This project is a detailed analysis of the lithology, stratigraphy, and structure of the New Albany Group in Illinois to determine those characteristics of lithology, thickness, regional distribution, vertical and lateral variability, and deformation that are most relevant to the occurrence of hydrocarbons. Research is reported for this quarter in the following areas: coordination of stratigraphic maps, mineralogic and petrographic characterization, physical properties of Devonian black shale, quantitative determination of major, minor, and trace elements in shales, inorganic/organic associations of trace elements in black shales, mode of occurrence and relative distribution of hydrocarbon phases in shale, and adsorption/desorption studies of gases through shales. 6 figures, 7 tables. (RWR).