Collections

Collections at the MERC

The MERC houses a diverse collection of geological cores and materials from drilling efforts within the Mississippi Embayment. These collections include contributions from various research initiatives and industry partners, supporting scientific research, education, and resource management.

Core Contributions

7,000 feet of fluvial core and well logs donated by Vecta Oil & Gas Ltd.
~15,000 feet of core donated by the Tennessee Geological Survey (TGS)
Two cores with well logs providing a comprehensive stratigraphic profile of Tennessee, extending down to basement rock.
~2,000 feet of core (ongoing) sponsored by CAESER (Center for Applied Earth Science and Engineering Research).
Future Commitments:
- TGS has committed to donating all drilling material, including ten 250-ft boreholes over the next two years.
- Local utility projects will contribute samples from eight 200-ft boreholes over the next two years.

Core and Sample type

Lithified & consolidated geological cores are stored in their entirety.
Unconsolidated sediments are archived in:
- 18-ounce bags for long-term preservation and destructive analysis.
  - Collected at 1.5 m intervals and lithologic changes
  - 1.One for archival purposes
  - 2.Two for analytical/working purposes
- 2-gallon bags for heavy mineral analysis at approximately 10 m intervals.
- All returns are photographed to create a visual record.
- Three 18-ounces samples are (above and below contact)

Storage Conditions

The repository storage area is housed within the University of Memphis Millington Center and is subject to ambient environmental conditions. Temperature and humidity levels fluctuate throughout the year in accordance with Memphis, Tennessee’s climate. Geologic core and sediment samples are stored within this space under these natural conditions.