RESEARCH
Research Projects
Current Research
Current research focuses on evolution of shale basins using modern anoxic basins as analogs. The Cariaco Basin of Venezuela offers a unique environment for studying modern analogs to Mesozoic Shale basins such as the Eagle Ford and Haynesville Shales of Texas. Cores from ODP Leg 165, drill site 1002, are available at the IODP institute of Texas A&M University.
Cariaco Basin -
Mesozoic Shale basin similarities
- Cariaco possible analog to Eagle Ford and Haynesville shales in Texas.
- Laminated, organic-rich layers related to high sea level and upwelling.
- Bioturbated organic-poor layers deposited during lower relative sea level and increased terrigeneous input.
- Laminae couplets are annually deposited varves (Hughen et al., 1998).
- Sedimentary structures include laminations, cross-bedding, bioturbation, claystone turbidites.
- Porosity is reduced by 50% within the first 170 meters.
- Inter- and intra-particle pores.
- Organic matter is immature, squeezed between clay, calcite and silty material in laminated facies.
- Exhibits many pores including pores in organic material!