An Educational Opportunity

This geologic characterization and exploratory effort will expand the nation’s knowledge of the geological formations within the Newark Basin and fill in data gaps that currently exist. There are no plans to sequester CO2 at this site. However, the test results will be important in developing a better understanding of deep underground rock formations, especially properties such as porosity, permeability, geochemistry and storage capacity – factors that will determine suitability and viability for future CO2 sequestration.

The project team is partnering with Rockland County-based Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University – a leading research institution dedicated to seeking fundamental knowledge about the origin, evolution and future of the natural world. Dr. David Goldberg, director of Lamont-Doherty’s Borehole Research Group, serves on the TriCarb Technical Advisory Team along with Dr. Paul Olsen, one of the world’s leading experts on Newark Basin geology, and Dennis Kent both of Rutgers University and the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. Contributing to the geologic knowledge base is a key component of the exploratory phase. In addition to assisting scientists and government better understand the geology of the Newark Basin, the data collected will be of great interest – and readily available – to educators and students at the elementary, high school, college and post-collegiate levels.

What Will the Project Involve?

This is a geologic research project that will involve drilling a boring to a depth of approximately 8,000 feet or more and conducting a series of tests to determine if CO2 can be safely stored without migrating from the formation. The project will determine the feasibility of storing CO2 in the Newark Basin. Project activities will include rock core analysis, examination of rock cuttings, geophysical logging, hydrological testing, seismic surveys, geochemical modeling and laboratory analysis.