Regional chemostratigraphy and mechanical stratigraphy of the Barnett Shale, Fort Worth Basin, Texas

Abstract

Although multiple localized chemostratigraphic and strength studies have been completed on the organic-rich Barnett Shale in the Fort Worth basin (Montgomery et al., 2005; Pollastro et al., 2007; Jarvie et al., 2007; Rowe et al., 2008; Williams et al., 2016; Taylor, 2017; Alsleben, unpublished), basin-wide correlations have not been completed. Basin-wide correlation of chemostratigraphy and mechanical stratigraphy could enhance the understanding of regional variations in chemical composition and rock competence. Therefore, this study tested multiple hypotheses to identify regional trends and correlations within the Barnett Shale, based on variations in the formations chemical makeup and rock strength. Results show three chemostratigraphic zonations that do not readily correlate to UCS divisions across the entire basin, but do correlate somewhat in the central/southern part of the basin. UCS is being controlled predominantly by clay content and secondarily by carbonate content.