Author: Lowell Waite

A new article concerning diagenesis of the Wolfcamp D (Cline shale) of the Midland Basin has been published in the journal Chemical Geology.

In the paper, the main author, Alex Reis, of the University of Kentucky, along with co-workers Andrea Erhardt and Michael McGlue, University of Kentucky, and Lowell Waite, Pioneer Natural Resources, evaluated carbon and oxygen isotope trends within marine carbonates from select basinal cyclothem intervals of the Wolfcamp D.  A main conclusion from this work is that diagenesis of the carbonates in this mud-rich interval was controlled primarily by fluctuations in bottom-water redox chemistry, which influenced the extent of deep-burial carbonate cementation.

Abstract

The UTD PBRL was recently honored by a visit from Maryanne Fender of Fender Natural Resources.  Fender Natural Resources collects and sells rare and precious minerals to the public (see link below).   The Fenders have recently made a generous donation to the UTD Department of Geosciences, and were visiting to receive an update on departmental growth.  We were able to meet with Mrs. Fender to showcase the lab, discussing the importance of having a facility like the PBRL to educate students on the oil and gas industry.  Also present at the meeting were Anna LeBlanc, Director of Gift Planning, Dane Richardson, Director and Development of Alumni Relations, School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and Dr. John Ferguson, Department of Geosciences and who hosted the visit, and Mr. David Williamson, UTD Geoscience Alum and Vice President of Geosciences, Monadnock Resources.

(l to r, Dave Williamson, Lowell Waite, Maryanne Fender, Dane Richardson, Anna LeBlanc)

Fender Minerals:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/FenderMinerals