--> ABSTRACT: Lithostratigraphy and Source Potential of Keweenawan Rocks in Mid-Continent Rift, by Jeffrey M. Yarus, Jay E. Leonard, and Melody D. Merisch; #91022 (1989)

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Lithostratigraphy and Source Potential of Keweenawan Rocks in Mid-Continent Rift

Jeffrey M. Yarus, Jay E. Leonard, Melody D. Merisch

In the aftermath of Amoco's deep test in the Mid-Continent rift, exploration moves slowly forward in this potentially vast hydrocarbon province. Important questions are being asked about the source potential of the 1 billion year-old lacustrine shale known only from its presence in the Lake Superior district. Specifically, is there enough source rock distributed in the rift to generate significant reserves? Did maturation occur so long ago that subsequent tectonism and erosion preclude its present existence? Did thermal activity associated with rifting destroy the source potential in the rift? If not, can we determine what portions of the rift are most prospective?

Although few data are available to answer such questions, petrographic studies coupled with stratigraphic and burial history modeling of the Keweenawan source from Michigan offer important information to the explorationists. Results indicate that significant amounts of source rock are likely available throughout the Mid-Continent rift. Additionally, the rift may be partitioned into oil-prone and gas-prone regions.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91022©1989 AAPG Annual Convention, April 23-26, 1989, San Antonio, Texas.