Data Releases

The nanoscale molecular composition of kerogen is a challenging parameter to characterize given the chemical and structural complexity exhibited by this important biopolymer. However, kerogen composition will strongly impact its reactivity and so is a critical parameter to understand petroleum generation processes during kerogen catagenesis. The recent advent of tip-enhanced analytical methods, su

To test if reflectance increases to sedimentary organic matter (vitrinite) caused by broad ion beam (BIB) milling were related to molecular aromatization and condensation, we used Raman and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopies to evaluate potential compositional changes in the same vitrinite locations pre- and post-BIB milling. The same locations also were examined by atomic force micr

These data show grass crop and model species response to toxic chemicals (Arsenic (As)) and humic acids. Experiments were performed by collaboration between the U.S. Geological Survey, Rutgers University, and Rey Juan Carlos University. A series of individual experiments investigated beneficial effects of endophytic bacteria on grass crop growth and resilience to known plant toxicity.

Fluorescence spectroscopy via confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was used to analyze ancient sedimentary organic matter, including Tasmanites microfossils in Devonian shale and Gloecapsomorpha prisca (G. prisca) in Ordovician kukersite from North American basins. We examined fluorescence emission as a function of excitation laser wavelength, sample orientation, and with respect to location

The "Database of Central and Eastern North American Seismic Velocity Structure" involves the compilation of one-dimensional (1D) seismic velocity-depth functions for central and eastern North America (CENA). The present database is an update of the report by Chulick and Mooney (2002) who present a compilation and statistical analysis of 1D seismic velocity-depth functions for North America and its

As part of a larger study, organic petrographic features of Leonardian Wolfcamp A repetitive siliceous and calcareous mudrock and fine-grained carbonate lithofacies cycles occurring in the R. Ricker #1 core from Reagan County, Midland Basin, Texas were evaluated. The objectives of the petrographic investigation were to estimate thermal maturity, identify organic matter types and abundances, and id

The dataset covers Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) measurements taken from altered kerogen in shales from the Woodford formation. The ATR measurements were taken after the samples were run through supercritical CO2 alteration experiments in a brine solution.

In this study, organic petrology and Osmium isotope (187Os/188Os) stratigraphy, major and trace element, and programmed pyrolysis analysis were performed on five outcrop samples from western New York, USA. Seawater Os isotope composition is controlled by radiogenic input from weathering of the ancient land and nonradiogenic input from extraterrestrial and hydrothermal sources (Peucker-Ehrenbrink a

The dataset covers X-ray diffraction (XRD) applied for mineral determination in shales from the Utica, Excello, Niobrara, and Monterey formations. The XRD was performed prior to modified Rock-Eval pyrolysis, reflectance, organic petrology, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) being employed to analyze geochemical properties; gas adsorption (CO2 and N2) was used to characterize pore s

Solid organic matter (OM) in sedimentary rocks produces petroleum and solid bitumen when it undergoes thermal maturation. The solid OM is a 'geomacromolecule', usually representing a mixture of various organisms with distinct biogenic origins, and can have high heterogeneity in composition. Programmed pyrolysis is a common conventional method to reveal bulk geochemical characteristics of the domin

Recent production of light sweet oil from shallow (~2,000 ft) horizontal wells in the Upper Devonian Berea Sandstone of eastern Kentucky and historical oil production from conventional wells in the Berea of adjoining southern Ohio has prompted re-evaluation of Devonian petroleum systems in the central Appalachian Basin. Herein, we examined Upper Devonian Ohio Shale (lower Huron Member) and Middle

For sample mounting, organic petrology laboratories typically use cold-setting epoxy-resin (e.g., 40 degrees C, used by Oklahoma Geological Survey, OGS) or heat-setting plastic (e.g., 180 degrees C, used by U.S. Geological Survey, USGS). Previous workers have suggested a systematic vitrinite reflectance (VRo) increase was associated with the thermoplastic preparation process, relative to epoxy mou