There could be as much as 7 to 9 billion barrels of oil in the Tuscaloosa Marine Shale of central and southern Louisiana and southwest Mississippi.

Goodrich Petroleum now has two successful wells in the rock unit, the second well is currently producing over 1000 barrels of oil equivalent per day.

“The Grand Canyon in northern Arizona is a favorite for astronauts shooting photos from the International Space Station, as well as one of the best-known tourist attractions in the world. The steep walls of the Colorado River canyon and its many side canyons make an intricate landscape that contrasts with the dark green, forested plateau to the north and south.” Quoted from the NASA image release.

Image by NASA Astronaut Photography

“Skidmore College could generate 30 percent of its annual electricity through a solar farm and a micro-hydro project.”

How diamonds form is one of the most common geological misconceptions. Diamonds form under a variety of conditions that rarely, if ever, involve coal as a source of carbon. In fact, most diamonds formed long before the first coal swamp or land plant!

A bill to allow pooling around oil and gas wells is expected to resurface in the West Virginia Legislature.

“Pooling allows the majority of landowners to benefit from gas royalties while still protecting minority interests. Pooling also protects surface owners, communities and the environment by reducing the number of wells needed to recover gas deposits.” Quote from Steve Roberts, West Virginia Chamber of Commerce.

USA Today has a brief article that presents three misconceptions about the natural gas boom that has occurred in several parts of the United States.

USGS has released the latest edition of the The National Land Cover Database.

The nation’s most comprehensive look at land-surface conditions from coast to coast shows the extent of land cover types from forests to urban areas.

Encana Corporation has plans to drill up to 50 wells in the Mancos Shale in New Mexico.

Although the Monterey Shale contains vast amounts of oil the cost of leasing is very high, much of the oil is very deep and a new approach at fracking might be needed to liberate the oil.

A house straddling the scarp of a small landslide near Jackson, Wyoming was torn apart as the slide moved. Photos.

Since 1972 the “Roadside Geology” series has provided introductory information on the geology of states and small regions of the United States.

The books provide a combination of maps, travel logs, photos and commentary for the geology that can be seen along highways or visited at parks and public viewing areas. They are popular with geologists, teachers, students and others who are interested in the Earth.