Reservoir Sandstone Stratigraphic Correlation

Amy Weislogel
West Virginia University, Department of Geology and Geography

Author Profile
Initial Publication Date: May 21, 2026
Cite this

Summary

This lab activity allows students to integrate sedimentologic data with stratigraphic models they create in the Visible Geology web-based application to characterize deposits along a transect of an ancient delta. Within each model, students predict lithologic differences resulting from delta progradation across the Appalachian basin. Each stratigraphic model is structurally modified according to specified criteria, and students are asked to evaluate each area as prospective CO2 subsurface storage targets after learning some basics about subsurface traps.

Share your modifications and improvements to this activity through the Community Contribution Tool »

Learning Goals

Students will:

  • Develop stratigraphic column construction skills
  • Create core models that can be used to predict stratigraphic variability that can influence storage reservoir rock
  • Infer stratigraphic variability from basin context

Context for Use

This lab activity is for students in Historical Geology or Sedimentology/Stratigraphy courses or as an introductory exercise for a course investigating subsurface storage systems. There are pre-lab reading assignments on stratigraphic correlation and oil and gas traps. Students should be familiar with sedimentologic description of cores.

Description and Teaching Materials

This lab activity uses data and observations from real cores to guide students through constructing a core column that is represented in the Visible Geology Geology Explorer module. The activity also uses 3D Geology Explorer module to guide students through developing models of stratigraphy in more proximal and distal locations along a transect of a delta that prograded across the Appalachian basin. These stratigraphic models are then structurally modified according to the attributes of the geologic province where those strata are now found, which include folded strata in the Appalachian fold-thrust belt and undeformed strata in the Appalachian basin. Students are guided to consider subsurface trapping mechanisms to evaluate and rank each deformed model for their suitability as prospective CO2 subsurface storage targets.

Visible Geology teaching activity_reservoir_stratigraphy.docx (Microsoft Word 2007 (.docx) 4MB May15 26)

Visible Geology Teaching Activity - Reservoir Stratigraphy.pdf (Acrobat (PDF) 773kB May15 26)

Teaching Notes and Tips

  • Students should be provided some time to familiarize themselves with the Visible Geology web-based application either through prior use of Visible Geology, through watching YouTube tutorials or through instructor assistance.
  • To save and share their work in Visible Geology, students are encouraged to log in with their Google Account.

Assessment

The lab activity includes assessment criteria connected to the learning goals. Students' stratigraphic column and links/screenshots of their core models can be assessed.

LEARNING GOAL ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
  • Develop stratigraphic column construction skills
  • Create an accurate sedimentary log following professional conventions
  • Infer stratigraphic variability
  • Identify greater proportion of offshore facies toward the west and potential for alluvial plain facies in the east
  • Create predictive geologic models for potential storage reservoirs
  • Identify storage opportunities

References and Resources