| dc.description.abstract | The objective of this research is to further investigate the resource potential of the Green River Formation (GRF) oil shales by determining the lithological, mineralogical, and organic properties by using hand sample study, thin section analysis, and various other microscopic techniques. By utilizing petrology, or rock characterization, this project will determine the grain size, mineral composition, porosity, permeability, and the organic materials that compose the rock. Thus, also giving a more accurate representation of the depositional environment in which the rock was deposited. This will be done by using characteristics observed from hand sample study, thin section analysis, and various other microscopic techniques such as reflected light microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and ion milling. A successful completion of this project will result in a better understanding of the resource potential within the Green River Formation. It will shed new light on the mineralogy, porosity, and organic matter within the rock. The GRF has not been characterized to the extent and with the technologies that this project proposes. This study will facilitate a new geological perspective of the region which would aid in resource development, environmental protection, and understanding of important episodes of Earth's geologic past. | |
