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Justin Birdwell

My USGS research involves a range of energy-related issues, including: assessing undiscovered, technically recoverable oil and gas resources in U.S. petroleum systems; evaluating geothermal, critical minerals, and energy storage potential in sedimentary basins; examining environmental impacts of energy development; and researching paleoenvironmental conditions using geochemical methods.

Justin Birdwell is a research engineer and geochemist with the USGS Energy Resources Program’s Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Assessments and Research project. As a Mendenhall Post-doctoral Research Fellow he helped refine previous assessments of Green River oil shale resources, conducted experimental work to evaluate in-situ retorting approaches to oil shave development, and studied the environmental impacts of oil shale utilization. His current work is focused on petroleum resource assessments in Gulf Coast and Rocky Mountain basins, geochemical characterization of source rocks and petroleum using standard and advanced methods, evaluation of non-petroleum resource potential in petroliferous sedimentary basins, and development of geochemical reference materials.

Justin is the current Chair of the Geological Society of America’s Energy Geology Division (2024), past-president of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) Energy Minerals Division (EMD; 2021-2022), an Associate Editor of AAPG Bulletin, Member of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Coal Geology, a representative of the Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists in the AAPG House of Delegates, and three-time technical program chair for the AAPG Rocky Mountain Section annual meeting (2022-2024).

https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=16174195400
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Justin_Birdwell
https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=7xr20ZQAAAAJ

Professional Experience

  • 10/2012-2/2024, Research Environmental Engineer, USGS

  • 11/2011-9/2012, General Research Engineer, USGS

  • 10/2009-10/2011, Mendenhall Postdoctoral Fellow/Research Engineer, USGS 

  • 1/2008-9/2009, Research Associate, LSU 

  • 8/2002-12/2007, Graduate Student/Research & Teaching Assistant, LSU 

Education and Certifications

  • Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, 2007, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana (Advisor: Louis J. Thibodeaux) 

  • B.S., Chemical Engineering, 2002, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 

Science and Products

link
reference materials

Development of USGS Geochemical Reference Materials

The project focus was the development of traditional and microanalytical reference materials that support USGS geochemical investigations. Development of new microanalytical reference materials allows USGS scientists and outside customers to examine a greater range of sample types while maintaining a high degree of data reliability.
By
Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center
link

Development of USGS Geochemical Reference Materials

The project focus was the development of traditional and microanalytical reference materials that support USGS geochemical investigations. Development of new microanalytical reference materials allows USGS scientists and outside customers to examine a greater range of sample types while maintaining a high degree of data reliability.
Learn More
link
An image of USGS research drilling rig on side of U.S. Route 90 in Kinney County, Texas. The sky is streaked with clouds.

Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Research

The Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Assessments and Research (GEAR) project also conducts research on the properties and processes relevant to the Gulf Coast Jurassic-Cretaceous-Tertiary composite total petroleum system (TPS). This research aims to improve ongoing and future undiscovered, technically recoverable hydrocarbon resources assessments on the onshore and State waters portion of the Gulf Coast...
By
Energy and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center
link

Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Research

The Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Assessments and Research (GEAR) project also conducts research on the properties and processes relevant to the Gulf Coast Jurassic-Cretaceous-Tertiary composite total petroleum system (TPS). This research aims to improve ongoing and future undiscovered, technically recoverable hydrocarbon resources assessments on the onshore and State waters portion of the Gulf Coast...
Learn More
link
Extent of Gulf Coast Petroleum System Project and Oil and Gas Wells

Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Assessments

One of the main goals of the Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Assessments and Research (GEAR) project is to conduct assessments of undiscovered, technically recoverable petroleum resources of the U.S. Gulf Coast region. This goal is in accordance with the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) and is performed in collaboration with the USGS National Oil and Gas Assessment project. These high-quality...
By
Energy and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
link

Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Assessments

One of the main goals of the Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Assessments and Research (GEAR) project is to conduct assessments of undiscovered, technically recoverable petroleum resources of the U.S. Gulf Coast region. This goal is in accordance with the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) and is performed in collaboration with the USGS National Oil and Gas Assessment project. These high-quality...
Learn More
Filter Total Items: 25

Reflectance data from figures in: Using X-ray spectrum of carbon in electron microprobe analysis to determine thermal maturity of organic matter in mudstones

Conventional methods of assessing organic matter (OM) thermal maturity have limitations and often fail to reflect the geochemical heterogeneity between individual organic phases in mudstone samples. Vitrinite and solid bitumen reflectance, for example, is often measured to estimate OM thermal maturity but is restricted to specific types of OM. Alternative methods deserve exploration. This dataset
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Total organic carbon and programmed temperature pyrolysis data for the Bakken Formation, Williston Basin, USA

One hundred ninety-six black shale samples of the Late Devonian-Early Mississippian Bakken Formation were selected from eight drill cores located in Montana and North Dakota, USA. Samples were powdered and total organic carbon and programmed temperature pyrolysis analysis were performed at the U.S. Geological Survey Petroleum Geochemistry Research Laboratory in Denver, CO following standard lab pr
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Geochemical data for the Cenomanian-Turonian Eagle Ford Group recorded in the USGS Gulf Coast 3 (GC-3) drill core of southwest Texas

The Upper Cretaceous Eagle Ford Group in southwest Texas represents a geologic record of the Cenomanian-Turonian period in the southern Western Interior Seaway (WIS) of North America prior to and during the Oceanic Anoxic Event 2 (OAE-2). Geochemical data generated and compiled here were collected on core samples taken from a wellbore near Del Rio, TX for the purpose of better characterizing the p
By
Central Energy Resources Science Center

Rare earth element concentrations for oil shales and isolated kerogens from around the world

This Data Release contains lanthanide (i.e., rare earth element, REE), yttrium (Y), and scandium (Sc) concentrations for oil shales and kerogens isolated from those presented in the associated journal article "Role of Organic Matter and Thermal Maturation in Rare Earth Element Partitioning in the Middle Devonian Sequence of the Appalachian Basin". This dataset provides REE content for a diverse ra
By
Central Energy Resources Science Center

Geochemical and spectroscopic data on core samples from Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania

This data release contains geochemical and spectroscopic laboratory results associated with the journal article "Middle-Late Holocene paleolimnological changes in central Lake Tanganyika: Integrated evidence from the Kavala Island Ridge (Tanzania)". Data include bulk organic geochemistry, organic stable carbon isotope, and infrared spectroscopic analyses. Location for LT-TANG17-9B-1U-1: latitude:
By
Central Energy Resources Science Center

USGS National and Global Oil and Gas Assessment Project- Gulf Coast Smackover Conventional Oil and Gas Assessment Unit Boundaries, Assessment Input Data, and Fact Sheet Data Tables

This data release contains the boundaries of assessment units and input data for the assessment of undiscovered conventional oil and gas resources in the Smackover formation in the U.S. Gulf Coast. The Assessment Unit is the fundamental unit used in the National Assessment Project for the assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources. The Assessment Unit is defined within the context of the hig
By
Central Energy Resources Science Center

Screening geochemistry, gas chromatography, and solid bitumen reflectance data in the Bakken petroleum system, Williston Basin, USA

Thirty-two organic-rich samples from the lower and upper shale members of the Devonian–Mississippian Bakken Formation were collected from eight cores across the Williston Basin, USA, at depths (~7,575–11,330 ft) representing immature through post peak oil/early condensate thermal maturity conditions. Reflectance results were correlated to programmed temperature pyrolysis parameters [hydrogen index

By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

SEM-CL investigation of sedimentary organic matter samples

High-resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM) visualization of sedimentary organic matter (SOM) is widely utilized in the geosciences for evaluation of microscale rock properties relevant to depositional environment, diagenesis, and the processes of fluid generation, transport, and storage. However, despite thousands of studies which have incorporated SEM approaches, the inability of SEM to d
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Total neutron scattering of methane in Niobrara Formation samples at the wet-gas maturity level

Petroleum within unconventional source-rock reservoirs is hosted in organic matter and mineral pore space as well as in voids and microfractures. Recent work has shown that for source-rock reservoirs in the dry gas window, significant portions of methane (CH4), the main component of petroleum at elevated maturities, can be stored within fine organic matter porosity. However, within reservoirs at l
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Portable Raman spectroscopic analysis of bulk crushed rock

This study presents a simplified method and empirical relationships for determining organic matter thermal maturity using a portable Raman system equipped with a 785 nm laser, for analysis of crushed, whole-rock samples. Several sets of rocks comprised of shale and coal samples with various mineralogical composition, thermal maturity, total organic carbon (TOC), and age were used to test the metho
By
National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Geochemical and spectroscopic data on outcrop samples from the informal Uteland Butte member of the Eocene Green River Formation in Uinta Basin, Utah

The informal Uteland Butte member of the Eocene Green River Formation in the Uinta Basin, Utah is one of the few examples of a continuous petroleum resource play in the world situated in a lacustrine sedimentary basin (Johnson and others, 2015; Birdwell and others, 2016). The datasets compiled here were collected on outcrop samples of the Uteland Butte member with the purpose of better characteriz
By
Central Energy Resources Science Center

Geochemical data for the Green River Formation in the Piceance Basin, Colorado: Major and trace element concentrations and total organic carbon content

The Eocene Green River Formation in the Piceance Basin of Colorado contains some of the richest oil shale deposits in the world (Johnson and others, 2009; Birdwell and others, 2013). The datasets compiled here were collected with the purpose of refining our understanding of geochemical variability through the depositional history of Eocene Lake Uinta in Piceance Basin. The effects of salinity, wat
By
Central Energy Resources Science Center
Filter Total Items: 87

Insights on using solid bitumen reflectance as a thermal maturity proxy in the Bakken Formation, Williston Basin, USA

To further refine the use of solid bitumen reflectance (BRo in %) as a measurement of thermal maturity in source-rock reservoirs, we examined its relationship to other thermal proxies in the Bakken Formation. Comparisons included criteria from programmed temperature pyrolysis, gas chromatography (GC), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Thirty-two organic-rich samples from the lowe
Authors
Paul C. Hackley, Clint Scott, Justin E. Birdwell, Jennifer Nedzweckas, Brett J. Valentine, Tongwei Zhang, Timothy O Nesheim
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Middle-late Holocene paleolimnological changes in central Lake Tanganyika: Integrated evidence from the Kavala Island Ridge (Tanzania)

Middle and Late Holocene sediments have not been extensively sampled in Lake Tanganyika, and much remains unknown about the response of the Rift Valley’s largest lake to major environmental shifts during the Holocene, including the termination of the African Humid Period (AHP). Here, we present an integrated study (sedimentology, mineralogy, and geochemistry) of a radiocarbon-dated sediment core f
Authors
Leandro Domingos-Luz, Michael J. Soreghan, Giliane G. Rasbold, Geoffrey S. Ellis, Justin E. Birdwell, Ishmael A. Kimirei, Christopher A. Scholz, Michael M. McGlue
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Influence of organic matter thermal maturity on rare earth element distribution: A study of Middle Devonian black shales from the Appalachian Basin, USA

This study focuses on understanding the association of rare earth elements (REE; lanthanides + yttrium + scandium) with organic matter from the Middle Devonian black shales of the Appalachian Basin. Developing a better understanding of the role of organic matter (OM) and thermal maturity in REE partitioning may help improve current geochemical models of REE enrichment in a wide range of black shal
Authors
Shailee Bhattacharya, Shikha Sharma, Vikas Agrawal, Michael C. Dix, Giovanni Zanoni, Justin E. Birdwell, Albert S. Wylie, Tom Wagner
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Cathodoluminescence differentiates sedimentary organic matter types

High-resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM) visualization of sedimentary organic matter is widely utilized in the geosciences for evaluating microscale rock properties relevant to depositional environment, diagenesis, and the processes of fluid generation, transport, and storage. However, despite thousands of studies which have incorporated SEM methods, the inability of SEM to differentiate
Authors
Paul C. Hackley, Ryan J. McAleer, Aaron M. Jubb, Brett J. Valentine, Justin E. Birdwell
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Florence Bascom Geoscience Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Assessment of undiscovered, technically recoverable conventional oil and gas resources in the Upper Jurassic Smackover Formation, U.S. Gulf Coast, 2022

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 143 million barrels of oil and 1,084 billion cubic feet of natural gas in conventional accumulations for the Upper Jurassic Smackover Formation in the onshore U.S. Gulf Coast region.
Authors
Justin E. Birdwell, Katherine J. Whidden, Stanley T. Paxton, Scott A. Kinney, Rand D. Gardner, Janet K. Pitman, Katherine L. French, Tracey J. Mercier, Cheryl A. Woodall, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Christopher J. Schenk
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Geologic sources and well integrity impact methane emissions from orphaned and abandoned oil and gas wells

The 160-year history of oil and gas drilling in the United States has left a legacy of unplugged orphaned and abandoned wells, some of which are leaking methane and other hazardous chemicals into the environment. The locations of around 120,000 documented orphaned wells are currently known with the number of undocumented orphaned wells possibly ranging towards a million. The bulk of methane emissi
Authors
Nicholas J. Gianoutsos, Karl B. Haase, Justin E. Birdwell
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Evaluation of portable Raman spectroscopic analysis for source-rock thermal maturity assessments on bulk crushed rock

This study presents a simplified method and empirical relationships for determining organic matter thermal maturity using a portable Raman system equipped with a 785 nm laser, for analysis of crushed, whole-rock samples. Suites of rocks represented by shale and coal samples with various mineralogical composition, thermal maturity, and total organic carbon (TOC) were used to test the method and bui
Authors
Martha (Rebecca) Stokes, Aaron M. Jubb, Paul C. Hackley, Justin E. Birdwell, Elliott Barnhart, Clint Scott, Jenna L. Shelton, Margaret M. Sanders, Javin J. Hatcherian
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Intramolecular carbon isotope geochemistry of butane isomers from laboratory maturation and Monte-Carlo simulations of kerogen types I, II, and III

Position-specific (PS) carbon isotope compositions of light hydrocarbons such as propane and butane isomers (n-butane and i-butane) can provide a wealth of information on the history of natural gases in the subsurface reservoirs and other environments. For PS carbon isotope analysis of butane isomers, we have established a GC-pyrolysis-GC-isotope ratio mass spectrometry method with demonstrated ac
Authors
Xiaoqiang Li, Hao Xie, Justin E. Birdwell, Gregory McGovern, Juske Horita
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Methane pore accessibility, densification, and accommodation by organic matter in the Niobrara Formation at wet-gas thermal maturity conditions

Petroleum within unconventional source-rock reservoirs is hosted in organic matter and mineral pore space as well as in voids and microfractures. Recent work has shown that for source-rock reservoirs in the dry gas window, significant portions of methane (CH4), the main component of petroleum at elevated maturities, can be stored within fine (<5 nm) organic matter porosity. However, within reservo
Authors
Aaron M. Jubb, Leslie F. Ruppert, Tristan G. A. Youngs, Tom Headen, Justin E. Birdwell, Michael Cheshire, Martha (Rebecca) Stokes
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Assessment of continuous oil and gas resources in the Upper Jurassic Smackover Formation of the onshore U.S. Gulf Coast, 2022

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean continuous resources of 0.8 billion barrels of oil and 16 trillion cubic feet of gas in the Upper Jurassic Smackover Formation of the onshore U.S. Gulf Coast region.

Authors
Katherine J. Whidden, Justin E. Birdwell, Rand D. Gardner, Scott A. Kinney, Stanley T. Paxton, Janet K. Pitman, Christopher J. Schenk
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Geochemistry of the Cretaceous Mowry Shale in the Wind River Basin, Wyoming

The siliceous nature of the Mowry Shale distinguishes it from many of the well-studied organic-rich mudstones of the Cretaceous Western Interior Seaway. Available models of organic enrichment in mudstones rarely incorporate detailed biomarker, bulk organic, inorganic, and mineralogy data. Here, we used these data to evaluate how variations in organic matter source, productivity, dilution, and pres
Authors
Katherine L. French, Justin E. Birdwell, Paul G. Lillis
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Bulk and intramolecular carbon isotopic compositions of hydrocarbon gases from laboratory pyrolysis of oil shale of the Green River Formation: Implications for isotope structures of kerogens

Evaluation of intramolecular isotope distributions within organic compounds can provide important insights into gas formation processes and structural properties of gas-generating precursors, such as kerogen, bitumen, and oil, in natural reservoirs. Until recently, little has been known about the intramolecular isotope distributions within kerogens. In this study, we conducted systematic pyrolysis
Authors
Xiaoqiang Li, Justin E. Birdwell, Juske Horita
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Science and Products

link
reference materials

Development of USGS Geochemical Reference Materials

The project focus was the development of traditional and microanalytical reference materials that support USGS geochemical investigations. Development of new microanalytical reference materials allows USGS scientists and outside customers to examine a greater range of sample types while maintaining a high degree of data reliability.
By
Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center
link

Development of USGS Geochemical Reference Materials

The project focus was the development of traditional and microanalytical reference materials that support USGS geochemical investigations. Development of new microanalytical reference materials allows USGS scientists and outside customers to examine a greater range of sample types while maintaining a high degree of data reliability.
Learn More
link
An image of USGS research drilling rig on side of U.S. Route 90 in Kinney County, Texas. The sky is streaked with clouds.

Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Research

The Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Assessments and Research (GEAR) project also conducts research on the properties and processes relevant to the Gulf Coast Jurassic-Cretaceous-Tertiary composite total petroleum system (TPS). This research aims to improve ongoing and future undiscovered, technically recoverable hydrocarbon resources assessments on the onshore and State waters portion of the Gulf Coast...
By
Energy and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center
link

Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Research

The Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Assessments and Research (GEAR) project also conducts research on the properties and processes relevant to the Gulf Coast Jurassic-Cretaceous-Tertiary composite total petroleum system (TPS). This research aims to improve ongoing and future undiscovered, technically recoverable hydrocarbon resources assessments on the onshore and State waters portion of the Gulf Coast...
Learn More
link
Extent of Gulf Coast Petroleum System Project and Oil and Gas Wells

Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Assessments

One of the main goals of the Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Assessments and Research (GEAR) project is to conduct assessments of undiscovered, technically recoverable petroleum resources of the U.S. Gulf Coast region. This goal is in accordance with the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) and is performed in collaboration with the USGS National Oil and Gas Assessment project. These high-quality...
By
Energy and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
link

Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Assessments

One of the main goals of the Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Assessments and Research (GEAR) project is to conduct assessments of undiscovered, technically recoverable petroleum resources of the U.S. Gulf Coast region. This goal is in accordance with the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) and is performed in collaboration with the USGS National Oil and Gas Assessment project. These high-quality...
Learn More
Filter Total Items: 25

Reflectance data from figures in: Using X-ray spectrum of carbon in electron microprobe analysis to determine thermal maturity of organic matter in mudstones

Conventional methods of assessing organic matter (OM) thermal maturity have limitations and often fail to reflect the geochemical heterogeneity between individual organic phases in mudstone samples. Vitrinite and solid bitumen reflectance, for example, is often measured to estimate OM thermal maturity but is restricted to specific types of OM. Alternative methods deserve exploration. This dataset
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Total organic carbon and programmed temperature pyrolysis data for the Bakken Formation, Williston Basin, USA

One hundred ninety-six black shale samples of the Late Devonian-Early Mississippian Bakken Formation were selected from eight drill cores located in Montana and North Dakota, USA. Samples were powdered and total organic carbon and programmed temperature pyrolysis analysis were performed at the U.S. Geological Survey Petroleum Geochemistry Research Laboratory in Denver, CO following standard lab pr
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Geochemical data for the Cenomanian-Turonian Eagle Ford Group recorded in the USGS Gulf Coast 3 (GC-3) drill core of southwest Texas

The Upper Cretaceous Eagle Ford Group in southwest Texas represents a geologic record of the Cenomanian-Turonian period in the southern Western Interior Seaway (WIS) of North America prior to and during the Oceanic Anoxic Event 2 (OAE-2). Geochemical data generated and compiled here were collected on core samples taken from a wellbore near Del Rio, TX for the purpose of better characterizing the p
By
Central Energy Resources Science Center

Rare earth element concentrations for oil shales and isolated kerogens from around the world

This Data Release contains lanthanide (i.e., rare earth element, REE), yttrium (Y), and scandium (Sc) concentrations for oil shales and kerogens isolated from those presented in the associated journal article "Role of Organic Matter and Thermal Maturation in Rare Earth Element Partitioning in the Middle Devonian Sequence of the Appalachian Basin". This dataset provides REE content for a diverse ra
By
Central Energy Resources Science Center

Geochemical and spectroscopic data on core samples from Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania

This data release contains geochemical and spectroscopic laboratory results associated with the journal article "Middle-Late Holocene paleolimnological changes in central Lake Tanganyika: Integrated evidence from the Kavala Island Ridge (Tanzania)". Data include bulk organic geochemistry, organic stable carbon isotope, and infrared spectroscopic analyses. Location for LT-TANG17-9B-1U-1: latitude:
By
Central Energy Resources Science Center

USGS National and Global Oil and Gas Assessment Project- Gulf Coast Smackover Conventional Oil and Gas Assessment Unit Boundaries, Assessment Input Data, and Fact Sheet Data Tables

This data release contains the boundaries of assessment units and input data for the assessment of undiscovered conventional oil and gas resources in the Smackover formation in the U.S. Gulf Coast. The Assessment Unit is the fundamental unit used in the National Assessment Project for the assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources. The Assessment Unit is defined within the context of the hig
By
Central Energy Resources Science Center

Screening geochemistry, gas chromatography, and solid bitumen reflectance data in the Bakken petroleum system, Williston Basin, USA

Thirty-two organic-rich samples from the lower and upper shale members of the Devonian–Mississippian Bakken Formation were collected from eight cores across the Williston Basin, USA, at depths (~7,575–11,330 ft) representing immature through post peak oil/early condensate thermal maturity conditions. Reflectance results were correlated to programmed temperature pyrolysis parameters [hydrogen index

By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

SEM-CL investigation of sedimentary organic matter samples

High-resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM) visualization of sedimentary organic matter (SOM) is widely utilized in the geosciences for evaluation of microscale rock properties relevant to depositional environment, diagenesis, and the processes of fluid generation, transport, and storage. However, despite thousands of studies which have incorporated SEM approaches, the inability of SEM to d
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Total neutron scattering of methane in Niobrara Formation samples at the wet-gas maturity level

Petroleum within unconventional source-rock reservoirs is hosted in organic matter and mineral pore space as well as in voids and microfractures. Recent work has shown that for source-rock reservoirs in the dry gas window, significant portions of methane (CH4), the main component of petroleum at elevated maturities, can be stored within fine organic matter porosity. However, within reservoirs at l
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Portable Raman spectroscopic analysis of bulk crushed rock

This study presents a simplified method and empirical relationships for determining organic matter thermal maturity using a portable Raman system equipped with a 785 nm laser, for analysis of crushed, whole-rock samples. Several sets of rocks comprised of shale and coal samples with various mineralogical composition, thermal maturity, total organic carbon (TOC), and age were used to test the metho
By
National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Geochemical and spectroscopic data on outcrop samples from the informal Uteland Butte member of the Eocene Green River Formation in Uinta Basin, Utah

The informal Uteland Butte member of the Eocene Green River Formation in the Uinta Basin, Utah is one of the few examples of a continuous petroleum resource play in the world situated in a lacustrine sedimentary basin (Johnson and others, 2015; Birdwell and others, 2016). The datasets compiled here were collected on outcrop samples of the Uteland Butte member with the purpose of better characteriz
By
Central Energy Resources Science Center

Geochemical data for the Green River Formation in the Piceance Basin, Colorado: Major and trace element concentrations and total organic carbon content

The Eocene Green River Formation in the Piceance Basin of Colorado contains some of the richest oil shale deposits in the world (Johnson and others, 2009; Birdwell and others, 2013). The datasets compiled here were collected with the purpose of refining our understanding of geochemical variability through the depositional history of Eocene Lake Uinta in Piceance Basin. The effects of salinity, wat
By
Central Energy Resources Science Center
Filter Total Items: 87

Insights on using solid bitumen reflectance as a thermal maturity proxy in the Bakken Formation, Williston Basin, USA

To further refine the use of solid bitumen reflectance (BRo in %) as a measurement of thermal maturity in source-rock reservoirs, we examined its relationship to other thermal proxies in the Bakken Formation. Comparisons included criteria from programmed temperature pyrolysis, gas chromatography (GC), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Thirty-two organic-rich samples from the lowe
Authors
Paul C. Hackley, Clint Scott, Justin E. Birdwell, Jennifer Nedzweckas, Brett J. Valentine, Tongwei Zhang, Timothy O Nesheim
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Middle-late Holocene paleolimnological changes in central Lake Tanganyika: Integrated evidence from the Kavala Island Ridge (Tanzania)

Middle and Late Holocene sediments have not been extensively sampled in Lake Tanganyika, and much remains unknown about the response of the Rift Valley’s largest lake to major environmental shifts during the Holocene, including the termination of the African Humid Period (AHP). Here, we present an integrated study (sedimentology, mineralogy, and geochemistry) of a radiocarbon-dated sediment core f
Authors
Leandro Domingos-Luz, Michael J. Soreghan, Giliane G. Rasbold, Geoffrey S. Ellis, Justin E. Birdwell, Ishmael A. Kimirei, Christopher A. Scholz, Michael M. McGlue
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Influence of organic matter thermal maturity on rare earth element distribution: A study of Middle Devonian black shales from the Appalachian Basin, USA

This study focuses on understanding the association of rare earth elements (REE; lanthanides + yttrium + scandium) with organic matter from the Middle Devonian black shales of the Appalachian Basin. Developing a better understanding of the role of organic matter (OM) and thermal maturity in REE partitioning may help improve current geochemical models of REE enrichment in a wide range of black shal
Authors
Shailee Bhattacharya, Shikha Sharma, Vikas Agrawal, Michael C. Dix, Giovanni Zanoni, Justin E. Birdwell, Albert S. Wylie, Tom Wagner
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Cathodoluminescence differentiates sedimentary organic matter types

High-resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM) visualization of sedimentary organic matter is widely utilized in the geosciences for evaluating microscale rock properties relevant to depositional environment, diagenesis, and the processes of fluid generation, transport, and storage. However, despite thousands of studies which have incorporated SEM methods, the inability of SEM to differentiate
Authors
Paul C. Hackley, Ryan J. McAleer, Aaron M. Jubb, Brett J. Valentine, Justin E. Birdwell
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Florence Bascom Geoscience Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Assessment of undiscovered, technically recoverable conventional oil and gas resources in the Upper Jurassic Smackover Formation, U.S. Gulf Coast, 2022

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 143 million barrels of oil and 1,084 billion cubic feet of natural gas in conventional accumulations for the Upper Jurassic Smackover Formation in the onshore U.S. Gulf Coast region.
Authors
Justin E. Birdwell, Katherine J. Whidden, Stanley T. Paxton, Scott A. Kinney, Rand D. Gardner, Janet K. Pitman, Katherine L. French, Tracey J. Mercier, Cheryl A. Woodall, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Christopher J. Schenk
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Geologic sources and well integrity impact methane emissions from orphaned and abandoned oil and gas wells

The 160-year history of oil and gas drilling in the United States has left a legacy of unplugged orphaned and abandoned wells, some of which are leaking methane and other hazardous chemicals into the environment. The locations of around 120,000 documented orphaned wells are currently known with the number of undocumented orphaned wells possibly ranging towards a million. The bulk of methane emissi
Authors
Nicholas J. Gianoutsos, Karl B. Haase, Justin E. Birdwell
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Evaluation of portable Raman spectroscopic analysis for source-rock thermal maturity assessments on bulk crushed rock

This study presents a simplified method and empirical relationships for determining organic matter thermal maturity using a portable Raman system equipped with a 785 nm laser, for analysis of crushed, whole-rock samples. Suites of rocks represented by shale and coal samples with various mineralogical composition, thermal maturity, and total organic carbon (TOC) were used to test the method and bui
Authors
Martha (Rebecca) Stokes, Aaron M. Jubb, Paul C. Hackley, Justin E. Birdwell, Elliott Barnhart, Clint Scott, Jenna L. Shelton, Margaret M. Sanders, Javin J. Hatcherian
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Intramolecular carbon isotope geochemistry of butane isomers from laboratory maturation and Monte-Carlo simulations of kerogen types I, II, and III

Position-specific (PS) carbon isotope compositions of light hydrocarbons such as propane and butane isomers (n-butane and i-butane) can provide a wealth of information on the history of natural gases in the subsurface reservoirs and other environments. For PS carbon isotope analysis of butane isomers, we have established a GC-pyrolysis-GC-isotope ratio mass spectrometry method with demonstrated ac
Authors
Xiaoqiang Li, Hao Xie, Justin E. Birdwell, Gregory McGovern, Juske Horita
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Methane pore accessibility, densification, and accommodation by organic matter in the Niobrara Formation at wet-gas thermal maturity conditions

Petroleum within unconventional source-rock reservoirs is hosted in organic matter and mineral pore space as well as in voids and microfractures. Recent work has shown that for source-rock reservoirs in the dry gas window, significant portions of methane (CH4), the main component of petroleum at elevated maturities, can be stored within fine (<5 nm) organic matter porosity. However, within reservo
Authors
Aaron M. Jubb, Leslie F. Ruppert, Tristan G. A. Youngs, Tom Headen, Justin E. Birdwell, Michael Cheshire, Martha (Rebecca) Stokes
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Assessment of continuous oil and gas resources in the Upper Jurassic Smackover Formation of the onshore U.S. Gulf Coast, 2022

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean continuous resources of 0.8 billion barrels of oil and 16 trillion cubic feet of gas in the Upper Jurassic Smackover Formation of the onshore U.S. Gulf Coast region.

Authors
Katherine J. Whidden, Justin E. Birdwell, Rand D. Gardner, Scott A. Kinney, Stanley T. Paxton, Janet K. Pitman, Christopher J. Schenk
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Geochemistry of the Cretaceous Mowry Shale in the Wind River Basin, Wyoming

The siliceous nature of the Mowry Shale distinguishes it from many of the well-studied organic-rich mudstones of the Cretaceous Western Interior Seaway. Available models of organic enrichment in mudstones rarely incorporate detailed biomarker, bulk organic, inorganic, and mineralogy data. Here, we used these data to evaluate how variations in organic matter source, productivity, dilution, and pres
Authors
Katherine L. French, Justin E. Birdwell, Paul G. Lillis
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Bulk and intramolecular carbon isotopic compositions of hydrocarbon gases from laboratory pyrolysis of oil shale of the Green River Formation: Implications for isotope structures of kerogens

Evaluation of intramolecular isotope distributions within organic compounds can provide important insights into gas formation processes and structural properties of gas-generating precursors, such as kerogen, bitumen, and oil, in natural reservoirs. Until recently, little has been known about the intramolecular isotope distributions within kerogens. In this study, we conducted systematic pyrolysis
Authors
Xiaoqiang Li, Justin E. Birdwell, Juske Horita
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center
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