1. Hydrothermal Dolomites in Central Kentucky:
Possible Analogs For Hydrocarbon Gas Reservoirs throughout the Midcontinent
Clay A. Wilcox III1, David C. Harris2, James A. Drahovzal2
(1) Dept. of Geological Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506
(2) Kentucky Geological Survey, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506
Abstract
The occurrence of discrete dolomite bodies in Upper and Middle Ordovician limestone strata of central Kentucky has been well documented by the cooperative U.S. Geological Survey–Kentucky Geological Survey geologic mapping program in the 1970’s. These isolated dolomite bodies, which occur as both coarsely crystalline dolomite and saddle-shaped dolomite cement and vug linings, are spatially related to mapped faults, and have been interpreted as products of hydrothermal fluids that moved along fault
conduits, replacing adjacent limestone. Trace occurrences of Mississippi Valley Type (MVT) ores and small hydrocarbon deposits have been iden-tified in outcrops of the hydrothermal dolomite in central Kentucky.
There is new economic interest in fault-controlled dolomitization as the result of significant natural gas discoveries in the Ordovician Trenton and Black River Formations in central New York and possibly in West Virginia. Gas production from these formations is attributed to hydrothermal dolomite, localized along faults. The hydrothermal dolomite bodies that crop out in central Kentucky may serve as analogs to dolomite reservoirs found in West Virginia, Michigan, New York, and other parts of the eastern Midcontinent. Although we cannot state with certainty that the same processes formed dolomites in both Kentucky and New York, the dolomite bodies share strik-ing similarities in structural control, geometry, and stratigraphic occurrence. Understanding the formation of hydrothermal dolomites in central Kentucky may lead to more accurate reservoir prediction and more discoveries throughout the eastern midcontinent.
Fluid inclusion, electron microprobe, and stable isotope analyses will be performed on samples taken from outcrops and cores of the hydrothermal dolomite in central Kentucky. The data gathered from these analyses will be used to characterize the dolomitizing fluid and dolomitization process in a three-dimensional model. Furthermore, the relative direction of fluid migra-tion will be investigated by comparing the homogenization temperatures of fluid inclusion from each location. Could the hydrothermal dolomites and MVT ores have precipitated from a single fluid that migrated from the east as a result of the Alleghanian orogeny?
Study Area: Ordovician
outcrops in Clark Co., Ky.
Geologic Map of the
Winchester Quadrangle, Ky.
Photo by B.C. Nuttall
Roadcut along KY Highway Disturbed bedding in the center of the photograph is hydrothermal dolomite that has replaced bedded Lexington Limestone (Trenton). A small fault controlled the movement of the dolomitizing fluids into the limestone.
Ordovician outcrop
belt
Dolomite
Maps showing the generalized surface geology and major fault zones
within the study area. The location of the study area and outcrops
of the Ordovician dolomite lie within the box.
Goals of Study
Limestone
Limestone
Stratigraphy
Units affected by fault-controlled dolomitization
Determine controls on the distribution of fault-controlled dolomitization
Determine timing of dolomitization and integrate with structural geology
Determine relationships of dolomite and hydrocarbons
Use Kentucky dolomites as an analog for subsurface Trenton-Black River reservoirs in New York
Develop a predictive model for structural and stratigraphic controls on tectonic dolomitization
Photo by B.C. Nuttall
Edge of dolomite body showing sharp transition into
bedded limestone (Lexington Ls.).
Analytical Techniques to be used on dolomite:
Cathodoluminescence petrography
13C and 18O stable isotope analysis
Electron microprobe ananlysis
Fluid inclusion geothermometry
Photo by B.C. Nuttall
Ordovician dolomite from the Stoner Creek locality in
Clark Co., Ky. Fossil molds and vugs contain liquid oil.

2. for Trenton-Black River gas reservoirs
Dolomite outcrops as analogs
for Trenton-Black River gas reservoirs
North-south cross section through the Trenton/Black River interval in the Glodes Corners Road Field,
Steuben County, N.Y., showing fault-bounded graben, and fault-controlled distribution of tectonic dolomite.
Diagram courtesy of Columbia Natural Resources
Ordovician dolomite outcrops in central Kentucky can provide analogs
for subsurface Trenton-Black River gas reservoirs in the Appalachian Basin:
Key features to be compared with New York reservoirs:
Degree of stratigraphic (facies) control on dolomitization
Timing of dolomitization
Relationship of dolomitization to hydrocarbon migration/source
Regional extent of tectonic dolomitization in the Middle and Upper Ordovician in the Appalachian Basin
Coring of tectonic dolomites in Kentucky
As part of the study, Triana Energy will drill 2 continuously-cored boreholes in 2 of the dolomite bodies
in central Kentucky. Cores will be cut through the Trenton (Lexington Ls.), Black River (High Bridge Group),
into the top of the Knox Group, to about 1,200 ft (400 m) total depth. The cores will provide lithologic data
and sample control vertically within the dolomite bodies. Petrographic and geochemical data collected from
the cores will document any vertical trends in dolomite texture or chemistry, which may help constrain a model.
Summary
Trenton/Black River Subsurface Gas Reservoir
Glodes Corners Road Field, Steuben Co., NY
Gas field is a linear fault-bounded graben, with dolomite distribution controlled by faults
Map courtesy of Columbia Natural Resources
This two-year project will involve field and laboratory characterization of fault-controlled
Ordovician dolomites in central Kentucky. These dolomites have many similarities with dolomitized
subsurface natural gas reservoirs in upstate New York in the same stratigraphic interval. We hope
to develop a model for fault-controlled dolomitization in central Kentucky that will help refine exploration
models for these reservoirs in the subsurface.
Trenton-Black River discovery well, Cottontree Field,
Roane Co., West Virginia
We gratefully acknowledge research funding from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA),
the U.S. Department of Energy, and Triana Energy, Charleston, WV. We also appreciate the cooperation of
the New York State Museum and Geological Survey.