Analytical results from samples collected during coal-bed methane exploration drilling in Caldwell Parish, Louisiana

In 2001, and 2002, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Louisiana Geological Survey (LGS), through a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with Devon SFS Operating, Inc. (Devon), participated in an exploratory drilling and coring program for coal-bed methane in north-central Louisiana. The USGS and LGS collected 25 coal core and cuttings samples from two coal-bed methane test wells that were drilled in west-central Caldwell Parish, Louisiana. The purpose of this report is to provide the results of the analytical program conducted on the USGS/LGS samples. The data generated from this project are summarized in various topical sections that include:

1. molecular and isotopic data from coal gas samples;
2. results of low-temperature ashing and X-ray analysis;
3. palynological data;
4. down-hole temperature data;
5. detailed core descriptions and selected core photographs;
6. coal physical and chemical analytical data;
7. coal gas desorption results;
8. methane and carbon dioxide coal sorption data;
9. coal petrographic results; and
10. geophysical logs.