'new' Northern Michigan GAS WELLS EarthCache EarthCache
'new' Northern Michigan GAS WELLS EarthCache
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(not chosen)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
As an EarthCache, there is no 'container' to find. Instead, you learn something interesting about the geology of the area. Please SUBMIT your answers to the following questions to my e-mail profile. Please send your answers SOON after you log your find so I will not need to DELETE !
REQUIREMENTS:
1- The natural gas in this area is taken from which rock formation?
2- What is the more efficent method of drilling called?
3- How many wells are at this earthcache location?
4- What is the color of the pump?
5- Was the pump/s in operation when you were at the earthcache location?
* * * * * * * * * *
FTF Honors to: andrewceturner
Try area EarthCache Challenge GC2HRCN
This earthcache is in regards to the 'new' gas wells that are being drilled in this area as a result of the more recent discovery of gas in the Antrim Shale. At this location you see gas well/s pumping.
Gas orginates when organic materials, traped in ancient ocean bottom sediments, decompose within the rocks and form oozes known as hydrocarbons. They migrate within the rock layers until they get to an area that is impermnable - areas called 'traps.' In shale reserviors, natural gas is stored three ways:
* As free gas within the rock pores.
* As absorbed gas on organic material.
* As free gas within the system of natural fractures.
Geology:
The Michigan Basin is a geological basin centered on the Lower Peniinsula of Michigan. The feature is represented by a nearly circular pattern of geologic sedimentary strata in the area. The rocks of the Michigan basin are the source of commercial quanities of oil.The most actively drilled for source of natural gas in recent years has been shale gas from the DEVONIAN ANTIM SHALE in the northern part of the basin where this Earthcache is located.
Drilling for natural gas is more environmentally friendly than drilling for oil. Drilling and extracting natural gas is cleaner too. With the advent of directional and horizonal drilling technology, natural gas wells have a smaller impact on the land than oil wells and new drilling techniques are more energy efficient and quicker.
Horizonial and directional drilling allows gas companies to reach a specific target that may be located under residential or other areas where vertical drilling would be impossible. It also makes drilling sideways across a bed of gas bearing rock allowing more of the gas to be extracted.
History of Gas Wells in Michigan
In 1860 State Geologist Alexander Winchell discovered that oit & gas deposits lay under Michigan's surface. First commercial production was at Port Huron where 22 wells were drilled beginning in 1886. Total output was small.
Michigan's first oil & gas boom was at Saginaw, where production began in 1925, about 300 wells were drilled here by 1927, when Muskegon's 'Discovery Well' drew oil men the country over to that field. The Mt. Pleasant field, opened in 1928, and helped to make Michigan one of the leading producers in the eastern United States. Mt.Pleasant became known as the 'Oil Capital of Michigan."
Efforts of the industory itself resulted in excellent laws regulating oil & gas output. Well depths range from 1,000 - 6,000 feet. New wells are constantly opened as exploration continues.
Neat weather temp/map: (visit link)
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)