SEPM-AAPG Mudstone Diagenesis Hedberg Research Conference Summary

Wayne K. Camp1

1Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, The Woodlands, TX, USA

Kitty L. Milliken2

2Bureau of Economic Geology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA

Neil S. Fishman3

3Hess Corporation, Houston, TX, USA

Paul C. Hackley4

4U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA, USA

INTRODUCTION

The joint SEPM-AAPG Mudstone Diagenesis Hedberg Research Conference was held in Santa

Fe, New Mexico from October 16 to 19, 2016. The purpose of this conference was to bring

together experts from industry, academia, and government to foster the free exchange of new

ideas on the controls and impact of diagenesis on mudstone source rocks, reservoirs and seals. A

total of 88 scientists attended the conference, representing 11 of the United States (California,

Colorado, Indiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and

West Virginia), and five other countries (Argentina, Australia, Canada, Japan, and the United

Kingdom).

This two-and-a-half day conference was organized into six oral and two related poster sessions:

1. Starting Materials: Recent Sediments and Thermally Immature Rocks (Chair: Kitty

Milliken, Univ. of Texas, Austin)-with six papers

2. Mechanical Diagenesis: Compaction, Fluid Expulsion and Fracturing (Chair: Kitty

Milliken, Univ. Texas, Austin)-with six papers

3. Inorganic Chemical Diagenesis: Porosity and Mechanical Property Evolution (Chair:

Neil Fishman, Hess)-with nine papers

Day One-7 posters

4. Organic Diagenesis: Organic Matter-Rock Interactions during Petroleum Generation

(Chair: Wayne Camp, Anadarko)-with four papers

5. Tools and Techniques: New Advances and Limitations (Chair: Kevin Taylor, Univ. of

Manchester)-with four papers

6. Organic Matter: Bridging the Gap Between Optical and Electron Microscopic

Observations (Chair: Paul Hackley, USGS)-with six papers

DAY Two-11 posters

For a complete list of the oral presentations and posters, go to:

STARTING MATERIALS AND MECHANICAL DIAGENESIS

Since the first introduction of microscopic study of rocks by Henry Sorby (Judd, 1908), the

analysis of mudstones has largely been limited to bulk chemical analysis due to the limitations of

optical microscopy for revealing details of fine-grained mudstones. An exciting aspect of both

Sessions 1 and 2 was the embrace of recent technological advances in high-resolution scanning

electron microscopy (SEM) by researchers from multiple sub-disciplines interested in studying

the depositional aspects and mechanical properties of mudstones. The work being done by these

researchers is providing a better understanding of grain assemblages in mudstones (e.g,

Marsaglia, Underwood, Thornton, Comer, and Hayman) and the relationship of grain

composition to chemical and mechanical diagenetic pathways. Marsaglia emphasized how

petrographic characterization of grain assemblages from recent seafloor sediments can be

combined with petrophysical data, such as bulk density or sonic velocity, to gain a better

understanding of when mud lithification proceeds and how it occurs. Kennedy described new

high-resolution elemental mapping technology that provides more detailed views of both detrital

and authigenic components at greatly increased speed that in turn lowers the cost over earlier

automated mineralogical systems (e.g., QEMSCAN).

Scanning electron microscopic imaging is also being used to elucidate the underlying causes of

variations in mechanical rock properties. Delle Piane related geomechanical measurements of

rock strength, stiffness, and anisotropy to mineralogy and microfabric structure. These results

help to clarify the relationship between the evolution of bulk rock properties and diagenetic

history. Other presenters described the diagenetic record preserved within mineralized fractures

(Elmore), and the relationship of bulk mechanical properties to the localization of fractures using

a wide array of imaging methodologies (Daigle, Rose-Cross, and Yoon).

INORGANIC CHEMICAL DIAGENESIS

Session 3 presenters demonstrated that integration of advanced technologies with more

traditional technologies (e.g., petrography, XRD, magnetic susceptibility, clay mineralogy)

proved quite useful in the evaluation of the inorganic chemical diagenetic history of mudstones

of various ages. Indeed, when appropriately combined, these integrated technologies provide

ample evidence of the numerous and varied diagenetic processes that have occurred widely and

periodically throughout the diagenetic history of mudstones. The nature and timing of cement

precipitation in mudstones was the focus of several presentations, with early diagenesis being

driven in large part by time and temperature dependent alteration of metastable bioclastic

material, or bacterially-driven processes. Various silica cements (opal-A, opal-CT, or quartz)

were observed in mudstones (as described by Milliken, Behl, Dowey, Egenhoff, and Dong) and

in some cases were volumetrically the most significant cements observed. Most presentations

pointed to an early post-depositional timing for silica diagenesis. In other presentations (e.g.,

Messinger, Taylor), carbonate cements in mudstones were of paramount importance with

carbonate bioclastic material suggested as the source of most authigenic carbonate. Multiple

generations of diagenetic pyrite (and perhaps marcasite) were documented by some presenters

(e.g., Fishman, Egenhoff), who suggested that these sulfides were clearly diagenetic in origin,

and iron was not a limiting factor during early diagenesis. Blood used pyrite framboid diameter

and size distribution to determine if pyrite masses formed in the water column or below the

depositional surface in the Ordovician Point Pleasant (“Utica”) Formation. Whidden described

early-formed apatite cement, which she interpreted to be related to abundant supplies of

phosphorous (and iron) in the water column during deposition, resulting in increased organic

productivity. In contrast, processes acting well after deposition and early diagenesis were

considered responsible for hydrothermal mineralization that occurs in some organic-rich

mudstones (Sutton), although the role of the detrital and authigenic composition of the host

mudstone in the mineralization process remains unclear. Heij presented a poster that described

the magnetic fabric of various mudstones generated by paramagnetic iron-bearing minerals (viz.,

phyllosilicates and ferroan carbonates), regardless of whether they are detrital or authigenic.

Variations in magnetic susceptibility anisotropy were used to constrain the spatial and temporal

boundaries of mudstone diagenesis. Laboratory studies simulating diagenesis using

reconsolidated muds provided interesting results when evaluating the mechanical strength of

mudstones (Dessouki), and other mudstone rock properties such as porosity, permeability, and

electrical properties (Palencia). The relationships between depositional processes, rock fabric,

and diagenesis (inorganic and organic) were further explored as functions of water circulation

patterns (Pedersen), depositional conditions (Chukwuma), and tectonic and stratigraphic setting

(Newport). Reed presented a detailed investigation on the importance of carefully evaluating

pores observed using high resolution SEM on ion-milled surfaces to critically assess the potential

for artifacts produced during sample preparation. Finally, papers by Edgett and Schieber

reviewed new images of sedimentary rocks acquired by the NASA Curosity rover from an

impact crater on Mars, and discussed their interpretations of deposition and diagenesis of

Martian mud based on the limited remotely acquired imagery and sample analysis (Figure 1).

ORGANIC MATTER AND ASSOCIATED PORES

Several papers discussed pores in organic matter as an important component in understanding

shale reservoirs. It was generally agreed that pores observed in organic matter are a natural

phenomenon related to the thermal maturation (diagenesis) of organic matter, which is consistent

with numerous previously published studies. However, it was noted that there is considerable

confusion between well-established terminology used by organic petrographers and geochemists

with interpretations of organic matter reported from SEM observations, (e.g., kerogen, kerogen

porosity, bitumen and pyrobitumen). In an effort to reduce this confusion, Camp recommended

describing organic matter observable with SEM using petrographic characteristics as 1)

structured (particles), 2) amorphous (matrix), or 3) void-filling (cement). There was some

disagreement with using the term “cement” to describe organic matter, and it was noted that

pore-occluding solid organic matter goes by a variety of terms, including “hydrocarbon

aggregations” introduced in a poster by Olson. Camp also recommended revising existing

“kerogen porosity” prediction models to include the volume of residual oil (solid bitumen)

retained within intergranular pores and other voids that may become porous with increasing

thermal stress.

Separate posters presented by Valentine and Camp compared various organic macerals imaged

with reflected white and ultraviolet light, and SEM. These posters demonstrated that disparate

organic macerals traditionally identified by optical microscopy are often indistinguishable in

standard grayscale backscattered electron or secondary electron SEM images (Figure 2). Camp

showed that certain types of organic macerals may be identifiable based on their characteristic

morphology in both optical and electron microscopy. The U.S. Geological Survey is planning to

add comparative optical and SEM images to their web-based Organic Petrology

Photomicrograph Atlas as an aid to petrographers in identifying and interpreting various forms

of organic matter in mudstones

(http://energy.usgs.gov/Coal/OrganicPetrology/PhotomicrographAtlas.aspx).

Cardott presented results of a study testing the ability to identify various types of organic

macerals (primarily terrestrial in origin) using SEM, and to characterize the presence of porosity

with increasing coal rank (thermal maturity) from high volatile bituminous to semianthracite

(0.6-2.5% Ro). The results showed that the origin of pores observed in backscattered electron

images acquired at low accelerating voltage (1-2 kV) can be identified as 1) primary structural

pores with preserved cell walls of woody plant material (bogen structure) of fusinite and

semifusinite, 2) primary elongated pores or slit structures in pseudovitrinite and inertinite

produced by oxidation and weathering, and 3) pits and scratches representing artifacts produced

by abrasion during sample preparation. Based on the author’s prior work with marine mudstones

(shale reservoirs), he concludes that the nanoporosity commonly reported in organic matter in

mudstones (shales) develops within a post-oil generation solid bitumen network beginning at the

peak oil stage (>0.9% Ro), rather than in kerogen particles. The solid bitumen is interpreted as a

secondary form of organic matter produced as a result of oil generation. Cardott’s study (in

progress) showed the potential to distinguish certain organic maceral types based on variations in

grayscale contrast and form observed in backscattered electron images acquired at higher

accelerating voltage (10 kV). Comments from the audience recommended acquiring higher

resolution secondary electron images to study surficial details of organic macerals, a technique

that is commonly utilized for studying organic matter pores in mudstones.

Several studies described porosity in solid bitumen at various levels of thermal maturity and

scale. Ruble reported no observable pores in gilsonite (aromatic-asphaltic solid bitumen)

sampled from mines with spectacular vertical gilsonite veins within thermally immature

sandstones and organic-lean mudstones of the Eocene Uinta Formation in northeastern Utah. The

gilsonite deposits are interpreted as migra-bitumen, a form of bitumen sourced by lateral

migration of early oil with water expelled from the underlying oil shale deposits of the Eocene

Green River Formation, which is thermally mature in the deeper portions of the Uinta Basin.

Optical and SEM images of this gilsonite may provide useful insights for migrated solid bitumen

(organic matter “cement”) observed in some unconventional siltstone reservoirs, and essentially

in situ solid bitumen observed in thermally mature shale reservoirs (source rocks). It was noted

that the mechanical properties of gilsonite vary with temperature, and the material is both strong

(brittle) enough to produce conchoidal fractures, and liquid enough to ooze from fracture walls.

Smith reported results of microscopic analysis of oil mature (443-457 °C Tmax) lacustrine shale

samples from the Upper Triassic Yanchang Formation in the Ordos basin, China. Previous

nitrogen adsorption studies documented the presence of small pores (<10 nm) that generally are

beyond the resolution of most conventional field emission SEM (FE-SEM) studies. This study

was able to image the nanometer-scale pore distribution indicated by nitrogen adsorption using a

combination of low voltage FE-SEM and high resolution transmission electron microscopy

(TEM). The TEM images revealed isolated and aligned nanopores within amorphous organic

matter associated with deformed clays, interpreted by Smith as “redistributed” organic matter

(solid bitumen?) “injected” into the clay mineral matrix and microfractures. The molecular

structure of the organic matter appeared worm-like in the 100 nm-thick TEM specimens. This

study documents the early formation of nanometer-scale pores beginning in the oil window, but

more work is required to document the evolution of pore development into larger (coalesced?)

pores documented by standard FE-SEM studies.

And finally, Dewhurst described the character of organic matter at the high end of the thermal

maturity range (>4.0% Ro) in shale reservoirs from the Middle Devonian Marcellus Shale of the

Appalachian Basin in northeast Pennsylvania. Locally, borehole logs record anomalously low

resistivity measurements (as low as 0.1 ohm-m) in the organic-rich (3-7 wt% total organic

content) intervals associated with areas of high thermal maturity. Highly porous organic matter

(interpreted as pyrobitumen) was observed in SEM images filling intergranular pore spaces,

following precipitation of quartz cement as overgrowths on silt-sized detrital quartz grains.

Raman spectroscopy measured from the porous, void-filling organic matter confirms the high

thermal maturity recorded by vitrinite reflectance (>4.5% Ro) and illite crystallinity index, with

estimated maximum temperature of 260-284 °C at 6-8 km burial depth. Transmission electron

microscopy combined with electron energy loss spectroscopy revealed that the organic matter

has been partially converted to crystalline graphite. This restructuring of carbon to form graphite

is thought to be responsible for the increased electrical conductivity of the high maturity organic-

rich shale.

TOOLS AND NEW TECHNIQUES

Scanning electron microscopy of argon-ion milled specimens has become routine for the micro-

structural analysis of mudstones. Recent advances in large area (2.5 cm diameter) milling and

digital image processing have created the ability to generate high quality image mosaics allowing

for direct comparisons between optical and electron microscopic images at various scales.

Presentations in Sessions 5 and 6, along with several posters, focused on recent advances on

alternate techniques to evaluate mudstone composition, including Raman spectroscopy (Warner),

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (Mastalerz), and laser scanning confocal microscopy

(Burruss, Jobe). Scanning transmission electron microscopy remains a specialty technique that

shows promise for increased application for nanometer- and molecular-scale studies of organic

matter, as demonstrated by Smith and Delle Piane. And integration of organic geochemistry with

depositional processes was used to understand the variability in organic matter through a

sequence of lacustrine rocks (Zhan).

DISCUSSION

One of the goals of the conference was to document the presence of authigenic mineral cements

and their potential impact on shale reservoir quality. Ironically, a criticism received following the

conference was that mineral cementation in mudstones (shale reservoirs) was perceived to have

been only peripherally discussed. Solid organic matter filling pores is commonly described in the

major U.S. shale reservoirs and source rocks (Hackley and Cardott, 2016). This organic matter

“cement” appears to post-date mineral cements exhibiting euhedral crystal terminations (e.g.,

calcite, dolomite, and quartz) that partially occlude intergranular pore spaces. The presence of

organic matter “cements” appears to terminate further development of mineral cements, and thus

may partially explain the general lack of mineral cements described in oil-prone, organic-rich

mudstones.

Clearly more research is needed on the applications of mudstone diagenesis. The following items

were captured during discussion periods and highlight topics of high interest that the audience

felt deserved more study and research effort:

• Variation in mechanical properties of organic matter in mudstones with increasing

thermal maturity (oil to gas window);

• Subsurface mapping of regional cement horizons (hardgrounds), including

o Sequence stratigraphic controls,

o Chronostratigraphic or diachronous,

o Diagenetic controls, and

o Upscaling with basin modeling, including timing;

• Impact of diagenesis on shale reservoir mechanical and reservoir properties;

• Original compositional controls on variation of mechanical compaction;

• Identification of original detrital material in mudstones and their potential alteration

pathway; and

• Sedimentology of mudstones and its impact on diagenesis.

REFERENCES

Judd, J.W., 1908, Henry Clifton Sorby, and the birth of microscopical petrology: Geological

Magazine, v. 5, p. 193-204.

Hackley, P.C., Cardott, B.J., 2016, Application of organic petrography in North American shale

petroleum systems: a review. International Journal of Coal Geology, v. 163, p. 8-51.

FIGURES

Figure 1. Photograph taken by NASA’s Mars rover Curiosity on October 20, 2016 showing

location of drill hole (lower left) in fractured mudstone at the Sabina sample site. White fracture

fill is calcium sulfate. Diameter of drill hole is 16 mm. Public image credit: NASA/JPL-

Caltech/MSSS.

Figure 2. Correlative (optical and SEM) photomicrograph set of an immature, organic-rich

Bakken Shale. Optical images (500x; oil immersion): blue light fluorescence (BL), upper right;

white light color camera (WL), upper left; SEM images (5kV, spot intensity 10, working distance

5 mm): secondary electron image (SE), lower right; backscattered electron image (BSE), lower

left. The imaged area shows three organic matter types (solid bitumen (~0.3% Ro), amorphous

organic matter (OM)/algal, and inertinite (1.0 and 3.2% Ro) which can be distinguished with

optical microscopy but not by SEM where no contrast is visible. Photomicrographs courtesy of

Brett Valentine (U.S. Geological Survey).

Registration

Ice Breaker Reception

SESSION 1Session Chair: Kitty Milliken (UT Austin)

Kathleen MarsagliaInsights into the transformation of mud to mudstone from ocean drilling resultsMichael UnderwoodMudstones in the subduction system of SW Japan: highlights from the Nankai Trough seismogenic zone experimentScott ThorntonSanta Barbara Basin, California boarderland: Holocene model for mudrock deposition in an organically-rich, silled hemipelagic basin during greenhouse Earth: an analog for unconventional reservoirsMartin KennedyNanoMin: sub-micrometer mineral mapping to identify diagenetic and depositional history in shale

John ComerWoodford Shale and the evaporite connection-the significance of aridity and hypersalinity in organic matter productivity and preservation and unconventional reservoir property enhancementNicholas HaymanSilt in mudrocks as a paleoenvironmental indicator and characteristic fabric element

SESSION 2Session Chair: Kitty Milliken (UT Austin)

David DewhurstImpact of compaction and diagenesis on strength, stiffness and anisotropy in the Goldwyer and Bongabinni Formations, Canning Basin, western AustraliaDouglas ElmoreParagenesis of mineralized fractures in Wolfcamp Shale

Kenneth EdgettDepth of burial for lithification and diagenesis of muds and sands on early MarsHugh DaigleFracture-capture of organic-hosted pores during shale deformation: an explanation for permea Dylan Rose-CossMudstone facies diagenesis and sequence stratigraphic interpretation for caprock integrity assessment of the upper Morrow Shale and Atokan Thirteen Finger Limestone, Farnsworth Unit, TexasHongkyu YoonMultiscale characteristics of anisotropic, heterogeneous pore structures and compositions and its impact on mechanical properties of shale

SESSION 3Session Chair: Niel Fishman (Hess)

Viviana MeissingerTextural and compositional controls on diagenetic mineralogy variability in a shale play: an example from the Vaca Muerta formation, Neuquen Basin, ArgentinaKatherine WiddenDiagenetic pyrite and apatite as indicators of an abundant supply of iron and phosphorus: evidence for controls on high primary productivity in the triassic Shublik Formation, Alaska North SlopeKitty MillikenQuartz types in the Mowry Formation (Cretaceous), Rocky Mountains, USA

8:10

8:00-8:10 Opening Remarks

SEPM-AAPG MUDSTONE DIAGENESIS HEDBERG RESEARCH CONFERENCESanta Fe, New Mexico, USA

PROGRAMSunday, October 16

Monday, October 17

3:35

12:00-1:00 Lunch

2:40-3:10 Break and Poster Session3:10-3:35 Discussion and Summary

8:35

9:00

9:25

10:20

10:45

11:10

9:50-10:20 Break and Poster Session

11:35

1:00

1:25

1:50

2:15

4:00

4:25

4:50-5:00 Concluding Remarks

4:00-6:00 Registration & 6:00-8:00 Reception

4:00

6:00

Starting Materials: Recent Sediments and Thermally Immature Rocks

Mechanical Diagenesis: Compaction, Fluid Expulsion and Fracturing

Inorganic Chemical Diagenesis: Porosity and Mechanical property Evolution

Tian DongThe control of starting rock composition on diagenetic processes in frine-grained mudstones: an example from the Middle and Upper Devonian Horn River Shale, Western Canada Sedimentary BasinPer PedersenFacies and geochemical variations within Cretaceous clinoforms, Western Canada Sedimentary BasinGerhard HeijSpatial-temporial boundaries of shale diagenesis inferred from magnetic fabrics and paleomagnetismKenneth ChukwumaSpatiotemporial sedimentary facies variations in the Permian Whitehill Formation, main Karoo BasinMohab DessoukiThe impact of CEC, salinity, mineralogy and particle size distribution on multistage triaxial measurements of reconsolidated mudrocksClara PalenciaSalt presence and petrophysical properties analysis in reconsolidated mudrocksRobert ReedGrain-edge dissolution pores in carbonaes imaged on Ar-ion-milled surfaces: authentic or artifacts?Sarah NewportInsights into Sedimentological and Diagenetic Processes Within a Major Shale Gas Exploration Play: The Mississippian Bowland Shale, UK.

Session 3Session Chair: Niel Fishman (Hess)

Richard BehlEvolution of pore size and structure in siliceous sediments and the influence of discontinuous burial or uplift on cementation and formation of secondary porosityPatrick DoweyMineral diagenesis in silt- and clay-rich mudstones: macroscopic to microscopic characteristicsNeil FishmanDiagenetic features in the Late Cambrian aluum Shale across the SPICE Event, SwedenSven EgenhoffThe Ordovician Toyen Shale, and its eight steps through diagenesis-an overview

Sally SuttonDiagenesis and mineralization of the Kupferschiefer, Sangerhausen Basin, GermanyJuergen SchieberFrom petrographic wonderland to hard numbers, or how we might combine high end petrography with numerical modeling to understand mudstone diagenesis at the rock volume level-lessons learned at a distance place

SESSION 4Session Chair: Wayne Camp (Anadarko)

Kultaransingh HooghanOrganic matter characterization in shales: a systematic empirical approachChristopher LaughreyPetroleum geochemistry and mudstone diagenesis of the Woodford Shale, Anadarko Basin, USA-an integrated approachSoumaya AbbassiThe Velkerri conundrum: how long can hydrocarbons be retained in a shale?Wayne CampDiagenetic evolution of organic matter cements: implications for unconventional shale reservoir quality prediction

12:00-1:00 Lunch

1:25

9:50-10:20 Break and Poster Session

11:10-12:00 Discussion and Summary

POSTERS-DAY 1

Tuesday, October 18

8:10

8:35

8:00-8:10 Opening Remarks

9:00

9:25

10:20

10:45

1:00

1:50

2:15

2:40-3:10 Break and Poster Session

Inorganic Chemical Diagenesis: Porosity and Mechanical Property Evolution

Organic Diagenesis: Organic Matter-Rock Interactions During Petroleum Generation

SESSION 5Session Chair: Wayne Camp (Anadarko)

David BloodRedox conditions during early diagenesis inferred from the mode and occurrrence of pyrite in the Upper Ordovician Point Pleasant Limestone of southwestern Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia, Appalachian Basin, USARob Burruss3D imaging and spectroscopy of organic matter diagenesis in mudrocks with linear and nonlinear laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM)Maria MastalerzApplicability of micro-FTIR in detecting shale heterogeneityJorge Sanchez-RamirezA case study of porosity deficit in digital rock measurements

Wayne CampStrategies for identifying organic matter types in SEMAdam BoehlkeDocumenting mudstone heterogeneity by use of principle component analysis of x-ray diffraction and portable x-ray fluorescence data: a case study in the Triassic Shublik Formation, Alaska North SlopeRicardo CelestinoAutomated mineral partical analysis as a tool in paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic studiesDave KeighleyUse of laser ablation ICP-MS and SEM for possible correlation, and identification of microbially influenced diagenetic phases, in lake mudstone of the Green River Formation, Utah, USAZhengfan LiuRaman spectroscopy of organic material in shales: relationship to thermal maturity, mechanical properties, and organic matter type interpreted from SEM imagesTerri OlsonOrganic diagenesis in the Cretaceous Mowry Formation with associated pore formation and wettability alterationEmma PercyCharacterizing influences on diagenesis in Colorado Group mudstone by integrating multiple datasetsTravis WarnerRaman micro-spectroscopy: a thermal maturity solution where traditional measurements are impracticalLiaosha Song Microstructural evolution of organic matter pores in Middle Devonian black shale from West Virginia and Pennsylvania, USABrett ValentineBridging the gap between optical and electron microscopy: the importance of correlative microscopy for understanding dispersed organic matterXin ZhanRelationship between litho- and organo-facies of lower Permian Lucaogou low-order cycle, southern Bogda Mountains, Greater Turpan-Junggar Rift Basin, NW China

SESSION 6Session Chair: Paul Hackley (USGS)

David DewhurstMineral and organic diagenetic modifications in the post mature Marcellus ShaleDawn JobeHigh resolution quantitative characterization of organic rich mudstones using laser confocal microscopy and micro-FTIR imagingBrian CardottPrimary and secondary pores of kerogen and bitumen by reflected light and scanning electron microscopyDane SynnottThe effect of bacterial degradation of bituminite reflectance

Patrick SmithHigh resolution microscopic analysis of mineral and organic-matter components in the Upper Triassic Yanchang lacustrine shale deposits in southeastern Ordos Basin, ChinaTim RublePore-scale imaging of solid bitumens: insights for unconventional reservoir characterization

9:50-10:20 Break

3:10

3:35

8:10

8:00-8:10 Opening Remarks

Tools and Techniques: New Advances and Limitations

Organic Matter: Bridging the Gap Between Optical & Electron Microscopic Observations

4:25

POSTERS-DAY 2

Wednesday, October 19

4:00

11:10-12:00 Disscussion and Summary12:00-1:00 Lunch

9:25

10:20

10:45

8:35

9:00

4:50-5:00 Concluding Remarks