Thomas H. Wilson

Bio: Thomas H. Wilson is an academic researcher from West Virginia University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Reservoir modeling & Fruitland Formation. The author has an hindex of 17, co-authored 64 publications receiving 809 citations. Previous affiliations of Thomas H. Wilson include United States Department of Energy & Baker Hughes.

Space-Time Correlations of Seismotectonic Parameters: Examples from Japan and from Turkey Preceding the İzmit Earthquake

Abstract: Analysis of the correlation between fractal attributes of complex seis- motectonic variables may offer insights into seismic hazard assessment. The Guten- berg-Richter, moment-magnitude, and moment-source area relations yield a direct fractal relationship among the Gutenberg-Richter b-value, occurrence rate, and the characteristic linear dimension of the fault plane (square root of fault surface area). In contrast, temporal variation in the correlation dimension of epicenters (DC )i s found, in several studies, to correlate negatively with the b-value in different regions of the world. Spatial variations between the b-value and DC also tend to oppose each other. In Japan, negative correlations are also observed in the regional scale com- parisons of the capacity dimension (Do) of active fault systems and the b-value. However, at local scales, the relationship yields both positive and negative correla- tion. The occurrence of positive or negative correlation appears to be controlled by different modes of failure within the active fault complex. Spatial variations between the b-value and DC along the Northern Anatolian Fault Zone (NAFZ) suggest that, on average from 1900 to 1992, earthquake magnitudes were higher and epicenters more scattered within the central NAFZ than in its eastern and western segments. Temporal analysis reveals that the relationship between the b-value and DC are nonstationary. Temporal correlations are generally negative. A period of positive correlation is observed between 1976 and 1988. During the last 3 yr of this period (1985-1988), both the b-value and D C rose significantly, suggesting that stress release occurs through increased levels of low-magnitude and increasingly scattered seismicity. This dispersed pattern of seismicity, in combination with higher slip rates in the central NAFZ, may be one that did not adequately relieve stress along the main fault zone. This change in behavior and the tendency during the last century for the seismicity to migrate westward along the NAFZ may point to an increased risk of larger magnitude events such as the I zmit earthquake.

Along-Axis Segmentation and Growth History of the Rome Trough in the Central Appalachian Basin

Abstract: The Rome trough, a northeast-trending graben, is that part of the Cambrian interior rift system that extends into the central Appalachian foreland basin in eastern North America. On the basis of changes in graben polarity and rock thickness shown from exploration and production wells, seismic lines, and gravity and magnetic intensity maps, we divide the trough into the eastern Kentucky, southern West Virginia, and northern West Virginia segments. In eastern Kentucky, the master synthetic fault zone consists of several major faults on the northwestern side of the trough where the most significant thickness and facies changes occur. In southern West Virginia, however, a single master synthetic fault, called the East-Margin fault, is located on the southeastern side of the trough. Syndepositional motion along that fault controlled the concentrated deposition of both the rift and postrift sequences. The East-Margin fault continues northward into the northern West Virginia segment, apparently with less stratigraphic effect on postrift sequences, and a second major normal fault, the Interior fault, developed in the northern West Virginia segment. These three rift segments are separated by two basement structures interpreted as two accommodation zones extending approximately along the 38th parallel and Burning-Mann lineaments. Computer-aided interpretation of seismic data and subsurface geologic mapping indicate that the Rome trough experienced several major phases of deformation throughout the Paleozoic. From the Early(?)-Middle Cambrian (pre-Copper Ridge deposition), rapid extension and rifting occurred in association with the opening of the Iapetus-Theic Ocean at the continental margin. The Late Cambrian-Middle Ordovician phase (Copper Ridge to Black River deposition) was dominated by slow differential subsidence, forming a successor sag basin that may have been caused by postrift thermal contraction on the passive continental margin. Faults of the Rome trough were less active from the Late Ordovician-Pennsylvanian (post-Trenton deposition), but low-relief inversion structures began to form as the Appalachian foreland started to develop. These three major phases of deformation are speculated to be responsible for the vertical stacking of different structural styles and depositional sequences that may have affected potential reservoir facies, trapping geometry, and hydrocarbon accumulation.

An overview of current status of carbon dioxide capture and storage technologies

Abstract: Global warming and climate change concerns have triggered global efforts to reduce the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). Carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) is considered a crucial strategy for meeting CO2 emission reduction targets. In this paper, various aspects of CCS are reviewed and discussed including the state of the art technologies for CO2 capture, separation, transport, storage, leakage, monitoring, and life cycle analysis. The selection of specific CO2 capture technology heavily depends on the type of CO2 generating plant and fuel used. Among those CO2 separation processes, absorption is the most mature and commonly adopted due to its higher efficiency and lower cost. Pipeline is considered to be the most viable solution for large volume of CO2 transport. Among those geological formations for CO2 storage, enhanced oil recovery is mature and has been practiced for many years but its economical viability for anthropogenic sources needs to be demonstrated. There are growing interests in CO2 storage in saline aquifers due to their enormous potential storage capacity and several projects are in the pipeline for demonstration of its viability. There are multiple hurdles to CCS deployment including the absence of a clear business case for CCS investment and the absence of robust economic incentives to support the additional high capital and operating costs of the whole CCS process.

CO2 Sequestration in Deep Sedimentary Formations

Abstract: Carbon dioxide capture and sequestration (CCS) in deep geological formations has recently emerged as an important option for reducing greenhouse emissions. If CCS is implemented on the scale needed to make noticeable reductions in atmospheric CO2, a billion metric tons or more must be sequestered annually—a 250 fold increase over the amount sequestered today. Securing such a large volume will require a solid scientific foundation defining the coupled hydrologic-geochemical-geomechanical processes that govern the long-term fate of CO2 in the subsurface. Also needed are methods to characterize and select sequestration sites, subsurface engineering to optimize performance and cost, approaches to ensure safe operation, monitoring technology, remediation methods, regulatory overview, and an institutional approach for managing long-term liability.