HYDROGEOLOGY OF THE HYE, TEXAS AREA DETERMINED FROM CORE CHIPS, THIN SECTIONS, AND GEOPHYSICAL DATA

Mineral changes throughout the Cap Mountain Formation from the lower to upper segments are important to understand and will aid in the investigation of locating possible aquifers in the Hye Texas area. Understanding the process of digenesis and paragenesis of dolitimization and the development of Ankerite could be a diagnostic indicator of previous water channels within the sediments. The dolimitization within the area has increased the porosity and shows evidence of water percolation through sediments, along with the development of an iron rich mineral similar to dolomite; Ankerite.

For this study, we will be using well core cuttings, thin sections, and well log analysis. The well core cuttings and thin sections from different depths within the Cap Mountain Formation can determine the abundance and depth at which Ankerite is found by using a staining process. We will determine this by using Alizarin Red S and Potassium Ferricyanide. The stains will react with chemical components within minerals such as calcite, dolomite, and ankerite. Once the samples are stained they will be analyzed based on the minerals chemical reactivity to the stains. Once the samples are analyzed, a depth analysis will help to draft a subsurface map to correlate mineralization and dolomitization within the formation. The cuttings will then be correlated to a water well on Mr. Cockshutts property. Upon final correlation, an estimated size, depth, and permeability of possible local aquifers will be created.

Understanding the porosity and recharge of the area is very important to the current and future landowners of the area. Having a stable, and permeable water source will not only increase property value, but also increase the areas prosperity, agriculturally and anthropogenically. This project will help investigators find indicators like Ankerite which will then help to identify and locate undiscovered aquifers.