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Project Details

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Project Information Sheet

A systems approach to identifying exploration and development opportunities in the Illinois Basin: Digital portfolio of plays in underexplored Lower Paleozoic rocks

Funding Source:	U.S. Department of Energy subcontract from Illinois State Geological Survey
Period of Contract:	1 Sep 2004 to 31 Aug 2007
Status:	active — Definition of status type
Project Director:	Brian D. Keith

Issue

Lower Paleozoic (Devonian, Silurian, and Ordovician) rocks of the Illinois Basin (Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky) represent an important, yet poorly understood hydrocarbon exploration and development potential resource. Of the 4 billion barrels of oil produced from the Illinois Basin, only 7.5 percent has been from Lower Paleozoic rocks. Reservoirs below 2,500 feet in depth are rarely targeted, yet have great potential for additional discoveries.

Objective

Develop a digital play portfolio for Devonian and deeper Paleozoic strata in the Illinois Basin, which represents a poorly understood and underutilized energy resource.

Approach

This will be a three-state cooperative effort under the umbrella of the Illinois Basin Consortium. Existing data in paper and digital files at the Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky geological surveys will be evaluated, refined, and updated. Using ArcIMS software, this information will then be merged into a single geographic information System (GIS) site that will be available to members of the petroleum industry. Maps, cross sections, and field studies will also be constructed for Devonian and deeper strata using the data in a unified format for all three states.

Products

ArcIMS Internet site having technically advanced graphics and increased usability will be developed. Reports and maps will also be published. Due to a change in federal funding priorities for FY2007, funding fior the final year was not renewed. Work is being conducted under a no-cost extension to complete exisiting efforts and products by the end of FY2007.

Benefits

Small- to medium-sized energy companies do not have the resources to develop these data into digital products on their own. They will be able to use this information to develop new exploration concepts with the potential for discovery of new energy reserves in an area whose resources are in overall decline despite higher prices.

Locations Affected:

Outside Indiana

state

Indiana House Districts Affected:

42 43 44 45

46 60 61 62

63 64 65 70

72 73 74 75

76 77 78

Indiana Senate Districts Affected:

23 24 37

38 39 40

44 46 47

48 49 50

Information Updated February 8, 2007

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