Fractured-Rock Test Holes in Areas of Marcellus Shale Gas Development, Pennsylvania
USGS and Pennsylvania Geological Survey analyzed rock cuttings, geophysical logs, water quality, water-bearing zones, gas-isotope, and other data from deep test holes drilled in fractured bedrock in north-central Pennsylvania. The results of this study helped to quantify the depth and character of fresh and saline groundwater in areas of shale-gas exploration and development.
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Geological Survey (BGS) has been drilling deep exploratory test holes in several areas in northeastern Pennsylvania. Geologic information from the test holes is used to assist geologic mapping done as part of STATEMAP, a component of the USGS National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program. Although the primary purpose for the drilling is to obtain detailed geologic information, the test holes also have been used to obtain hydrologic and water-quality information about the fractured-bedrock aquifers by means of cooperative studies between BGS and USGS. Results have been published by BGS (abstracts and links on Publications tab) and are available directly from BGS for the following fractured-rock test holes:
- Sullivan County (Laporte) - BGS Report
- Bradford County (Gleason) - BGS Report
- Tioga County (Cherry Flats) - BGS Report
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Regional Synthesis of Groundwater Quality in Domestic Supply Wells in Northeast and North Central Pennsylvania
Groundwater Quality of Domestic Supply Wells in Pennsylvania
Shale Gas and Water Resources in Pennsylvania
USGS and Pennsylvania Geological Survey analyzed rock cuttings, geophysical logs, water quality, water-bearing zones, gas-isotope, and other data from deep test holes drilled in fractured bedrock in north-central Pennsylvania. The results of this study helped to quantify the depth and character of fresh and saline groundwater in areas of shale-gas exploration and development.
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Geological Survey (BGS) has been drilling deep exploratory test holes in several areas in northeastern Pennsylvania. Geologic information from the test holes is used to assist geologic mapping done as part of STATEMAP, a component of the USGS National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program. Although the primary purpose for the drilling is to obtain detailed geologic information, the test holes also have been used to obtain hydrologic and water-quality information about the fractured-bedrock aquifers by means of cooperative studies between BGS and USGS. Results have been published by BGS (abstracts and links on Publications tab) and are available directly from BGS for the following fractured-rock test holes:
- Sullivan County (Laporte) - BGS Report
- Bradford County (Gleason) - BGS Report
- Tioga County (Cherry Flats) - BGS Report
Related science