Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Jenna L Shelton, Ph.D. (Former Employee)

Science and Products

Several vehicles and a large underground drilling rig with a few people in a field beside a building.

GLGMC Science in Action

The testimonials below demonstrate the impact of recent geologic mapping projects carried out by the GLGMC.
By
Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area, National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program
GLGMC Science in Action

GLGMC Science in Action

The testimonials below demonstrate the impact of recent geologic mapping projects carried out by the GLGMC.
Learn More
Glacial mapping at Fort Drum, NY

GLGMC Current Projects

These projects highlight the important research conducted through the GLGMC.
By
Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area, National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program
GLGMC Current Projects

GLGMC Current Projects

These projects highlight the important research conducted through the GLGMC.
Learn More
GLGMC Representation Thumb

Great Lakes Geologic Mapping Coalition (GLGMC)

The Great Lakes Geologic Mapping Coalition (GLGMC) advances the understanding of the three-dimensional distribution of the glacial, periglacial, and proglacial sediments that overlie the bedrock of the glaciated terrain of the Great Lakes Region. This region includes 8 U.S. States (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin) and the Canadian Province of...
By
Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area, National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program
Great Lakes Geologic Mapping Coalition (GLGMC)

Great Lakes Geologic Mapping Coalition (GLGMC)

The Great Lakes Geologic Mapping Coalition (GLGMC) advances the understanding of the three-dimensional distribution of the glacial, periglacial, and proglacial sediments that overlie the bedrock of the glaciated terrain of the Great Lakes Region. This region includes 8 U.S. States (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin) and the Canadian Province of...
Learn More
Investigations Waters Task8 Representation Thumb

Big Data and Data Visualization

In the “Big Data and Data Visualization” task of the Oil and Gas Waters Project, we compile and update the USGS National Produced Waters Geochemical Database and use big data approaches to provide stakeholders with effortless access and modern tools for easier use and interpretation of our data.
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center
Big Data and Data Visualization

Big Data and Data Visualization

In the “Big Data and Data Visualization” task of the Oil and Gas Waters Project, we compile and update the USGS National Produced Waters Geochemical Database and use big data approaches to provide stakeholders with effortless access and modern tools for easier use and interpretation of our data.
Learn More
Geochemistry Physical Science Object Representation Thumb

Controls on Unconventional Oil and Gas Production

This scoping task incorporates insights from new approaches to production of unconventional resources and currently focuses on conducting a pilot assessment of biogenic natural gas resources in the Permian Basin. For the pilot assessment to occur, we are developing a database that will host geochemical parameters known to be suggestive of microbial methanogenesis mined to the reservoir level for...
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center
Controls on Unconventional Oil and Gas Production

Controls on Unconventional Oil and Gas Production

This scoping task incorporates insights from new approaches to production of unconventional resources and currently focuses on conducting a pilot assessment of biogenic natural gas resources in the Permian Basin. For the pilot assessment to occur, we are developing a database that will host geochemical parameters known to be suggestive of microbial methanogenesis mined to the reservoir level for...
Learn More
NCGMP STATEMAP Representation Thumb

STATEMAP

Through the STATEMAP component of the NCGMP, state partners are developing a national geologic framework driven by areas of economic, social, or scientific interest. STATEMAP mapping priorities are established by State Geological Surveys in consultation with a multi-representational State Mapping Advisory Committee. These priorities are based on multiple factors including a) state requirements for...
By
Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area, National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program
STATEMAP

STATEMAP

Through the STATEMAP component of the NCGMP, state partners are developing a national geologic framework driven by areas of economic, social, or scientific interest. STATEMAP mapping priorities are established by State Geological Surveys in consultation with a multi-representational State Mapping Advisory Committee. These priorities are based on multiple factors including a) state requirements for...
Learn More
EDMAP Representation Thumb

EDMAP

As the educational component of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (NCGMP), EDMAP funds universities to train the next generation of geologic mappers. EDMAP is a mentor-guided program designed to teach students geologic mapping techniques through rigorous field mapping. Colleges and universities in the U.S. and its territories are eligible to apply through an annual competitive...
By
Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area, National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program
EDMAP

EDMAP

As the educational component of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (NCGMP), EDMAP funds universities to train the next generation of geologic mappers. EDMAP is a mentor-guided program designed to teach students geologic mapping techniques through rigorous field mapping. Colleges and universities in the U.S. and its territories are eligible to apply through an annual competitive...
Learn More
Filter Total Items: 13

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in produced water from the Denver Basin Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in produced water from the Denver Basin

Per- and polyfluoroaklyl substances (PFAS) of are of interest due to their persistence and ubiquity in the environment and their potential health and environmental effects. While these compounds have been well studied in the past 10 years, little is known about PFAS in oil and gas produced waters, which are voluminous and have the potential to impact the environment through surficial...
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

U.S. Geological Survey National Produced Waters Geochemical Database (ver. 3.0, December 2023) U.S. Geological Survey National Produced Waters Geochemical Database (ver. 3.0, December 2023)

During hydrocarbon production, water is typically co-produced from the geologic formations producing oil and gas. Understanding the composition of these produced waters is important to help investigate the regional hydrogeology, the source of the water, the efficacy of water treatment and disposal plans, potential economic benefits of mineral commodities in the fluids, and the safety of...
By
Energy Resources Program, National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center, Brine Research Instrumentation and Experimental (BRInE) Laboratory

Portable Raman spectroscopic analysis of bulk crushed rock Portable Raman spectroscopic analysis of bulk crushed rock

This study presents a simplified method and empirical relationships for determining organic matter thermal maturity using a portable Raman system equipped with a 785 nm laser, for analysis of crushed, whole-rock samples. Several sets of rocks comprised of shale and coal samples with various mineralogical composition, thermal maturity, total organic carbon (TOC), and age were used to test...
By
National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Absorbance and Fluorescence Excitation-Emission Matrix Data for Produced Waters from Oil and Gas Producing Basins in the United States Absorbance and Fluorescence Excitation-Emission Matrix Data for Produced Waters from Oil and Gas Producing Basins in the United States

Waters co-produced during petroleum extraction are normally considered wastes but are also possible resources, especially in water-stressed regions. Produced waters can be chemically complex. High salinity, naturally occurring radioactive materials, and organic substances derived from the producing formation can complicate treatment processes. Rapid screening methods to characterize...
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Brine Research Instrumentation and Experimental (BRInE) Laboratory

National assessment of carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery and associated carbon dioxide retention resources - data release National assessment of carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery and associated carbon dioxide retention resources - data release

In 2020, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) completed a probabilistic assessment of the volume of technically recoverable oil resources available if current carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery (CO2-EOR) technologies were applied in amenable oil reservoirs underlying the onshore and State waters area of the conterminous United States. The assessment also includes estimates of the...
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Microbiology of the Utica Shale Microbiology of the Utica Shale

In order to determine the innate microbial community of shale gas reservoirs and how they are impacted by hydraulic fracturing, this study analyzed biomass collected from produced water and rock from hydraulically fractured wells in the Utica Shale. The samples include rock chips from a drill core from one Utica well, produced water from that same Utica well, and produced water from 12...
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Brine Research Instrumentation and Experimental (BRInE) Laboratory

Injection of Deuterium and Yeast Extract at USGS Birney Field Site, Powder River Basin, Montana, USA, 2016-2020 Injection of Deuterium and Yeast Extract at USGS Birney Field Site, Powder River Basin, Montana, USA, 2016-2020

Subsurface microbial (biogenic) methane production is an important part of the global carbon cycle and has resulted in natural gas accumulations in many coal beds worldwide. Laboratory experiments indicate coal beds can act as natural geobioreactors and produce additional low carbon renewable natural gas with algal or yeast compounds, yet the effectiveness of these nutrients in situ are...
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Input Files and Code for: Machine learning can accurately assign geologic basin to produced water samples using major geochemical parameters Input Files and Code for: Machine learning can accurately assign geologic basin to produced water samples using major geochemical parameters

As more hydrocarbon production from hydraulic fracturing and other methods produce large volumes of water, innovative methods must be explored for treatment and reuse of these waters. However, understanding the general water chemistry of these fluids is essential to providing the best treatment options optimized for each producing area. Machine learning algorithms can often be applied to...
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Geochemistry of Utica Shale Play and other Appalachian produced waters Geochemistry of Utica Shale Play and other Appalachian produced waters

Citation Note: These data were collected as part of a research study published in Environmental Science and Technology. Please reference the following paper when citing these data. Blondes, M.S., Shelton, J.L., Engle, M.A., Trembly, J.P., Doolan, C.A., Jubb, A.M., Chenault, J.M., Rowan, E.L., Haefner, R.J., and Mailot, B.E., 2020, Utica Shale Play Oil and Gas Brines: Geochemistry and...
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Brine Research Instrumentation and Experimental (BRInE) Laboratory

Microbial Communities Associated with Hot Springs and other CO2-rich Waters, Rocky Mountain Plateau Microbial Communities Associated with Hot Springs and other CO2-rich Waters, Rocky Mountain Plateau

The Colorado Plateau is associated with several different commercial sources of natural CO2 and other non-hydrocarbon gases, such as noble gases. Twenty-five different hot springs, warm springs, cold springs, and/or rivers across the Utah region of the Colorado Plateau were sampled for microbial biomass. These different locations were associated with some concentration of dissolved or...
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Low biomass microbiology samples collected from a hydraulically fractured well producing from the Niobrara Shale in Colorado Low biomass microbiology samples collected from a hydraulically fractured well producing from the Niobrara Shale in Colorado

Low biomass waters provide a unique challenge in the field of microbial ecology. It is difficult to determine, when biomass concentrations are extremely low, whether or not the sequencing data received are of good quality and representative of the waters sampled. Fifty-nine samples including 8 blanks were collected from a low biomass hydraulically fractured well producing from the...
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Direct Trace Element Determination in Oil and Gas Produced Waters with Inductively Coupled Plasma - Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES): Advantages of High Salinity Tolerance (2019) Direct Trace Element Determination in Oil and Gas Produced Waters with Inductively Coupled Plasma - Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES): Advantages of High Salinity Tolerance (2019)

Waters co-produced during petroleum extraction are the largest waste stream from oil and gas development. Reuse or disposal of these waters is difficult due both to their high salinities, which can greatly exceed 35 g/L (seawater equivalent), and also the sheer volume of wastewater generated, which is estimated at nearly 900 billion gallons per year across the United States. Beyond...
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Brine Research Instrumentation and Experimental (BRInE) Laboratory
Filter Total Items: 24

Produced water geochemistry from hydraulically stimulated Niobrara Formation petroleum wells: Origin of salinity and temporal perspectives on treatment and reuse Produced water geochemistry from hydraulically stimulated Niobrara Formation petroleum wells: Origin of salinity and temporal perspectives on treatment and reuse

Produced water (i.e., a mixture of returned injection fluids and geologic formation brines) represents the largest volumetric waste stream associated with petroleum production in the United States. As such, produced water has been the focus of intense study with emphasis on understanding the geologic origin of the fluids, environmental impacts of unintended or intentional release...
Authors
Aaron M. Jubb, Jenna L. Shelton, Bonnie McDevitt, Kaela Amundson, Amanda Sha Herzberg, Jessica Chenault, Andrew Laurence Masterson, Matthew S. Varonka, Glenn Jolly, Christina DeVera, Elliott Barnhart, Michael Wilkins, Madalyn S. Blondes
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Brine Research Instrumentation and Experimental (BRInE) Laboratory

Evaluation of portable Raman spectroscopic analysis for source-rock thermal maturity assessments on bulk crushed rock Evaluation of portable Raman spectroscopic analysis for source-rock thermal maturity assessments on bulk crushed rock

This study presents a simplified method and empirical relationships for determining organic matter thermal maturity using a portable Raman system equipped with a 785 nm laser, for analysis of crushed, whole-rock samples. Suites of rocks represented by shale and coal samples with various mineralogical composition, thermal maturity, and total organic carbon (TOC) were used to test the...
Authors
Martha Stokes, Aaron M. Jubb, Paul Hackley, Justin Birdwell, Elliott Barnhart, Clint Scott, Jenna L. Shelton, Margaret Sanders, Javin Hatcherian
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

The EDMAP Program: Training the next generation of geologic mappers The EDMAP Program: Training the next generation of geologic mappers

Introduction Detailed geologic maps are the basis of most earth science investigations and can be used for natural hazard mitigation, resource identification and exploration, infrastructure planning, and more. As a part of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) congressionally mandated National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (NCGMP), the EDMAP program (referred to as EDMAP) is a...
Authors
Jenna L. Shelton, Christopher Swezey, Michael Marketti
By
Energy Resources Program, National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Florence Bascom Geoscience Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

The National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program’s U.S. GeoFramework Initiative — Delivering a digital database of geologic map information by 2030 The National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program’s U.S. GeoFramework Initiative — Delivering a digital database of geologic map information by 2030

The U.S. Geological Survey's National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program's U.S. GeoFramework Initiative responds to Congressional direction to implement the National Geologic Map Database Phase Three. The U.S. GeoFramework Initiative aims to create and deliver a new digital geologic framework of the United States by 2030. This Fact Sheet outlines the collaborations needed and plans...
Authors
Jenna L. Shelton, William Andrews, Joseph Colgan, Samuel Johnstone, David Soller, Richard Berg, Donald S. Sweetkind, Kristine Zellman, John Brock, Kate Ritzel
By
National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Assessment of carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery and associated carbon dioxide retention resources of the United States Assessment of carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery and associated carbon dioxide retention resources of the United States

In 2020, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) completed a probabilistic assessment of the volume of technically recoverable oil resources that could be produced using current carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery (CO2-EOR) technologies in amenable conventional oil reservoirs underlying onshore and State-owned offshore waters (herein after, onshore and State waters areas) of the conterminous...
Authors
Peter D. Warwick, E. Attanasi, Madalyn S. Blondes, Sean T. Brennan, Marc L. Buursink, Steven M. Cahan, Colin Doolan, Philip A. Freeman, C. Karacan, Celeste D. Lohr, Matthew D. Merrill, Ricardo A. Olea, Jenna L. Shelton, Ernie Slucher, Brian Varela
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Dissolved organic matter within oil and gas associated wastewaters from U.S. unconventional petroleum plays: Comparisons and consequences for disposal and reuse Dissolved organic matter within oil and gas associated wastewaters from U.S. unconventional petroleum plays: Comparisons and consequences for disposal and reuse

Wastewater generated during petroleum extraction (produced water) may contain high concentrations of dissolved organics due to their intimate association with organic-rich source rocks, expelled petroleum, and organic additives to fluids used for hydraulic fracturing of unconventional (e.g., shale) reservoirs. Dissolved organic matter (DOM) within produced water represents a challenge...
Authors
Bonnie McDevitt, Aaron M. Jubb, Matthew S. Varonka, Madalyn S. Blondes, Mark Engle, Tanya J. Gallegos, Jenna L. Shelton
By
Energy Resources Program, Mineral Resources Program, National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Brine Research Instrumentation and Experimental (BRInE) Laboratory

In situ enhancement and isotopic labeling of biogenic coalbed methane In situ enhancement and isotopic labeling of biogenic coalbed methane

Subsurface microbial (biogenic) methane production is an important part of the global carbon cycle that has resulted in natural gas accumulations in many coal beds worldwide. Laboratory studies suggest that complex carbon-containing nutrients (e.g., yeast or algae extract) can stimulate methane production, yet the effectiveness of these nutrients within coal beds is unknown. Here, we use...
Authors
Elliott Barnhart, Leslie F. Ruppert, Randy Heibert, Heidi Smith, Hannah Schweitzer, Arthur Clark, Edwin Weeks, William Orem, Matthew S. Varonka, George Platt, Jenna L. Shelton, Katherine J Davis, Robert Hyatt, Jennifer McIntosh, Kilian Ashley, Shuhei Ono, Anna Martini, Keith Hackley, Robin Gerlach, Lee Spangler, Adrienne Phillips, Mark Barry, Alfred Cunningham, Matthew Fields
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, National Innovation Center, Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center

National assessment of carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery and associated carbon dioxide retention resources — Summary National assessment of carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery and associated carbon dioxide retention resources — Summary

IntroductionIn 2020, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) completed a probabilistic assessment of the volume of technically recoverable oil resources that might be produced by using current carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery (CO2-EOR) technologies in amenable conventional oil reservoirs underlying the onshore and State waters areas of the conterminous United States. The assessment also...
Authors
Peter D. Warwick, Emil D. Attanasi, Madalyn S. Blondes, Sean Brennan, Marc Buursink, Steven Cahan, Colin Doolan, Philip A. Freeman, C. Karacan, Celeste D. Lohr, Matthew Merrill, Ricardo Olea, Jenna L. Shelton, Ernie Slucher, Brian Varela
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

National assessment of carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery and associated carbon dioxide retention resources — Results National assessment of carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery and associated carbon dioxide retention resources — Results

In 2020, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) completed a probabilistic assessment of the volume of technically recoverable oil resources available if current carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery (CO2-EOR) technologies were applied to amenable oil reservoirs underlying the onshore and State waters areas of the conterminous United States. The assessment also includes estimates of the mass of...
Authors
Peter D. Warwick, Emil D. Attanasi, Madalyn S. Blondes, Sean Brennan, Marc Buursink, Steven Cahan, Colin Doolan, Philip A. Freeman, C. Karacan, Celeste D. Lohr, Matthew Merrill, Ricardo Olea, Jenna L. Shelton, Ernie Slucher, Brian Varela
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Machine learning can assign geologic basin to produced water samples using major ion geochemistry Machine learning can assign geologic basin to produced water samples using major ion geochemistry

Understanding the geochemistry of waters produced during petroleum extraction is essential to informing the best treatment and reuse options, which can potentially be optimized for a given geologic basin. Here, we used the US Geological Survey’s National Produced Waters Geochemical Database (PWGD) to determine if major ion chemistry could be used to classify accurately a produced water...
Authors
Jenna L. Shelton, Aaron M. Jubb, Samuel Saxe, Emil D. Attanasi, Alexei Milkov, Mark Engle, Philip A. Freeman, Christopher Shaffer, Madalyn S. Blondes
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

The Preventing Harassment in Science workshop: Summary and best practices for planetary science and astrobiology The Preventing Harassment in Science workshop: Summary and best practices for planetary science and astrobiology

The NASA-funded Preventing Harassment in Science workshop took place in June of 2020. Here we describe the workshop and summarize the best practices for reducing harassment that were discussed. We include a list of recommendations that can be used to take steps towards reducing harassment in the planetary science and astrobiology community.
Authors
Kristen Bennett, Maggie McAdam, Moses Milazzo, Patricia Garcia, Jenna L. Shelton, Peggy Gardiner, Serina Diniega, Catalina Martinez, Alexandra Etheridge, Alicia Rutledge, C. Richey
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Astrogeology Science Center

Utica shale play oil and gas brines: Geochemistry and factors influencing wastewater management Utica shale play oil and gas brines: Geochemistry and factors influencing wastewater management

The Utica and Marcellus Shale Plays in the Appalachian Basin are the fourth and first largest natural gas producing plays in the United States, respectively. Hydrocarbon production generates large volumes of brine (“produced water”) that must be disposed of, treated, or reused. Though Marcellus brines have been studied extensively, there are few studies from the Utica Shale Play. This...
Authors
Madalyn S. Blondes, Jenna L. Shelton, Mark Engle, Jason Trembly, Colin Doolan, Aaron M. Jubb, Jessica Chenault, Elisabeth L. Rowan, Ralph Haefner, Brian E. Mailot
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Brine Research Instrumentation and Experimental (BRInE) Laboratory

Science and Products

Several vehicles and a large underground drilling rig with a few people in a field beside a building.

GLGMC Science in Action

The testimonials below demonstrate the impact of recent geologic mapping projects carried out by the GLGMC.
By
Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area, National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program
GLGMC Science in Action

GLGMC Science in Action

The testimonials below demonstrate the impact of recent geologic mapping projects carried out by the GLGMC.
Learn More
Glacial mapping at Fort Drum, NY

GLGMC Current Projects

These projects highlight the important research conducted through the GLGMC.
By
Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area, National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program
GLGMC Current Projects

GLGMC Current Projects

These projects highlight the important research conducted through the GLGMC.
Learn More
GLGMC Representation Thumb

Great Lakes Geologic Mapping Coalition (GLGMC)

The Great Lakes Geologic Mapping Coalition (GLGMC) advances the understanding of the three-dimensional distribution of the glacial, periglacial, and proglacial sediments that overlie the bedrock of the glaciated terrain of the Great Lakes Region. This region includes 8 U.S. States (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin) and the Canadian Province of...
By
Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area, National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program
Great Lakes Geologic Mapping Coalition (GLGMC)

Great Lakes Geologic Mapping Coalition (GLGMC)

The Great Lakes Geologic Mapping Coalition (GLGMC) advances the understanding of the three-dimensional distribution of the glacial, periglacial, and proglacial sediments that overlie the bedrock of the glaciated terrain of the Great Lakes Region. This region includes 8 U.S. States (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin) and the Canadian Province of...
Learn More
Investigations Waters Task8 Representation Thumb

Big Data and Data Visualization

In the “Big Data and Data Visualization” task of the Oil and Gas Waters Project, we compile and update the USGS National Produced Waters Geochemical Database and use big data approaches to provide stakeholders with effortless access and modern tools for easier use and interpretation of our data.
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center
Big Data and Data Visualization

Big Data and Data Visualization

In the “Big Data and Data Visualization” task of the Oil and Gas Waters Project, we compile and update the USGS National Produced Waters Geochemical Database and use big data approaches to provide stakeholders with effortless access and modern tools for easier use and interpretation of our data.
Learn More
Geochemistry Physical Science Object Representation Thumb

Controls on Unconventional Oil and Gas Production

This scoping task incorporates insights from new approaches to production of unconventional resources and currently focuses on conducting a pilot assessment of biogenic natural gas resources in the Permian Basin. For the pilot assessment to occur, we are developing a database that will host geochemical parameters known to be suggestive of microbial methanogenesis mined to the reservoir level for...
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center
Controls on Unconventional Oil and Gas Production

Controls on Unconventional Oil and Gas Production

This scoping task incorporates insights from new approaches to production of unconventional resources and currently focuses on conducting a pilot assessment of biogenic natural gas resources in the Permian Basin. For the pilot assessment to occur, we are developing a database that will host geochemical parameters known to be suggestive of microbial methanogenesis mined to the reservoir level for...
Learn More
NCGMP STATEMAP Representation Thumb

STATEMAP

Through the STATEMAP component of the NCGMP, state partners are developing a national geologic framework driven by areas of economic, social, or scientific interest. STATEMAP mapping priorities are established by State Geological Surveys in consultation with a multi-representational State Mapping Advisory Committee. These priorities are based on multiple factors including a) state requirements for...
By
Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area, National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program
STATEMAP

STATEMAP

Through the STATEMAP component of the NCGMP, state partners are developing a national geologic framework driven by areas of economic, social, or scientific interest. STATEMAP mapping priorities are established by State Geological Surveys in consultation with a multi-representational State Mapping Advisory Committee. These priorities are based on multiple factors including a) state requirements for...
Learn More
EDMAP Representation Thumb

EDMAP

As the educational component of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (NCGMP), EDMAP funds universities to train the next generation of geologic mappers. EDMAP is a mentor-guided program designed to teach students geologic mapping techniques through rigorous field mapping. Colleges and universities in the U.S. and its territories are eligible to apply through an annual competitive...
By
Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area, National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program
EDMAP

EDMAP

As the educational component of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (NCGMP), EDMAP funds universities to train the next generation of geologic mappers. EDMAP is a mentor-guided program designed to teach students geologic mapping techniques through rigorous field mapping. Colleges and universities in the U.S. and its territories are eligible to apply through an annual competitive...
Learn More
Filter Total Items: 13

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in produced water from the Denver Basin Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in produced water from the Denver Basin

Per- and polyfluoroaklyl substances (PFAS) of are of interest due to their persistence and ubiquity in the environment and their potential health and environmental effects. While these compounds have been well studied in the past 10 years, little is known about PFAS in oil and gas produced waters, which are voluminous and have the potential to impact the environment through surficial...
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

U.S. Geological Survey National Produced Waters Geochemical Database (ver. 3.0, December 2023) U.S. Geological Survey National Produced Waters Geochemical Database (ver. 3.0, December 2023)

During hydrocarbon production, water is typically co-produced from the geologic formations producing oil and gas. Understanding the composition of these produced waters is important to help investigate the regional hydrogeology, the source of the water, the efficacy of water treatment and disposal plans, potential economic benefits of mineral commodities in the fluids, and the safety of...
By
Energy Resources Program, National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center, Brine Research Instrumentation and Experimental (BRInE) Laboratory

Portable Raman spectroscopic analysis of bulk crushed rock Portable Raman spectroscopic analysis of bulk crushed rock

This study presents a simplified method and empirical relationships for determining organic matter thermal maturity using a portable Raman system equipped with a 785 nm laser, for analysis of crushed, whole-rock samples. Several sets of rocks comprised of shale and coal samples with various mineralogical composition, thermal maturity, total organic carbon (TOC), and age were used to test...
By
National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Absorbance and Fluorescence Excitation-Emission Matrix Data for Produced Waters from Oil and Gas Producing Basins in the United States Absorbance and Fluorescence Excitation-Emission Matrix Data for Produced Waters from Oil and Gas Producing Basins in the United States

Waters co-produced during petroleum extraction are normally considered wastes but are also possible resources, especially in water-stressed regions. Produced waters can be chemically complex. High salinity, naturally occurring radioactive materials, and organic substances derived from the producing formation can complicate treatment processes. Rapid screening methods to characterize...
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Brine Research Instrumentation and Experimental (BRInE) Laboratory

National assessment of carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery and associated carbon dioxide retention resources - data release National assessment of carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery and associated carbon dioxide retention resources - data release

In 2020, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) completed a probabilistic assessment of the volume of technically recoverable oil resources available if current carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery (CO2-EOR) technologies were applied in amenable oil reservoirs underlying the onshore and State waters area of the conterminous United States. The assessment also includes estimates of the...
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Microbiology of the Utica Shale Microbiology of the Utica Shale

In order to determine the innate microbial community of shale gas reservoirs and how they are impacted by hydraulic fracturing, this study analyzed biomass collected from produced water and rock from hydraulically fractured wells in the Utica Shale. The samples include rock chips from a drill core from one Utica well, produced water from that same Utica well, and produced water from 12...
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Brine Research Instrumentation and Experimental (BRInE) Laboratory

Injection of Deuterium and Yeast Extract at USGS Birney Field Site, Powder River Basin, Montana, USA, 2016-2020 Injection of Deuterium and Yeast Extract at USGS Birney Field Site, Powder River Basin, Montana, USA, 2016-2020

Subsurface microbial (biogenic) methane production is an important part of the global carbon cycle and has resulted in natural gas accumulations in many coal beds worldwide. Laboratory experiments indicate coal beds can act as natural geobioreactors and produce additional low carbon renewable natural gas with algal or yeast compounds, yet the effectiveness of these nutrients in situ are...
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Input Files and Code for: Machine learning can accurately assign geologic basin to produced water samples using major geochemical parameters Input Files and Code for: Machine learning can accurately assign geologic basin to produced water samples using major geochemical parameters

As more hydrocarbon production from hydraulic fracturing and other methods produce large volumes of water, innovative methods must be explored for treatment and reuse of these waters. However, understanding the general water chemistry of these fluids is essential to providing the best treatment options optimized for each producing area. Machine learning algorithms can often be applied to...
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Geochemistry of Utica Shale Play and other Appalachian produced waters Geochemistry of Utica Shale Play and other Appalachian produced waters

Citation Note: These data were collected as part of a research study published in Environmental Science and Technology. Please reference the following paper when citing these data. Blondes, M.S., Shelton, J.L., Engle, M.A., Trembly, J.P., Doolan, C.A., Jubb, A.M., Chenault, J.M., Rowan, E.L., Haefner, R.J., and Mailot, B.E., 2020, Utica Shale Play Oil and Gas Brines: Geochemistry and...
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Brine Research Instrumentation and Experimental (BRInE) Laboratory

Microbial Communities Associated with Hot Springs and other CO2-rich Waters, Rocky Mountain Plateau Microbial Communities Associated with Hot Springs and other CO2-rich Waters, Rocky Mountain Plateau

The Colorado Plateau is associated with several different commercial sources of natural CO2 and other non-hydrocarbon gases, such as noble gases. Twenty-five different hot springs, warm springs, cold springs, and/or rivers across the Utah region of the Colorado Plateau were sampled for microbial biomass. These different locations were associated with some concentration of dissolved or...
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Low biomass microbiology samples collected from a hydraulically fractured well producing from the Niobrara Shale in Colorado Low biomass microbiology samples collected from a hydraulically fractured well producing from the Niobrara Shale in Colorado

Low biomass waters provide a unique challenge in the field of microbial ecology. It is difficult to determine, when biomass concentrations are extremely low, whether or not the sequencing data received are of good quality and representative of the waters sampled. Fifty-nine samples including 8 blanks were collected from a low biomass hydraulically fractured well producing from the...
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Direct Trace Element Determination in Oil and Gas Produced Waters with Inductively Coupled Plasma - Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES): Advantages of High Salinity Tolerance (2019) Direct Trace Element Determination in Oil and Gas Produced Waters with Inductively Coupled Plasma - Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES): Advantages of High Salinity Tolerance (2019)

Waters co-produced during petroleum extraction are the largest waste stream from oil and gas development. Reuse or disposal of these waters is difficult due both to their high salinities, which can greatly exceed 35 g/L (seawater equivalent), and also the sheer volume of wastewater generated, which is estimated at nearly 900 billion gallons per year across the United States. Beyond...
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Brine Research Instrumentation and Experimental (BRInE) Laboratory
Filter Total Items: 24

Produced water geochemistry from hydraulically stimulated Niobrara Formation petroleum wells: Origin of salinity and temporal perspectives on treatment and reuse Produced water geochemistry from hydraulically stimulated Niobrara Formation petroleum wells: Origin of salinity and temporal perspectives on treatment and reuse

Produced water (i.e., a mixture of returned injection fluids and geologic formation brines) represents the largest volumetric waste stream associated with petroleum production in the United States. As such, produced water has been the focus of intense study with emphasis on understanding the geologic origin of the fluids, environmental impacts of unintended or intentional release...
Authors
Aaron M. Jubb, Jenna L. Shelton, Bonnie McDevitt, Kaela Amundson, Amanda Sha Herzberg, Jessica Chenault, Andrew Laurence Masterson, Matthew S. Varonka, Glenn Jolly, Christina DeVera, Elliott Barnhart, Michael Wilkins, Madalyn S. Blondes
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Brine Research Instrumentation and Experimental (BRInE) Laboratory

Evaluation of portable Raman spectroscopic analysis for source-rock thermal maturity assessments on bulk crushed rock Evaluation of portable Raman spectroscopic analysis for source-rock thermal maturity assessments on bulk crushed rock

This study presents a simplified method and empirical relationships for determining organic matter thermal maturity using a portable Raman system equipped with a 785 nm laser, for analysis of crushed, whole-rock samples. Suites of rocks represented by shale and coal samples with various mineralogical composition, thermal maturity, and total organic carbon (TOC) were used to test the...
Authors
Martha Stokes, Aaron M. Jubb, Paul Hackley, Justin Birdwell, Elliott Barnhart, Clint Scott, Jenna L. Shelton, Margaret Sanders, Javin Hatcherian
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

The EDMAP Program: Training the next generation of geologic mappers The EDMAP Program: Training the next generation of geologic mappers

Introduction Detailed geologic maps are the basis of most earth science investigations and can be used for natural hazard mitigation, resource identification and exploration, infrastructure planning, and more. As a part of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) congressionally mandated National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (NCGMP), the EDMAP program (referred to as EDMAP) is a...
Authors
Jenna L. Shelton, Christopher Swezey, Michael Marketti
By
Energy Resources Program, National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Florence Bascom Geoscience Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

The National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program’s U.S. GeoFramework Initiative — Delivering a digital database of geologic map information by 2030 The National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program’s U.S. GeoFramework Initiative — Delivering a digital database of geologic map information by 2030

The U.S. Geological Survey's National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program's U.S. GeoFramework Initiative responds to Congressional direction to implement the National Geologic Map Database Phase Three. The U.S. GeoFramework Initiative aims to create and deliver a new digital geologic framework of the United States by 2030. This Fact Sheet outlines the collaborations needed and plans...
Authors
Jenna L. Shelton, William Andrews, Joseph Colgan, Samuel Johnstone, David Soller, Richard Berg, Donald S. Sweetkind, Kristine Zellman, John Brock, Kate Ritzel
By
National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Assessment of carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery and associated carbon dioxide retention resources of the United States Assessment of carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery and associated carbon dioxide retention resources of the United States

In 2020, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) completed a probabilistic assessment of the volume of technically recoverable oil resources that could be produced using current carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery (CO2-EOR) technologies in amenable conventional oil reservoirs underlying onshore and State-owned offshore waters (herein after, onshore and State waters areas) of the conterminous...
Authors
Peter D. Warwick, E. Attanasi, Madalyn S. Blondes, Sean T. Brennan, Marc L. Buursink, Steven M. Cahan, Colin Doolan, Philip A. Freeman, C. Karacan, Celeste D. Lohr, Matthew D. Merrill, Ricardo A. Olea, Jenna L. Shelton, Ernie Slucher, Brian Varela
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Dissolved organic matter within oil and gas associated wastewaters from U.S. unconventional petroleum plays: Comparisons and consequences for disposal and reuse Dissolved organic matter within oil and gas associated wastewaters from U.S. unconventional petroleum plays: Comparisons and consequences for disposal and reuse

Wastewater generated during petroleum extraction (produced water) may contain high concentrations of dissolved organics due to their intimate association with organic-rich source rocks, expelled petroleum, and organic additives to fluids used for hydraulic fracturing of unconventional (e.g., shale) reservoirs. Dissolved organic matter (DOM) within produced water represents a challenge...
Authors
Bonnie McDevitt, Aaron M. Jubb, Matthew S. Varonka, Madalyn S. Blondes, Mark Engle, Tanya J. Gallegos, Jenna L. Shelton
By
Energy Resources Program, Mineral Resources Program, National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Brine Research Instrumentation and Experimental (BRInE) Laboratory

In situ enhancement and isotopic labeling of biogenic coalbed methane In situ enhancement and isotopic labeling of biogenic coalbed methane

Subsurface microbial (biogenic) methane production is an important part of the global carbon cycle that has resulted in natural gas accumulations in many coal beds worldwide. Laboratory studies suggest that complex carbon-containing nutrients (e.g., yeast or algae extract) can stimulate methane production, yet the effectiveness of these nutrients within coal beds is unknown. Here, we use...
Authors
Elliott Barnhart, Leslie F. Ruppert, Randy Heibert, Heidi Smith, Hannah Schweitzer, Arthur Clark, Edwin Weeks, William Orem, Matthew S. Varonka, George Platt, Jenna L. Shelton, Katherine J Davis, Robert Hyatt, Jennifer McIntosh, Kilian Ashley, Shuhei Ono, Anna Martini, Keith Hackley, Robin Gerlach, Lee Spangler, Adrienne Phillips, Mark Barry, Alfred Cunningham, Matthew Fields
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, National Innovation Center, Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center

National assessment of carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery and associated carbon dioxide retention resources — Summary National assessment of carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery and associated carbon dioxide retention resources — Summary

IntroductionIn 2020, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) completed a probabilistic assessment of the volume of technically recoverable oil resources that might be produced by using current carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery (CO2-EOR) technologies in amenable conventional oil reservoirs underlying the onshore and State waters areas of the conterminous United States. The assessment also...
Authors
Peter D. Warwick, Emil D. Attanasi, Madalyn S. Blondes, Sean Brennan, Marc Buursink, Steven Cahan, Colin Doolan, Philip A. Freeman, C. Karacan, Celeste D. Lohr, Matthew Merrill, Ricardo Olea, Jenna L. Shelton, Ernie Slucher, Brian Varela
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

National assessment of carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery and associated carbon dioxide retention resources — Results National assessment of carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery and associated carbon dioxide retention resources — Results

In 2020, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) completed a probabilistic assessment of the volume of technically recoverable oil resources available if current carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery (CO2-EOR) technologies were applied to amenable oil reservoirs underlying the onshore and State waters areas of the conterminous United States. The assessment also includes estimates of the mass of...
Authors
Peter D. Warwick, Emil D. Attanasi, Madalyn S. Blondes, Sean Brennan, Marc Buursink, Steven Cahan, Colin Doolan, Philip A. Freeman, C. Karacan, Celeste D. Lohr, Matthew Merrill, Ricardo Olea, Jenna L. Shelton, Ernie Slucher, Brian Varela
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Machine learning can assign geologic basin to produced water samples using major ion geochemistry Machine learning can assign geologic basin to produced water samples using major ion geochemistry

Understanding the geochemistry of waters produced during petroleum extraction is essential to informing the best treatment and reuse options, which can potentially be optimized for a given geologic basin. Here, we used the US Geological Survey’s National Produced Waters Geochemical Database (PWGD) to determine if major ion chemistry could be used to classify accurately a produced water...
Authors
Jenna L. Shelton, Aaron M. Jubb, Samuel Saxe, Emil D. Attanasi, Alexei Milkov, Mark Engle, Philip A. Freeman, Christopher Shaffer, Madalyn S. Blondes
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

The Preventing Harassment in Science workshop: Summary and best practices for planetary science and astrobiology The Preventing Harassment in Science workshop: Summary and best practices for planetary science and astrobiology

The NASA-funded Preventing Harassment in Science workshop took place in June of 2020. Here we describe the workshop and summarize the best practices for reducing harassment that were discussed. We include a list of recommendations that can be used to take steps towards reducing harassment in the planetary science and astrobiology community.
Authors
Kristen Bennett, Maggie McAdam, Moses Milazzo, Patricia Garcia, Jenna L. Shelton, Peggy Gardiner, Serina Diniega, Catalina Martinez, Alexandra Etheridge, Alicia Rutledge, C. Richey
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Astrogeology Science Center

Utica shale play oil and gas brines: Geochemistry and factors influencing wastewater management Utica shale play oil and gas brines: Geochemistry and factors influencing wastewater management

The Utica and Marcellus Shale Plays in the Appalachian Basin are the fourth and first largest natural gas producing plays in the United States, respectively. Hydrocarbon production generates large volumes of brine (“produced water”) that must be disposed of, treated, or reused. Though Marcellus brines have been studied extensively, there are few studies from the Utica Shale Play. This...
Authors
Madalyn S. Blondes, Jenna L. Shelton, Mark Engle, Jason Trembly, Colin Doolan, Aaron M. Jubb, Jessica Chenault, Elisabeth L. Rowan, Ralph Haefner, Brian E. Mailot
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Brine Research Instrumentation and Experimental (BRInE) Laboratory
Was this page helpful?