Studies of Upper Devonian shales and siltstones in southern West Virginia have resulted in a refinement of the stratigraphic framework used in characterizing the gas-producing "Devonian shales." Gamma-ray log correlation around the periphery of the Appalachian basin has extended the usage of New York stratigraphic nomenclature for the interval between the base of the Dunkirk shale and the top of the Tully Limestone to southern West Virginia. Equivalents of the Dunkirk shale and younger rocks of New York are recognized in southwestern West Virginia and are named according to Ohio usage.

Gas production is primarily from the basal black shale member of the Ohio Shale. Gas shows from older black shale units (Rhinestreet and Marcellus shales) are recorded from wells east of the major producing trend. Provided suitable stimulation techniques can be developed, these older and deeper black shales may prove to be another potential gas resource.

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