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At least 559 records · Page 31
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Carbonated Brine Injection for a Pilot Site as a Low-Risk Geologic Carbon Storage Strategy: A Simulation Study

This technical report presents a preliminary study for CBI implementation in the Pena Creek pilot site in Dimmit County, Texas, targeting the Edwards Limestone Formation for SWD, in collaboration with NGL Energy Partners. The objective of this study is to find the conservative CO 2 molality for safe storage and potential risks for CBI at this pilot site. Geomodel was performed to get site-specific reservoir geology information. Reservoir modeling was performed to investigate dissolved CO 2 molality and pressure changes at relevant injection conditions. Wellbore corrosion and compatibility was discussed with corrosion modeling. Dissolved CO 2 long-term fate in the reservoir was examined with reactive transport modeling. This plan would set the scientific foundation as the initial step for future implementation in the field.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS2016

Similarities Across Mars: Acidic Fluids at Both Meridiani Planum and Gale Crater in the Formation of Magnesium-Nickel Sulfates

In-situ identification of sulfates at the martian surface by the Mars Exploration Rovers and the Mars Science Laboratory have included calcium sulfates with various states of hydration (gypsum, bassanite, anhydrite), iron sulfates of likely fumarolic origin, massive deposits of iron hydroxysulfates indicative of an acidic history, and minor occurrences of magnesium sulfates. Recent measurements by the Opportunity and Curiosity Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometers (APXS) have indicated the presence of Ni-substituted Mg-sulfates at the Meridiani Planum and Gale Crater landing sites. The Opportunity rover has traversed nearly 43 km and is currently exploring the impact breccias of the rim of Endeavour crater, near a location where signatures of aqueous alteration have been established from orbit. APXS analyses of subsurface materials excavated by a rover wheel show clear evidence for a Mg(Ni)-sulfate with Mg:Ni (is) approximately 100:1 (molar). On the other side of the planet, Curiosity is continuing its climb up Mount Sharp after driving (is) approximately 13 km since landing. Over the last 4 km of the traverse, there have been multiple chemical analyses of erosionally-resistant nodules and dendritic features in a finely laminated mudstone unit which also indicate Mg(Ni)-sulfate (Mg:Ni (is) approximately 30:1, molar). The geologic settings for the Endeavour rim and the Mount Sharp mudstones are clearly different, but similar formation conditions for these sulfates may be possible. Ni(2+) readily substitutes for Mg(2+) in a variety of geochemical processes due to their comparable ionic radii. The availability of soluble Ni at the time of Mg-sulfate precipitation suggests acidic solutions. The fluids responsible for alteration in the Endeavour rim and for the formation of nodules in Gale mudstones may have had similar chemical characteristics at the time the Mg-sulfates were formed.

Yen, Albert S.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Experimental evaluation of the role of redox during glauconite-CO 2 -brine interactions

Greensands formations are globally abundant sedimentary rocks rich in Fe clays (typically glauconite) that commonly contain natural hydrocarbon accumulations and may be important reservoirs for geologic storage of anthropogenic CO 2 . Diagenesis in greensands is commonly accompanied by the conversion of primary glauconite to siderite (FeCO 3 ), a process that could be exploited for the permanent trapping of CO 2 . Importantly, siderite formation after glauconite requires that the mostly oxidized Fe in the primary Fe clay minerals is reduced during diagenetic interactions. Here, we explore the effect of solution redox state on the stability of glauconite in sandstones with implications for the diagenetic and/or engineered formation of siderite. We performed two flow-through experiments on intact, glauconite-rich sandstone cores at 150 °C and 150 bar. Both experiments employed a 1 mol NaCl/kg, 0.1 mol NaHCO 3 /kg solution charged with ~0.58 mol CO 2 /kg solution, but the redox state of the injected fluid was manipulated between experiments in order to compare glauconite reactivity and siderite saturation state at oxidizing and reducing end-member conditions. After reaction with the oxidizing (O 2 (aq) ≈ 6 μmol/kg) fluid, chemical and Mӧssbauer spectroscopic analyses indicate the production of Fe(III)-oxy/hydroxide minerals from glauconite, whereas, in the reducing (H 2 (aq) ≈ 5–40 mmol/kg) experiment, thermodynamic calculations and coupled chemical, mineralogical, and Mӧssbauer analyses suggest glauconite dissolution and precipitation of an Fe(II) mineral, likely siderite, and minor magnetite formation. These experimental results, along with thermodynamic calculations, confirm that solution redox state is the master variable dictating siderite formation in greensands.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS1973

Preliminary assessment of geological applications of ERTS-1 imagery from selected areas of the Canadian Arctic

An assessment of geological applications of ERTS-1 imagery from selected areas of the Canadian Arctic is presented. The three levels of interpretation which may be recognized and employed to derive information from a single image or data format are outlined. It is stated that one immediate benefit from ERTS will be improved efficiency in planning for and operation of programs of regional geological mapping. Imagery of various areas of Canada are presented to show applications to regional mapping.

Gregory, A. F.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Geologic Utility of LANSDAT-4 TM Data

The performance of the TM vis-a-vis various geological applications was quantified by analyzing: (1) the geological utility of the data with respect to the increased spatial resolution and number of bands (compared to the MSS); (2) the geometric accuracy; (3) the radiometric performance of the TM scanner. Preliminary analyses were performed on TM scenes: over Death Valley, California, and over southern Arizona. Both scenes were acquired in CCT-PT format, where the data were geometrically and radiometrically corrected. Overall, the TM data appears to contain a marked increase in geologically useful information; however, a number of instrumental or processing artifacts may well limit the ability of the geologist to fully extract this information.

Abrams, M.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Geologic lithologic mapping in NW Ontario - Remote sensing approaches and caveats

A previously noted higher proportion of coniferous vegetation over metavolcanic formations than over metasedimentary ones, in which deciduous vegetation predominates, has been quantified and extended to encompass granites, migmatites, and ultramafic bodies typical of the NW Ontario shield area. Preliminary analyses of TM data suggests that there are spectral differences associated with these vegetation parameters; more importantly, a species assemblage pattern associated with ultramafic units was found at five different locations.

Bell, R.↗
NASA NTRS2006

Bombardment History of the Moon: What We Think We Know and What We Don't Know

The absolute impace history of the moon and inner solar system can in principle be derived from the statistics of radiometric ages of shock-heated planetary samples (lunar or meteoritic), from the formation ages of specific impact craters on the moon or Earth; and from agedating samples representing geologic surface units on the moon (or Mars) for which crater densities have been determined. This impact history, however, is still poorly defined. The heavily cratered surface of the moon is a testimony to the importance of impact events in the evolution of terrestrial planets and satellites. Lunar impacts range in scale from an early intense flux of large objects that defined the surface geology of the moon, down to recent, smaller impacts that continually generate and rework the lunar regolith. Densities of larger craters on lunar surface units of dated age define a projectile flux over time that serves as the basis for estimating surface ages on other solid bodies, particularly Mars. The lunar cratering history may address aspects of Earth s evolution, such as the possible role of early intense impacts on the atmosphere and early life and possible periodicity in large impact events in the more recent past. But, much about the lunar impact history remains unknown.. On Earth approximately 172 impact craters up to ~300 km in diameter and up to ~2 Gyr in age are recognized. Although these data suggest greater relative numbers of younger craters, possibly suggesting a recent increase in projectile flux, both the diameters and especially the ages of most terrestrial crates are so poorly known that the differential terrestrial impact flux over time is uncertain. For the moon, densities of craters on some mare surfaces and crater ejecta deposits, for which we have measured or estimated formation ages, suggest an approximately constant lunar impact rate of larger projectiles over the past ~3.5 Gyr. However, the data are cumulative in nature and limited. Questions exist as to how accurately dated samples correlate with surfaces having measured crater densities. Studies of ages of many tiny impact-melt beads from Apollos 12 and 14 soils show a decrease in the number of beads with age from ~4 Gyr ago to ~0.4 Gyr ago, followed by a significant increase in beads with age <0.4 Gyr (2). These authors concluded that the projectile flux had decreased over time, followed by a significant flux increase more recently.

Bogard, Donald↗
DOE OSTI2020

Sedimentary Geothermal Resources in Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and Texas

The objectives of this project were to (1) perform a literature review of sedimentary geothermal resources, (2) identify data sources and develop data-collection methodologies that characterize selected resources, (3) screen sedimentary basins and formations for sedimentary geothermal potential, and (4) evaluate the technical feasibility of one or more selected locations. Numerous publications have characterized geothermal resources within sedimentary basins. A literature search reviewed publications describing resources located in Colorado, Louisiana, Nevada, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. The most attractive resources have high temperature gradients, low drilling costs, and reservoir permeabilities greater than 10 millidarcies (mD). Prospects in Colorado, Nevada, Texas, and Utah exhibit attractive characteristics and were chosen for further analysis. Sedimentary resources in Nevada and Utah are most attractive, followed by tested resources in Texas and untested resources in Colorado. The identified resources in Wyoming and Louisiana had lower geothermal gradients and were not evaluated. Reservoir modeling and techno-economic analysis were performed at Marys River Basin–North in Nevada. Geothermal energy production at this location is expected to have a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) ranging between 10 and 20 cents/kWh. Additional work may result in lower LCOE estimates at this location and at other attractive prospects in these three regions. The Great Basin carbonate and alluvial aquifer system of eastern Nevada and western Utah includes a lower carbonate aquifer unit, which has the potential for hosting both conduction- and convection-dominated geothermal systems. Mapping has identified lateral thickness variability expressed as a roughly 120–150-km-wide central corridor, which hosts the thickest and most continuous formations and extends from near Las Vegas north to the Idaho border. Purchase and analysis of privately held legacy seismic data could potentially compensate for the lack of sufficient data documenting measured depth to the lower carbonate aquifer unit. Multiple orogenies, extension episodes, and intrusive events have deformed and displaced the target formations of the lower carbonate aquifer unit. This structural complexity and potential for dipping reservoirs emphasizes the need for detailed geological, geophysical, and reservoir modeling. Heat flow within three Colorado sedimentary basins reviewed as part of this study was calculated in targeted studies by the Colorado Geologic Survey and Colorado School of Mines. These calculations are based on bottom-hole temperature data sets with significant limitations and some variability but produce values consistently higher than the global continental average of 65 mW/m2 for all three basins. Heat flow in the Raton Basin is the highest; however, permeability measurements from specific sedimentary formations with high heat flow have not been obtained. Promising formations for sedimentary geothermal systems were found in all three regions studied—Nevada-Utah, Colorado, and Texas. The next steps for developing sedimentary geothermal resources vary due to differences in available data and resource uncertainties. Additional scopes of work are recommended for identified basins in these three regions.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

A comparative analysis of numerical approaches for the description of gas flow in clay-based repository systems: From a laboratory to a large-scale gas injection test

There is nowadays a consensus among many countries that geological disposal is a favourable solution for the long-term management. Although different host formations and different barrier systems are under consideration around the world, clay-based materials form an important component for waste isolation in most national programmes. Hence, a good comprehension of the effect of gas flow on the hydro-mechanical behaviour of clay-based soils is essential, both at laboratory and field scale. Task B under the international cooperative project DECOVALEX-2023 has recently shown that, after some enhancement, models can be employed to reproduce laboratory scale tests, even with different sample geometries 37 . However, further work is required to understand whether they can be applied to simulate a large-scale experiment. Up-scaling of models for the advective transport of gas through clay-based low permeable material presents a number of problems related to the difficulty in obtaining consistent hydrogeological parameters and constitutive relationships at both laboratory and field scale. Based on a unique dataset from a large-scale gas injection test (Lasgit) performed at the Äspö Hard Rock Laboratory (Sweden), Task B within DECOVALEX-2023 has explored the refinement of these numerical strategies applied to the simulation of gas flow. Work performed within the task reveals that codes do not need to be substantially modified from the laboratory models to reproduce full-scale tests: indeed, model parameters calibrated and validated at laboratory scale have been applied to predict field scale gas flow at Lasgit, including peak gas pressure and injected cumulative gas volume. By means of (1) the introduction of interfaces between blocks to reflect the experimental configuration and the (2) adjustment of some parameters (e.g., higher permeability), the updated models are able to represent most of the key features observed in the experimental data, even at a large scale.

Tamayo-Mas, E↗
DOE OSTI2021

Hybrid Double Perovskite Containing Helium: [He 2 ][CaZr]F 6

Perovskites are of great technological and geological importance, in large part, due to their considerable compositional and structural flexibility. However, the formation of perovskites with neutral species on their A-sites is very unusual. The formation, phase transitions and properties of [He 2 ][CaZr]F 6 , which is the first noble gas containing perovskite to be made, are reported. It is likely that a large family of related materials can also be prepared. On compression in neon, the negative thermal expansion (NTE) material CaZrF 6 amorphizes at ~ 0. 5 GPa. However, on compression in helium at room temperature, gas is inserted into the structure to form a perovskite with helium on the A-site. This suppresses the amorphization until > 3 GPa. Volume versus pressure and Raman measurements suggest that filling of the A-site, to give [He 2 ][CaZr]F 6 , is complete at > 1 GPa. The presence of helium on the A-site in this perovskite leads to a reduction in the magnitude of negative thermal expansion when compared to the parent phase CaZrF 6 , likely due to steric impediment of the transverse vibrational motion of fluoride. The helium also leads to considerable stiffening of the structure. At room temperature and ~2.5 GPa, the helium containing hybrid perovskite has a bulk modulus of ~ 47 GPa, whereas CaZrF 6 has a bulk modulus of ~ 40 GPa at ambient. At 15 K, the cubic perovskite [He 2 ][CaZr]F 6 undergoes a structural phase transition, that likely involves a cooperative tilting of framework octahedra to give a lower-symmetry phase, which is tentatively assigned as tetragonal.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Evaluation of Nuclear Spent Fuel Disposal in Clay-Bearing Rock - Process Model Development and Experimental Studies

The DOE R&D program under the Spent Fuel Waste Science Technology (SFWST) campaign has made key progress in modeling and experimental approaches towards the characterization of chemical and physical phenomena that could impact the long-term safety assessment of heat-generating nuclear waste disposition in deep clay/shale/argillaceous rock. International collaboration activities such as heater tests and postmortem analysis of samples recovered from these have elucidated key information regarding changes in the engineered barrier system (EBS) material exposed to years of thermal loads. Chemical and structural analyses of sampled bentonite material from such tests has as well as experiments conducted on these are key to the characterization of thermal effects affecting bentonite clay barrier performance and the extent of sacrificial zones in the EBS during the thermal period. Thermal, hydrologic, and chemical data collected from heater tests and laboratory experiments has been used in the development, validation, and calibration of THMC simulators to model near-field coupled processes. This information leads to the development of simulation approaches (e.g., continuum vs. discrete) to tackle issues related to flow and transport at various scales of the host-rock and EBS design concept. Consideration of direct disposal of large capacity dual-purpose canisters (DPCs) as part of the back-end SNF waste disposition strategy has generated interest in improving our understanding of the effects of elevated temperatures on the EBS design. This is particularly important for backfilled repository concepts where temperature plays a key role in the EBS behavior and long-term performance. This report describes multiple R&D efforts on disposal in argillaceous geologic media through development and application of coupled THMC process models, experimental studies on clay/metal/cement barrier and host-rock (argillite) material interactions, molecular dynamic (MD) simulations of water transport during (swelling) clay dehydration, first-principles studies of metaschoepite (UO 2 corrosion product) stability, and advances in thermodynamic plus surface complexation database development. Drift-scale URL experiments provides key data for testing hydrological-chemical (HC) model involving strong couplings of fluid mixing and barrier material chemical interactions. The THM modeling focuses on heater test experiments in argillite rock and gas migration in bentonite as part of international collaboration activities at underground research laboratories (URLs). In addition, field testing at an URL involves in situ analysis of fault slip behavior and fault permeability. Pore-scale modeling of gas bubble migration is also being investigated within the gas migration modeling effort. Interaction experiments on bentonite samples from heater test under ambient and elevated temperatures permit the evaluation of ion exchange, phase stability, and mineral transformation changes that could impact clay swelling. Advances in the development, testing, and implementation of a spent nuclear fuel (SNF) degradation model coupled with canister corrosion focus on the effects of hydrogen gas generation and its integration with Geologic Disposal Safety Assessment (GDSA). GDSA integration activities includes evaluation of groundwater chemistries in shale formations.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2023

Computed Tomography Scanning and Geophysical Measurements of Appalachian Basin Core from the Jones and Laughlin #1 Well, Beaver County, PA

The computed tomography (CT) facilities and the Multi-Sensor Core Logger (MSCL) at the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) in Morgantown, West Virginia, were used to characterize Appalachian Basin core from Beaver County, Pennsylvania. The primary impetus of this work is a collaboration between the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Pennsylvania Geological Survey to characterize and make publicly available core information from the Onondaga-Huntersville formations of the Appalachian Basin. This stratigraphic well and the core data produced in this report will aid in understanding the structural complexities of the Onondaga-Huntersville formations. The resultant datasets are presented in this report and can be accessed from NETL's Energy Data eXchange (EDX) online system using the following link: https://edx.netl.doe.gov/dataset/jonesandlaughlin1well. All equipment and techniques used were non-destructive, enabling future examinations and analyses to be performed on these cores. Fractures, discontinuities, and millimeter-scale features were readily detectable with imaging performed with the NETL medical CT scanner over the entire core. Qualitative analysis of the medical CT images, coupled with X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and magnetic susceptibility measurements from the MSCL were useful in identifying zones of interest for further study. Targeted higher resolution CT scanning of select sections was performed with NETL’s micro-CT scanner. The combination of methods used provides a multiscale analysis of the core; the resulting macro and micro descriptions are relevant to many subsurface energy related examinations traditionally performed at NETL.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1977

Reports of planetary geology program, 1976 - 1977

One hundred seventeen investigations undertaken in the NASA Planetary Geology Program in 1976-1977 are reported in abstract form. Topics discussed include solar system formation; planetary interiors; planetary evolution; asteroids, comets and moons; cratering; volcanic, eolian, fluvial and mass wasting processes; volatiles and the Martian regolith; mapping; and instrument development and techniques. An author index is provided.

Arvidson, R.↗
NASA NTRS1980

The lunar regolith - Comparative petrology of the Apollo sites

A description is presented of the modal petrology of eight surface soils from the Apollo 11, 12, 14, 15, and 16 landing sites. One of the most striking features of the petrology of the considered soils is found to be the similarity in distribution of pyroxene composition between the soil and the local rock types. The considered investigation is concerned with certain difficulties with respect to an understanding of regolith evolution. Lunar soils contain material foreign to the local geology. The foreign material must have been transported over long distances. However, models of regolith formation on the moon indicate that lateral transport is inefficient. It is found in the investigation that the soil is predominantly of local derivation, that lateral homogenization is a minor process, that foreign material is present in the amounts indicated by bulk chemical mixing models, and that preferential transport of fine-grained material does not occur.

Labotka, T. C.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Mars' global properties - Maps and applications

Mars data sets from many sources have been put into a common digital format and global maps at constant scale have been produced. These formatted data sets form the basis of the Mars Consortium. They currently include maps of geology, volcanic units, channels, wind features, topography, gravity, Viking approach and apoapsis color, predawn temperature residuals, thermal inertia, radiometric and solar albedo, water vapor abundance, 1.4 micrometers albedo, crater abundance, Earth-based radar and photographic telescope observations, and terrestrial spectral observations. The generation of these data sets is briefly described. As an example of their use, the mapped geologic units are characterized in terms of color, predawn temperature and elevation, and unusual areas identified. The Oxia Palus region is examined as an example of combining higher resolution data with the Consortium data sets. Use of the existing data sets and submission of new ones are encouraged.

Kieffer, H. H.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, 13th, Houston, TX, March 15-19, 1982, Proceedings. Part 2

The second part of the proceedings of the Thirteenth Lunar and Planetary Science Conference considers sedimentary processes and crustal cycling on Venus, a model for the formation of the earth's core, evidence of resurfacing in the lunar nearside highlands, the geology of Tethys, thermal stresses in planetary elastic lithospheres, the petrology and comparative thermal and mechanical histories of clasts in breccia 62236, lunar paleointensity data and its implications for the origin of lunar magnetism, and a model for the accumulation of solar wind radiation damage effects in lunar dust grains. Also discussed are fluid inclusions in stony meteorites, nuclear track and compositional studies of olivines in CI and CM chondrites, the impact of an asteroid or comet in the ocean and the extinction of terrestrial life, cooling rates for glass-containing lunar compositions, and the homogeneity of lava flows.

Boynton, W. V.↗
NASA NTRS1984

The mineralogical, chemical, and chronological characteristics of the crystalline Apollo 16 impact melt rocks

A comparative review of mineralogical, chemical, and chronological data on crystalline Apollo 16 impact melt rocks is presented. The use of such data to identify distinct impact melt complex is discussed, and 22 distinct impact melt bodies are identified. The recently detected group of feldspathic microporphyritic (FM) melt rocks was tested for chemical and isotopic homogeneity; instrumental neutron activation analysis and new Rb-Sr isotopic whole rock data indicate that FMs were probably not derived from a single impact melt sheet, but might be representative of the Descartes basement. Stratigraphical and chronological concepts for the geological development of the landing site are discussed, and a model is presented for the formation of the Cayley Plains and the Descartes formation.

Reimold, W. U.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Orbital Imaging Radar and the Search for Water on Mars

The surface of Mars has been modified by a range of geologic processes, and many regions are mantled by varying depths of wind-blown dust, volcanic ash, and fluvially deposited or other water-lain sediments. We are proposing an orbital mission carrying a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) that can penetrate a significant depth of overlying material to reveal the detailed geomorphology as it relates to the changing fluvial, eolian, volcanic, and cratering history of Mars. Moreover, the data to be returned are of direct relevance to the search for past and present occurrences of liquid water, life, changing martian climate, and geologic history (e.g., origin of the northern plains, mechanisms for past and possible present valley formation, and genesis of widespread mantling deposits), the validation of potential landing sites for rover safety, and evaluation of sub-surface accessibility for drilling.

Campbell, B. A.↗