Andrew Hutsky, M.S.

My M.S. research was concentrated on reconstructing the depositional history of the Cenomanian Frontier Formation in the Bighorn Basin of Wyoming. I measured numerous vertical sections along a ~ 35 km outcrop transect near Greybull, WY, recording lateral and vertical facies trends, paleocurrent trends,  and sandstone body relationships. I also incorporated a subsurface data set (wireline log suites) in order to establish regional 3-dimensional sandstone body geometries within the Bighorn Basin. Together, both datasets allowed for an interpretation of the sediment accumulation and preservation history of the Frontier Formation in the Bighorn Basin.

Currently, my Ph.D. research focus is centered on the mid-late Turonian Frontier Formation of the “Vernal Delta” Complex within the Uinta Basin, Utah. I am attempting to unravel the depositional history of the “Vernal Delta”; whether it represents a true prograding deltaic environment, some form of depositional remnant related to intrabasinal tectonics/differential subsidence, or some combination of both. To determine this, I am incorporating both surface (outcrop) and subsurface (wireline logs, cores) datasets so as to observe lateral facies trends and regional sandstone body geometries within the Frontier Formation.