modeling already described in a previous publication for the case of proximate analysis data. 1 Here we model the results of calorific value and ultimate analysis. We propose to use two different binary partitions, one per analysis, map the corresponding isometric logratio transformations, and backtransform the results. The methodology is illustrated using the same coal bed in the previous paper modeling proximate analysis data. Results are summarized using probability maps that, in the case of this deposit, show a prominent channel crossing the deposit and separating the best quality coal from that of lower quality.

International Journal of Coal Geology↗

Computer-assisted photogrammetric mapping systems for geologic studies-A progress report

Photogrammetry has played an important role in geologic mapping for many years; however, only recently have attempts been made to automate mapping functions for geology. Computer-assisted photogrammetric mapping systems for geologic studies have been developed and are currently in use in offices of the Geological Survey of Greenland at Copenhagen, Denmark, and the U.S. Geological Survey at Denver, Colorado. Though differing somewhat, the systems are similar in that they integrate Kern PG-2 photogrammetric plotting instruments and small desk-top computers that are programmed to perform special geologic functions and operate flat-bed plotters by means of specially designed hardware and software. A z-drive capability, in which stepping motors control the z-motions of the PG-2 plotters, is an integral part of both systems. This feature enables the computer to automatically position the floating mark on computer-calculated, previously defined geologic planes, such as contacts or the base of coal beds, throughout the stereoscopic model in order to improve the mapping capabilities of the instrument and to aid in correlation and tracing of geologic units. The common goal is to enhance the capabilities of the PG-2 plotter and provide a means by which geologists can make conventional geologic maps more efficiently and explore ways to apply computer technology to geologic studies. ?? 1981.

Photogrammetria↗

Preliminary geologic map of the Paris-Bloomington vanadium area, Bear Lake County, Idaho

The Permian Phosphoria formation in the vicinity of the towns of Paris and Bloomington, Bear Lake County, Idaho, contains large tannages of vanadiferous mudstone and phosphorite. The area underlain by these rocks was mapped in 1943 as a guide to the exploration of the vanadiferous zone then being conducted by the Wyodak Coal and Manufacturing Company, agent for the Metals Reserve Company. Pending publication of the full data acquired during these studies, the geologic maps are made available here in preliminary form as an aid to any who contemplate mining in the area.

Idaho↗

Development of web-based organic petrology photomicrograph atlases and internet resources for professionals and students

With advances in web applications, organic petrography and other related disciplines are in need of updated online resources and educational tools to aid professionals and students in the identification and interpretation of macerals. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Organic Petrology Laboratory along with USGS Eastern Energy Resources Science Center Information Technology staff have developed five web atlases containing images of organic matter in geologic materials: 1. an American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Atlas, 2. an Organic Petrology Taxonomy for International Classification (OPTIC) of Coal Macerals Atlas, 3. an Interactive Gulf Coast Photomicrograph Web Atlas (I-Map), 4. an Organic Material in Shales Atlas (Shale), and 5. an interactive Blue/White/Ultraviolet (UV) Light Atlas (Light). Each web atlas contains images of macerals with associated sample and petrographic data collected by the USGS. These webpages will provide means to preserve and circulate petrographic data collected by the USGS for coal and shale samples from all over the world.

International Journal of Coal Geology↗

Report on drilling activities in the Thar Desert, Sindh Province, Pakistan

Coal test drilling in the Thar Desert of southeast Pakistan was conducted as part of the Coal Exploration and Assessment Program (COALREAP) involving the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP), and the U.S. Geological Survey. Drilling was performed in the Thar Desert, or Great Indian Desert, approximately 175 km northeast of Karachi. Twenty five exploration holes were drilled between January 1992 and May 1994. Drill core was described by geologists of the Pakistan Geological Survey and coal samples were analyzed in both the United States and Pakistan. U.S. Geological Survey geologists offered technical assistance, trained GSP personnel, and managed the drilling program according to an agreement with USAID under the Energy Planning and Development Project. Drilling was performed by the Geological Survey of Pakistan. During drilling, the first 50 m was rotary drilled and cuttings collected every 2 m for examination. Average depth for all coal beds is 214 m with a total average thickness of 10 m of coal per drill hole. Core was described, boxed, and stored at the Geological Survey of Pakistan core library at Sonda, near Hyderabad. Approximately 6,412 m of Paleocene to Eocene rock was drilled of which 3,990 m was cored and 1,113 m was rotary drilled. There was 1,309 m of core loss. Geophysical logging of each drill hole permitted detailed thicknesses of coal to be determined. Analysis of the coal indicated a rank of lignite B with an as-received heating value over 5,000 Btu. This report presents data collected at the drill sites and should be used in conjunction with the published interpretive report (Fassett and Durrani, 1994) and the USGS Open-File Report 94-167, which contains analysis of the coal samples. Tables provide quick reference to numeric data and results. Detailed index maps and specific data, for each drill hole are included. This report covers drill holes TP-5 to TP-31. Drill holes TP-16, 17, 21, 26, 27, and 29 were planned but not drilled due to time restraints and (or) a determination that those drill sites were not needed to effectively delineate the coal deposit. The basic data for drill holes TP-1 through TP-4 are included in SanFilipo and others, 1994 however, some data for these drill holes are included for consistency.

Sindh Province↗

Ground-water data for selected coal areas in western North Dakota

Ground-water data are provided in this report for the Sand Creek-Hanks, New England-Mott, Dickinson, and Bowman-Gascoyne coal areas, western North Dakota. The report contains the following: (1) Maps showing the location of wells, springs, and test holes; the location of wells and test holes where drillers' logs are available; and the location of wells with chemical analyses; and (2) tables showing well, spring, and testhole records; logs; and chemical analyses of water. Descriptions of the location of data-collection sites and methods used to collect data are included.

Open-File Report↗

Investigation of coal deposits in the Fairview and Coal City basins, Coosa Field, St. Clair County, Ala.: reserves, petrography, and chemical properties of coals: washability characteristics of coal from Fairview bed: geology of area

Report issued by the Bureau of Mines discussing the coal deposits in Saint Clair County, Alabama. Investigations of the estimated reserves and analyses of the coal fields in this area are presented. This report includes tables, maps, illustrations, and photographs.

Alabama↗

Geologic map of the Troublesome Roadless Area, McCreary County, Kentucky

The Troublesome Roadless Area is composed of six tracts of land and contains 2,943 acres (fig. 1). The largest tract of the study area, located 13 mi southwest of Stearns, Ky., is accessible from that town via State Route 92 to Hill Top, and . then southwestwatd along country roads. Unimproved Forest Service roads, abandoned logging roads, and primitive trails provide access by foot or horseback into the interior of each tract of the study area. Physiographically, the Troublesome Roadless Area is in the Cumberland Plateau section of the Appalachian Plateaus Province and is near the western edge of the Appalachian coal region. The topography is typical of the Cumberland Plateau section, characterized by irregular, narrow-crested ridges, deep narrow canyons, and a dendritic drainage pattern. Troublesome Creek, a small tributary of the South Fork of the Cumberland River, is the source of the area name (fig. 2). Altitudes range from about 1,600 ft on Laurel Ridge in the largest tract to approximately 800 ft along the South Fork of the Cumberland River. Field investigations by personnel of the U.S. Geological Survey consisted of reconnaissance geologic studies and data collecting, including the measurement of stratigraphic sections and the mapping of poorly exposed coal beds and resistant sandstone units. Additional subsurface information was obtained by studying and interpreting the logs of several coreholes drilled near the study area.

Kentucky↗

USGS international activities in coal resources

During the last 30 years the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has been engaged in coal exploration and characterization in more that 30 foreign countries, including India, Pakistan, China, Turkey, several Eastern European countries, Russia, and other former Soviet Union countries. Through this work, the USGS has developed an internationally recognized capability for assessing coal resources and defining their geochemical and physical characteristics. More recently, these data have been incorporated into digital databases and Geographic Information System (GIS) digital map products. The USGS has developed a high level of expertise in assessing the technological, economic, environmental, and human health impacts of coal occurrences and utilization based on comprehensive characterization of representative coal samples.

Fact Sheet↗

Coal and petroleum resources in the Appalachian basin: distribution, geologic framework, and geochemical character

Fossil fuels from the Appalachian basin region have been major contributors to the Nation’s energy supplies over much of the last three centuries. Appalachian coal and petroleum resources are still available in sufficient quantities to contribute significantly to fulfilling the Nation’s energy needs. Although both conventional oil and gas continue to be produced in the Appalachian basin, most new wells in the region are drilled in shale reservoirs to produce natural gas. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Professional Paper 1708 is a modern, indepth collection of reports, cross sections, and maps that describe the geology of the Appalachian basin and its fossil fuel resources. This publication supplements and updates older USGS regional studies of Appalachian basin coal and petroleum resources. Some chapters are new, and several have been published in outside journals or as other USGS publications. Although this volume is not a comprehensive regional treatment of all notable geologic and fossil fuel localities in the Appalachian basin, the selected study areas and topics presented in the chapters pertain to large segments of the basin and a wide range of stratigraphic intervals. This volume discusses the locations of coal and petroleum accumulations, the stratigraphic and structural framework, and the geochemical characteristics of the coal beds and petroleum in the basin, as well as the results of recent USGS assessments of coal, oil, and gas resources in the basin. Many of the maps and accompanying data supporting the reports in this volume are available from chapter I.1 as downloadable geographic information system (GIS) data files about the characteristics of selected coal beds and oil and gas fields, locations of oil and gas wells, coal production, coal chemistry, total petroleum system (TPS) boundaries, and bedrock geology. Log ASCII Standard (LAS) files for geophysical (gamma ray) wireline well logs are included in other chapters. Professional Paper 1708 is intended primarily for geoscientists in academia, industry, and government who are interested in Appalachian basin geology and its coal and petroleum resources. Other users, however, may find the topics, papers, and digital images valuable for land-use and policy planning. Among the anticipated benefits of the report are improvements in (1) resource assessment estimates and methodology, (2) exploration strategies, (3) basin models, and (4) energy use policies.

Appalachian basin↗

Hydrologic reconnaissance of the Wasatch Plateau-Book Cliffs coal-fields area, Utah

Data obtained during a hydrologic reconnaissance in 1975-77 in the Wasatch Plateau-Book Cliffs coal-fields area of Utah were correlated with existing long-term data. Maps were prepared showing average precipitation, average streamflow, stream temperature, ground- and surface-water quality, sediment yield, and geology. Recommendations were made for additional study and suggested approaches for continued monitoring in the coalfields areas. moDuring the 1931-75 water years, the minimum discharges for the five major streams that head in the area ranged from about 12,000 to 26,000 acre-feet per year, and the maximum discharges ranged from about 59,000 to 315,000 acre-feet per year. Correlations indicate that 3 years of low-flow records at stream sites in the Wasatch Plateau would allow the development of relationships with long-term sites that can be used to estimate future low-flow records within a standard error of about 20 percent. Most water-quality degradation in streams occurs along the flanks of the Wasatch Plateau and Book Cliffs. In the uplands, dissolved-solids concentrations generally ranged from less than 100 to about 250 milligrams per liter, and in the lowlands, the concentrations ranged from about 250 to more than 6,000 milligrams per liter. Most springs in the Wasatch Plateau and Book Cliffs discharge from the Star Point Sandstone or younger formations, and the water generally contains less than about 1,000 milligrams per liter of dissolved solids. The discharges of 65 springs ranged from about 0.2 to 200 gallons per minute. The Blackhawk Formation, which is the principal coal-bearing formation, produces water in many of the mines. The dissolved-solids concentration in water discharging from springs and mines in the Blackhawk ranged from about 60 to 800 milligrams per liter. In the lowland areas, the Ferron Sandstone Member of the Maneos Shale appears to have the most potential for subsurface development of water of suitable chemical quality for human consumption. Three wells in the Ferron yielded water with dissolved-solids concentrations ranging from about 650 to 1,230 milligrams per liter.

Utah↗