Master of Science

thesisFacies and stratigraphic analysis of the John Henry Member of the Upper Cretaceous Straight Cliffs Formation, exposed in the northern Kaiparowits Plateau of southern Utah, reveals deposition of four regressive-transgressive (R-T) cycles. Each of the four R-T cycles is discussed in detail, with emphasis on the transgressive phases of deposition. Fifteen lithofacies (LF) are grouped into four facies associations (FAs): FA-1: wave-dominated shorefaces; FA-2: coastal plain; FA-3: tide-influenced coastal margin; FA-4: low-energy bay/lagoon. Regressive deposits preserve FA-1 and FA-2, whereas FA-3 and FA-4 comprise transgressive intervals. Seven bounding surfaces and elements define the regressive-transgressive architecture: 1) maximum regressive surface (mRs); 2) process change from wave- to tide-dominated processes (pCt); 3) tidal ravinement surface (tRs); 4) wave ravinement surface (wRs); 5) flooding surface (FS); 6) tide- to fluvial-dominated process change (pCf); and 7) the subaerial unconformity (SU). At Main Canyon, a stepped, forced regression is associated with the development of shore oblique incised valleys. A composite stratigraphic surface (SU/mRs/tRs), referred to here as the ""lower John Henry Member sequence boundary,"" separates regressive shorefaces from overlying high-energy, transgressive estuarine and backbarrier deposits. Basinward, the correlative conformity is preserved as sharp-based wavedominated, river-influenced shorefaces. Overlying R-T cycles are not associated with valley incision, but instead preserve sand-rich back-barrier and tidal channel deposits which are overlain distributary mouth bars, fluvial channels and coastal plain fines, which record infilling of the back-barrier. The preservation of >30 m thick accumulations of back-barrier deposits indicate an accretionary shoreline trajectory with balanced rates of high sediment supply and accommodation. Regional correlation across the northern Kaiparowits Plateau indicate 47% expansion of the John Henry Member occurring over ~14 km from southwest to northeast, with a steep topographic gradient of 0.011. These results suggest structural deformation of the foredeep was occurring from Coniacian to Campanian time, controlling sediment transport, and depositional patterns across the Kaiparowits subbasin. Allogenic and autogenic processes are considered as controls on the stratigraphic architecture for successive regressive-transgressive cycles. This study adds to the growing body of literature documenting the complex nature of transgressive deposits, which will aid in the prediction and management of analogues subsurface reservoirs

Characterizing Fractures and Deformation Bands: Implications for Long-Term CO2 Storage within the Cambrian Mount Simon Sandstone

Multiple approaches are under development to mitigate the release of potentially harmful human-generated CO2 into the atmosphere. Geologic carbon sequestration is one such process by which CO2 that would otherwise be vented to the atmosphere is liquefied, injected, and stored in the pore space of a subsurface reservoir. The Cambrian Mount Simon Sandstone (MSs) is a targeted reservoir for CO2 sequestration in the Illinois Basin. The goals of this research are to analyze a set of subsurface samples related to ongoing CO2 sequestration demonstrations in the Illinois Basin. These samples contain evidence of small-scale fractures and deformation bands in the MSs. We provide a detailed analysis of their geometry, association with sedimentary facies, potential origin, and any apparent fluid-related diagenesis. Core samples displaying fractures were analyzed visually to characterize the sandstone and fracture geometry, and at higher resolution using thin section transmitted light petrography. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEMEDX) was used to analyze even smaller-scale structures along with select geochemical properties. Observed fracture types in the MSs include: 1) deformation bands and 2) open fractures filled with authigenic cements. Observed deformation band types include a) compaction bands, b) shear bands, and c) cemented dilatation bands. Low porosity/permeability deformation bands have the potential to block fluid migration, while open fractures create secondary porosity/permeability. These small-scale deformational structures can impact the routes that migrating fluids will travel along, therefore directly impacting CO2 sequestration operations

Allegro molto quasi presto op. 18 no. 2 from G major quartet / Ludwig van Beethoven arrangement by Robert Frascotti

https://orc.library.atu.edu/atu_reel637/1004/thumbnail.jp

The construction of an international investors' perception model for corporate published forecasted financial reports for the USA, the UK and New Zealand

Although the utility of corporate published forecasted financial reports to investors has been investigated, the findings are inconclusive. These inconclusive findings may have resulted from the ambiguity of defining the forecasted financial reports or its components. The clarification of the definition of forecasted financial reports or its components is the main objective of the present study. In addition, an investor's utility function is used to measure the utility of such reports for investors regarding the entire forecasted financial reports or their components