Regional Stratigraphy and Lithologic Characterization of the Tuscaloosa Marine Shale in Southwest Mississippi

The Tuscaloosa Marine Shale (TMS) in southwest Mississippi and south-central Louisiana has potential to become a prolific source of fossil fuels using hydraulic fracturing technology. The objective of this study is to better understand the sequence and regional stratigraphy, lithology, and character of the TMS. Studying the TMS’s lithologic, depositional, and diagenetic properties is essential to maximize potential production. Characterization of the eastern TMS was performed with cuttings from two wells provided by the Mississippi Oil and Gas Board through MDEQ, and two provided by the USGS. Thirty-one petrophysical logs were correlated, to make cross sections and trace sequence stratigraphic intervals within the TMS. Results of the study showed lithologic variability and compaction across the study area, and a sequence stratigraphic correlation of the highstand systems track between the Tuscaloosa and Eagle Ford Groups. This research aims to work toward the greatest potential of the TMS as an unconventional reservoir