BANAS, Ryan M., Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences, Michigan Technological University, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931-1295 and PENNINGTON, Wayne D., Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences, Michigan Technological University, 1400 Townsend Dr, Houghton, MI 49931, rmbanas@mtu.edu
Since the first quarter of 2010, the Collingwood Member of the Trenton Formation has been drilled and production tested from several wells in the Michigan Basin. In response to an elevated commercial interest in the play, detailed analyses of its geographical extents as well as lithologic and geophysical properties have been performed by various groups. We have conducted an independant evaluation of the Collingwood (and associated nearby units) producing a series of maps (inclusive of Canadian results) and data that coincide with the current published consensus.
Examination of the Collingwood Member and its local strata has revealed erosional horizons, dolomite trends, and various other nuances that have been subsequently mapped throughout the Trenton Formation across the Michigan Basin. Further analysis suggests that the Collingwood is a locally sourced carbonate package and has very low to absent shale content within the Michigan Basin (as opposed to the Canadian subsurface). Additionally, richness estimates of its TOC have been extrapolated from density and sonic transit time measurements via Passey’s Delta Log R method throughout the basin.
Although occassionally referred to as the Collingwood “shale”, in Michigan the Collingwood is a carbonate. As such, exploration and development plans should treat it as a locally sourced carbonate with porosity variations that will be critical for successful development of the play.
