IGS Info > IGS Projects

Project Details

---

Project Information Sheet 2000-07

Architecture of the Salem Limestone (Mississippian) in the dimension stone district of south-central Indiana

Funding Source:	Indiana Geological Survey
Period of Contract:	1 Jul 2000 to 30 May 2007
Status:	active — Definition of status type
Project Director:	Brian D. Keith and Todd A. Thompson with Kirsten Bannister (Indiana University Department of Geological Sciences)

Issue

The Salem Limestone is one of the premier dimension stones in the country. It is also a petroleum reservoir in the Illinois Basin. It has been used extensively for physical testing by both industries. The results of the testing, however, have never been placed within the context of understanding the distribution of the Salem'’s lithologic facies, and associated petrographic characteristics and porosity and permeability. This contextual information can be of great benefit to both industries.

Objective

The purpose of the project is to determine the architecture of a Salem carbonate shoal and the potential fluid-flow pathways.

Approach

Working in a quarry southwest of Bloomington, we are mapping bounding surfaces within the Salem along quarry walls as stone is being removed. Using CAD software, a three-dimensional model of the bounding surfaces showing the distribution of the shoal lithofacies will be constructed. We will collect oriented plugs of architectural elements for thin sections and porosity and permeability measurements. The thin sections will be used to understand cement distribution and diagenetic history. The porosity and permeability measurements will be used with the lithofacies and cement information to reconstruct potential fluid-flow pathways. Financial and in-kind support from industry is being actively sought to support the work.

Products

A published report will be disseminated and several presentations will be given. This project is designed as a springboard for an ongoing research program in the Salem.

Benefits

This project will result in a better understanding of the three-dimensional distribution of the properties of Salem Limestone, which has implications for both the dimension stone and petroleum industries.

Locations Affected:

Monroe

Indiana House Districts Affected:

44 46

47 60

61 62

65 73

Indiana Senate Districts Affected:

37

39

40

44

48

Information Updated January 30, 2007

Copyright © 2009, The Trustees of Indiana University