FROM BASIN EDGE TO ROME TROUGH – TOOLS & METHODS TO ASSIST FIELD LEVEL STUDIES IN APPALACHIA FOR THE ENERGY TRANSITION

As part of the movement toward a more diversified, less carbon intense energy portfolio and the underground storage needs associated with it, state geological surveys can incorporate their basin-wide inventory of drill cuttings, core, geophysical log and well completions data to optimize localized field studies in target areas. A number of criteria can be considered, including favorable geology, stacked storage opportunities, infrastructure, proximity to production of product or by-product to be stored, acreage position and operator interest. One key initiative to assist stakeholders is to upgrade the geophysical type log database, using newer geophysical log data from recent donations of conventional wells along with shale well log submissions. Key wells from each county that ideally incorporate shallow and deep intervals can be more comprehensive for formation breakouts over a wider area. Shallow and deep formations with known reservoir characteristics can be tied into these type logs to further assist stakeholders in developing their prospective area. An example from southwestern Pennsylvania that incorporates a study from the basin edge to the Rome Trough illustrates this effort.