Date of Award
Fall 12-14-2021
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Geosciences
First Advisor
Dr Crawford Elliott
Second Advisor
Dr Hassan A. Babaie
Third Advisor
Dr Daniel Gebregiorgis
Fourth Advisor
Dr Marion Wampler
Abstract
Mixed-layer illite/smectite (I-S) is an important semi-quantitative geothermometer for the study of thermal histories of sedimentary basins. The purpose of this research is to examine the relationship between smectite illitization and hydrocarbon formation and migration in the Cretaceous Mowry shale of the Wyoming Powder River Basin. The I-S (R≥1) and the measured K-Ar ages of I-S ranging from 49 Ma to 64.9 Ma were observed in the clay fractions of the Mowry Shale. The measured ages of I-S correspond to burial temperatures ~110 C. While maximum burial occurred later in the Miocene Epoch for the Mowry Shale. The extent of illitization in the Mowry Shale bentonites was limited by the availability of potassium.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.57709/26661896
Recommended Citation
Uruowhe, Benard O., "The Timing of Smectite-To-Illite Transformation in Cretaceous Rocks of Powder River Basin." Thesis, Georgia State University, 2021.
doi: https://doi.org/10.57709/26661896
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