107 Sedimentary Geology Division/SEPM Student Research Poster Competition: Dynamics of Stratigraphy and Sedimentation

Students (at any level) may present posters of original research on any topics within sedimentary geology: carbonates, clastics, chemical sediments, ancient and/or modern systems. Posters are judged for monetary awards distributed at the reception.

Monday, 20 October 2025
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
HBGCC, Hall 1

Regional and Local Geology for a Potential CCS Site; an Example From the Illinois Basin, Sangamon County, Illinois

Paper number: 107-23
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 8:00 AM – 8:00 AM

Authors

Abstract

Carbon, capture, and storage (CCS) is a necessary solution to the growing issue of increasing carbon dioxide emissions. The capture and storage of carbon dioxide emissions from point sources prevents millions of tons of CO2 from entering the Earth’s atmosphere. To consider a potential CCS site, local and regional geologic studies are necessary to understand a site’s suitability for geologic carbon sequestration. This study evaluates a potential CCS site located near Springfield, Illinois on the west flank of the Illinois Basin, and is part of a US Department of Energy CarbonSAFE project called Illinois Basin West. We completed a literary review of the regional geologic history of the Illinois Basin as well as the local geology of the project site in Sangamon County, Illinois. We analyzed geological subsurface data including Quaternary glacial aquifers, oil wells and test wells, plus faults, folds and other structures. Results support previous conclusions that the geological history of the Illinois Basin is defined by several tectonic events that occurred dominantly Precambrian through Pennsylvanian, with recurring deformation in the far southern Illinois Basin from Pennsylvanian to post-Cretaceous. The project site contains strata ranging from the Precambrian basement to Pennsylvanian age bedrock and is capped with Quaternary glacial sediments. Subsurface data from exploration wells and other Illinois Basin Department of Energy supported test wells have studied and confirmed the suitability of the Cambrian-aged Mt. Simon Sandstone and Eau Claire Formation as the storage and confining zones for the project site. The summary formulated from this study will be utilized as a reference throughout the lifetime of the project to ensure the protection of important subsurface resources and the success of the potential carbon sequestration project.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 57, No. 6

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-414086

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