Layer-cake, anoxia, and other myths: A new look at the Devonian-Mississippian Bakken Formation Reservoir, Williston Basin, North Dakota

The Upper Devonian-Mississippian Bakken Formation in the Williston Basin is one of the most prolific onshore petroleum systems in the continental U.S., consisting of a middle carbonate-siliciclastic member sandwiched between two organic-rich units, the Lower and Upper Bakken shales. Dr. Egenhoff discusses the formation’s surprising departures from standard stratigraphy models and depositional models which contribute to its unique characteristics.

Expert-novice Differences in Geologic Field Mapping and Related Cognition

The geosciences are often characterized as a visuospatial field - that is, one in which success depends upon the ability to mentally manipulate, rotate, project, and bend objects. To what extent is the assumption of strong spatial visualization skills among geoscientists correct? This talk will discuss two studies that investigated geoscience expert and novice spatial visualization, both in laboratory experiments and in a novel field study.