The Geology of Deep Saline Reservoirs and Their Confining Intervals in Kentucky for Regional Assessment of Carbon Storage

Michael P. Solis and Stephen F. Greb
Kentucky Geological Survey, University of Kentucky, Lexington KY 40506-0107 [email protected]

As part of the phase 1 research of the DOE-sponsored Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnerships (Midwest Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnership, Midwest Geological Carbon Sequestration Consortium), subsurface isopach maps and structure maps were constructed for known saline reservoirs and their confining intervals. In Kentucky, that information was compiled and updated specifically for pertinent reservoirs and seals at the request of the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet (previously Governor’s Office of Energy Policy). Isopach and structure maps for potential reservoirs include the Mount Simon Sandstone, basal sand in eastern Kentucky, Rome sandstone, sandstones in the Conasauga Group, Rose Run Sandstone, St. Peter Sandstone, Clinton sandstone, and Big Six sandstone. Isopach and structure maps for confining intervals include the Eau Claire Formation, Shady- Tomstown-Rome interval, Middle and Upper Ordovician carbonate section (Trenton to top of St. Peter), Upper Ordovician shales, and the Devonian shale. Intervals with both reservoirs and confining properties include the lower Knox carbonates, upper Knox carbonates, and the Silurian- Devonian carbonate and shale interval. For each interval, information is provided for unit thickness, distribution, number of wells that penetrate, interval definition, general rock descriptions, known reservoirs or porosity, overlying sealing and confining units, and CO₂ storage potential. Results show the variability in subsurface geology across the state, and the need to look at different sequestration options in different areas. The potential and limitations of the regional saline reservoirs are highlighted, as well as the need to investigate stacked or multiple reservoir scenarios to achieve large-volume storage from single point sources in different areas.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90095©2009 AAPG Eastern Section Meeting, Evansville, Indiana, September 20-22, 2009