Reconstruction of the paleo-redox conditions of reservoir facies using chemostratigraphy and core descriptions of the Devonian Marcellus Formation, Pennsylvania.

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Abstract

The Marcellus Formation near Clinton County Pennsylvania has of average TOC of 2.8 wt%. TOC values found near the bottom of the Union Spring Member are >5 wt% and were created by high organic production which allowed for euxinic conditions on the seafloor. The Appalachian Basin had about 80% of open seawater conditions during Marcellus deposition. The δ13C values have a negative correlation with TOC. They also suggest the decreasing availability of carbon within the depositional area. High C/N ratio and δ 15N isotopes suggest a nitrogen-limited system. Enriched Mo, U, and V show deposition occurred mostly within euxinic conditions. Ni and Cu values suggest the high production of marine algae. High production appears to be the most important cause of anoxia within this study area. Bioturbated textures are shown to retain high TOC wt%. Quartz, illite, and calcite are the major minerals in the Marcellus.

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Marcellus Formation. Geochemistry. Chemostratigraphy. Paleoredox. Organic matter preservation. Carbon and nitrogen isotopes.

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