The Illinois State Geological Survey in Champaign, Ill., is preparing to release data related to source rocks and potential source rocks in Illinois that could be of value in developing exploration and development strategies.
The information includes analysis of Devonian New Albany shale and Ordovician strata. The data may include Rock-Eval, x-ray diffraction data, geochemical and geomechanical data, and photographs. The data and reports will be made available on Jan. 10, 2013, and thereafter upon request.
Most of the analyses were conducted by outside laboratories, and the ISGS and University of Illinois cannot attest to the validity or accuracy of the reports. The information is presented “as-is,” said Joan Crockett, geologist and petroleum technology transfer coordinator.
Information on hydrocarbon source rock potential can be useful to many individuals and companies, large and small, as they evaluate acreage, consider mineral leasing opportunities, or conduct regional resource assessments.
The recent successes of Ordovician Utica-Point Pleasant liquid hydrocarbon exploration in Ohio, in addition to the interest in the potential in situ oil play in the New Albany shale, has focused interest on Illinois basin exploration.
When a company, student, government agency, or other group samples from the core and cuttings collection at the ISGS, the sampling agreement requires that all data and analyses from the sampling must be provided to the ISGS. Periodically, the information is released to the public.
