Thermal Maturity Patterns (CAI and %R) in Upper Ordovician and Devonian Rocks of the Appalachian Basin: A Major Revision of USGS Map I-917-E Using New Subsurface Collections

This study introduces cutting-edge thermal maturation maps for West Virginia, primarily based on the conodont color alteration index (CAI) and vitrinite reflectance (%Ro) data, supplemented by RockEval and total organic carbon (TOC) insights. A deep dive into three pivotal Paleozoic intervals reveals their significance in oil and gas exploration. In a departure from Harris and others' (1978) approach, which relied heavily on outcrop samples, this research harnesses mostly subsurface samples, offering a complementary perspective on the region's thermal evolution. This collaboration between the U.S. Geological Survey and the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey assesses thermal maturity patterns, correlating them with various tectonic features, overburden trends, and paleogeothermal gradients over time. The work not only fortifies our understanding of the Appalachian basin's oil and gas reserves but also underscores its geological and tectonic history, establishing a foundational base for further exploration in neighboring states.