Coal-based stratigraphy for upper Fort Union Group (Paleocene), west-central North Dakota

Conference · Fri Aug 01 00:00:00 EDT 1986 · Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., Bull.; (United States)

OSTI ID:7043204

Groenewold, G; Hemish, L; Daly, D J; Schmit, C

On the basis of an evaluation of lithologic and geophysical logs from 2500 shallow drill holes and information from a limited number of natural outcrops and mine highwalls, a detailed stratigraphic framework was constructed for the Paleocene strata of the Sentinel Butte and upper Bullion Creek formations (upper Fort Union Group) in the Knife River area in west-central North Dakota. The study sequence was found to be characterized by at least seven major coals continuous over the 8000 km/sup 2/ (3089 mi/sup 2/) of the study area instead of a large number of locally persistent coals, as interpreted by previous investigations of surface sections. A series of geologic cross sections demonstrates the correlation of the lignite beds in the upper Bullion Creek and Sentinel Butte formations and together provide a three-dimensional picture of coal distribution in the study area. Each major lignite bed has been named and assigned both type and reference test holes. The recognition of coals continuous over the study area provides a means of correlating this complex terrestrial section. The resulting framework in turn provides a basis for (1) the development of a chronostratigraphy and biostratigraphy, (2) a more accurate evaluation of the magnitude and distribution of coal resources, and (3) an appraisal of depositional setting and history. The recognition of widespread coals in the upper Fort Union strata in other portions of the basin suggests the potential for establishing a basinwide stratigraphic framework based on these coals.

• Research Organization: North Dakota Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute, Grand Forks
• OSTI ID: 7043204
• Report Number(s): CONF-8609129-
• Journal Information: Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., Bull.; (United States), Vol. 70:8; Conference: AAPG Rocky Mountain Section meeting, Casper, WY, USA, 7 Sep 1986
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
COAL DEPOSITS
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LIGNITE
STRATIGRAPHY
TERTIARY PERIOD
BROWN COAL
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
CENOZOIC ERA
COAL
ENERGY SOURCES
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FOSSIL FUELS
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011000* - Coal
Lignite
& Peat- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration