Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2008

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

College

Eberly College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Geology and Geography

Committee Chair

Richard Smosna.

Abstract

The Weir zone of Doddridge County, West Virginia, is considered to be an unconventional reservoir due to its low permeability. Analysis of this zone was performed using well log data from 300 wells, a full-bore core of the Weir, and petrographic thin sections. Three lithologies occur within the Weir: coarse siltstone, fine siltstone, and claystone. Bedforms were identified using a combination of FMI, thin section, and core analysis. The Weir is interpreted to have been deposited on an outer shelf under the influence of shoaling internal waves. Log analysis provided data showing the unit to have a mineral composition of quartz, illite, and potassium feldspar.;The Lower Weir has the potential to be a productive secondary target for natural gas over a large part of the study area in Doddridge County. These areas have been selected because the combination of a high volume of secondary moldic porosity, total thickness of the Weir siltstone, and an increased likelihood of fracture porosity aiding in permeability. Zones identified within the Weir for production were selected on the basis of low water saturation, relatively high permeability, and relatively high porosity.

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