Date of Graduation

5-2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Geology (MS)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Geosciences

Advisor/Mentor

Sharman, Glenn R.

Committee Member

Tullis, Jason A.

Second Committee Member

Manger, Walter L.

Third Committee Member

Wheatley, David F.

Keywords

Drill Core Scanning; Hyperspectral Imaging; Meramec Formation; STACK Play; Stratigraphic Cyclicity

Abstract

The principle goal of this project was to investigate compositional, textural, and sedimentological variability in the Oklahoma STACK Play’s Meramec Formation and time equivalent outcrops of the Pryor Creek Formation in northeastern Oklahoma and to assess the potential of a partial-SWIR (Short Wave Infrared, 900-1700 nm) hyperspectral imaging sensor for drill core and sUAS-based (small Unmanned Aircraft Systems) outcrop characterization.

The STACK Play is a colloquial term that refers to stacked unconventional petroleum reservoirs that are primarily located in Canadian, Kingfisher, Blaine, and Dewey Counties, central Oklahoma. Discovery of, and commercial production from, the play was initiated in 2011 by Newfield Exploration Co. and today comprises a significant share of unconventional petroleum production in Oklahoma. The most prolific reservoir within the STACK Play is the Meramec Formation which is approximately Meramecian in age.

Chapter 2 focuses on two drill cores from the producing Meramec Formation in Dewey and Canadian Counties of central Oklahoma. Conventional core analysis techniques, including analysis of core sedimentology, mineralogy, and geochemistry, are integrated with lab-based partial-SWIR hyperspectral analysis of both cores. The Meramec Formation comprises proximal and distal ramp deposits that include argillaceous quartz siltstones, calcareous quartz siltstones and sandstones, and lesser grainstones. Analysis of partial-SWIR hyperspectral imaging data establishes a relationship between reflectance and primary mineralogy in both cores, which was ultimately used in conjunction with other conventional core data to distinguish multiple orders of stratigraphic cyclicity in the Meramec Formation, including cyclicity that is below the resolution of typical core logging and sampling procedures.

Chapter 3 details the study of outcrops located in Pryor Quarry (Mayes County, northeast Oklahoma), which are approximately age equivalent to the Meramec Formation. The potential of sUAS-based partial-SWIR hyperspectral imaging for outcrop analysis is evaluated using lab-based full-SWIR point spectral analysis of samples taken from a vertical outcrop transect in the quarry. Outcrops of the Meramecian Pryor Creek Formation are comprised of wackestones, mudstones, quartz siltstones and to a lesser extent (

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