The following explains the primary objective of the Mafic Rock Atlas
(Phase II of the Big Sky Partnership Carbon Sequestration Project)
and is taken from the Big Sky Partnership Carbon Sequestration website
http://www.bigskyco2.org
Carbon Sequestration Opportunities: Phase II
The BSCSP will propose to build on the work conducted in Phase I with a focus on geologic and terrestrial field validation tests that assess the relative efficiency of alternative sequestration options,
prove the environmental efficacy and sustainability of sequestration, verify regional CO2 sequestration capacities and satisfy project permitting and regulatory requirements. Data from validation tests
will be integrated into a GIS tool that will assist industry and regional planners to optimize energy development strategies. The BSCSP will also conduct extensive public outreach and education and
training opportunities for students and young professionals. The following outlines BSCSP’s approach to Phase II.
(Phase II of the Big Sky Partnership Carbon Sequestration Project)
and is taken from the Big Sky Partnership Carbon Sequestration website
http://www.bigskyco2.org
Geologic Sequestration
The BSCSP region has a range of geologic sites for CO2 storage including depleted oil reservoirs, deep unminable coal seams, carbonate saline aquifers, and mafic volcanic (basalt) formations (a distinguishing feature of the region’s geology). In Phase II, the BSCSP will propose the following:
• Conduct two geologic demonstration projects in prominent geological formations located throughout the region – mafic rock formations and sedimentary rock hosted saline aquifers. The BSCSP will characterize and test mineral trapping mechanisms in order to determine the flow and migration of CO2 in the reservoirs and predict its long term fate. It will also determine each test site’s operational needs, permitting, regulatory and monitoring requirements, and quantify economic offset opportunities such as enhanced oil recovery and coal bed methane production.
• Update and complete the region’s Carbon Atlas, a geoportal for exploring spatially distributed information on CO2 point source emissions, geologic storage sites (characterization and CO2 storage capacity), and any supporting transportation infrastructure. Additionally, the Atlas will incorporate economic data to optimize decision support for energy development in the region.
• Develop a national MAFIC ROCK ATLAS and assess the sequestration potential of these rocks through modeling studies, laboratory testing, and insights developed from mafic rock pilot projects. Of potential economic interest to Big Sky industrial partners is that the majority of this mafic formation lies relatively close to the West Coast power load.
• Conduct two geologic demonstration projects in prominent geological formations located throughout the region – mafic rock formations and sedimentary rock hosted saline aquifers. The BSCSP will characterize and test mineral trapping mechanisms in order to determine the flow and migration of CO2 in the reservoirs and predict its long term fate. It will also determine each test site’s operational needs, permitting, regulatory and monitoring requirements, and quantify economic offset opportunities such as enhanced oil recovery and coal bed methane production.
• Update and complete the region’s Carbon Atlas, a geoportal for exploring spatially distributed information on CO2 point source emissions, geologic storage sites (characterization and CO2 storage capacity), and any supporting transportation infrastructure. Additionally, the Atlas will incorporate economic data to optimize decision support for energy development in the region.
• Develop a national MAFIC ROCK ATLAS and assess the sequestration potential of these rocks through modeling studies, laboratory testing, and insights developed from mafic rock pilot projects. Of potential economic interest to Big Sky industrial partners is that the majority of this mafic formation lies relatively close to the West Coast power load.
ISU Geosciences
