298 Joint SGD-SEPM-IAS Focus on Sedimentary Geology and Energy Transitions (Posters)

This topical session is designed to explore how sedimentary geology underpins cutting-edge research, exploration, and decision-making in energy-resource development and to identify workforce-development priorities for sedimentary geologists supporting the energy transition.

Wednesday, 22 October 2025
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
HBGCC, Hall 1

Characterizing Potential Cambrian-Ordovician Confining Units for CCUS in the Michigan Basin

Paper number: 298-3
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 8:00 AM – 8:00 AM

Authors

Abstract

Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) involves extracting and concentrating super-critical CO2 and injecting it into subsurface geological formations with the intention of lowering atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Under the work of the ongoing Carbon Capture Utilization Storage (CCUS) project (Advancing CCUS in the Michigan Basin DE-FE0032368), a primary objective is focused on advancing our understanding of potential confining units in the Michigan Basin. Historically, confining units have lacked detailed characterization which creates critical knowledge gaps when considering sites for CCUS. Detailed and holistic petrologic characterization of these units combines lithological, mineralogical, and geochemical (bulk and in situ) data to identify textural and compositional heterogeneity and to understand the efficacy of potential confining units. These properties will be used to characterize the formation, understand weaknesses and leakage pathways, and potential reactivity of injected fluids. 

 

This study focuses on two Cambrian-Ordovician units in the Sylvester & State Sanborn #1-29 core from Alpena County, MI: the Glenwood Formation, one of the many targeted confining units for CCUS in the Michigan Basin; and the St. Peter Sandstone, a targeted reservoir. Petrological characterization of identified units will be completed using thin section petrography, scanning electron microscopy, powder x-ray diffraction, x-ray fluorescence, and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Analytical data will be integrated with existing core descriptions using physical core and cuttings housed in the Michigan Geological Repository for Research and Education database. 

 

In summary, the Glenwood Formation exhibits textural and mineralogical heterogeneity, which present challenges for understanding vertical and lateral changes in formation properties across the Michigan Basin. The presence of interbedded siliciclastic and carbonates exhibit variable porosity attributing to variable sealing capacity. Overall, the Glenwood Formation is a complex unit which has limited sealing capacity in Alpena County and will likely be classified as a seep zone in many locations and an immediate confining unit in others. 

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

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-414224

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