Characterizing fault structure and general morphology of the Tensleep Sandstone of Teapot Dome, Wyoming as it relates to industrial carbon sequestration

Abstract

Consistent data demonstrates a rise in global atmospheric concentrations of carbon, in the form of carbon dioxide. A large portion of the current atmospheric concentration is due to emissions from the burning of fossil fuels, which humans use for energy consumption. Many experts believe that of all the mechanisms in which carbon dioxide emissions can be mitigated, sequestering carbon dioxide, specifically in geologic reservoirs, is among the most promising of all approaches. This paper examines a fault structure in the specific geologic reservoir known as NPR-3, or the Teapot Dome oilfield. Using seismic modeling and subsurface modeling software packages to interpret seismic data of the region, geologic features and faults are mapped. These maps provide valuable characterization information useful to an overall evaluation of the effectiveness of geological storage of carbon sequestration in the Teapot Dome site.