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University of Wisconsin–Madison
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The Wisconsin Idea in Action

Controls on Permeability of Deep Sandstone Aquifers

We are studying sedimentary rocks of the St. Peter, Eau Claire and Mt. Simon formations to understand the processes responsible for generating and destroying porosity and permeability. These rocks are exposed in outcrops throughout southern Wisconsin and in drill core from Illinois. Analysis of stable isotope ratios (oxygen, carbon, and silicon) in quartz, feldspar and csrbonate cements at 1-10 micrometer scale at WiscSIMS (UW-Madison) constrains the temperatures and timing of cements. The results potentially impact decisions relating to exploration for fossil fuels, sequestration of CO2 in deep aquifers and protection of groundwater reservoirs. see: Hyodo A. et al. (2014) Chemical Geology 384: 168-180.

Outcomes

The results potentially impact decisions relating to sequestration of CO2 in deep aquifers and protection of groundwater reservoirs.

Focus Areas

Project Leader

John Valley
Professor

Department/Unit
Geoscience
School or College
College of Letters & Science

This project was last updated on Jan 29, 2015. Do you have an update for this project? Find out how to contribute.