MIDCONTINENT INTERACTIVE DIGITAL CARBON ATLAS AND RELATIONAL DATABASE (MIDCARB)

Current Federal energy policy assumes that hydrocarbons will continue to be the primary source of energy for the United States and the world well into the 21st century.  There is great concern about increasing atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide and its possible role in global climate change.  For this reason, it may become necessary in the future to manage man-made CO₂.  Sequestering CO₂ in geological reservoirs may be one way to safely sequester carbon over long periods of time, if the proper tools to analyze the geological feasibility, as well as the associated costs, can be developed.

The Midcontinent Interactive Digital Carbon Atlas and Relational DataBase (MIDCARB) is a project by a consortium of five state geological surveys (Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, and Ohio).  The goal of this U.S. DOE-funded project is to construct an Internet-based relational database management and geographic information system (GIS) to evaluate the distribution, physical characteristics, and economic parameters of major, stationary man-made CO₂ sources and possible geologic sequestration sites. Potential geologic sequestration sites include oil and gas fields, coal beds, abandoned subsurface mines, unconventional oil and gas reservoirs (including organic shales), and deep saline aquifers.

Although geologic sequestration of CO₂ appears promising, little detailed work has been done at the state and local levels to assess the real storage potential.  MIDCARB will provide both private- and public-sector decision-makers with online access to sound information to use in evaluating technologies for CO₂ sequestration on a local and regional basis.  When the project is completed, these five states will have a tool to evaluate the impact of CO₂ sequestration on an important region of the country and serve as a model for similar projects in other areas.  Digital access to pertinent information will be critical in evaluating CO₂-mitigation policies, directing needed research, and understanding the technical, economic, social, and environmental challenges of CO₂ sequestration for specific sites.  Geologic carbon sequestration may allow the continued use of fossil fuels in energy systems while addressing the issue of stabilization of atmospheric CO₂ levels.