Fossil Energy and Subsurface Geology

The KGS Fossil Energy and Subsurface Geology Team was formed to compile, interpret, and disseminate data on the subsurface geology of Kentucky. By disseminating accurate and timely subsurface data and interpretations, the Team aims to de-risk the subsurface by increasing knowledge of the Kentucky’s structure and stratigraphy below the Earth’s surface, building resilience and economic advantages for Kentucky.

Passed in 1960, KRS 353.660 requires oil and gas well drillers to submit well records to the Kentucky Geological Survey within 90 days of the termination of permitted operations, and to provide drilling samples to KGS upon request. In fulfilling this statute, it is the Fossil Energy and Subsurface Geology Team’s responsibility for the Commonwealth of Kentucky to 1) operate and maintain the KGS Oil and Gas Database, 2) maintain the KGS Well Documents Archive (scanned surveyed plats, completion reports, geophysical well logs, and plugging affidavits), and 3) request geologic samples from new wells where appropriate (depending on existence of nearby sample sets).

RESEARCH AREAS:

Improving the access and useability of Kentucky oil and gas data

Maintain and improve accuracy of oil and gas data and records on file at KGS

Investigate possible methods to extract data from scanned images of well documents

Collaborate with the Kentucky Division of Oil & Gas to improve cross-agency communication

Regional subsurface stratigraphic analysis and dissemination

Produce regional well-based cross sections to illustrate vertical positions, thicknesses, and geophysical log character of Kentucky geology

Subsurface maps of surfaces or volumes (maps and GIS)

Stratigraphic tops from wells (data tables)

Stratigraphic reports

Subsurface geologic storage

Subsurface volume assessments supporting research on gas storage, carbon sequestration, and Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) applications in Kentucky