--> Abstract: Petroleum Potential of the Middle Member, Bakken Formation, Williston Basin, by J. A. Lefever, C. D. Martiniuk, E. F. R. Dancsok, and P. A. Mahnic; #91017 (1992).

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ABSTRACT: Petroleum Potential of the Middle Member, Bakken Formation, Williston Basin

LEFEVER, J. A., North Dakota Geological Survey, Grand Forks, ND, C. D. MARTINIUK, Manitoba Energy and Mines, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, and E. F. R. DANCSOK, and P. A. MAHNIC, Saskatchewan Energy and Mines, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

The Bakken Formation is a widespread clastic unit between the Mississippian Madison Group and the Upper Devonian Big Valley, Torquay, or Three Forks formations. The formation typically consists of three members: a lower and upper organic-rich shale and a middle calcareous sandstone and siltstone.

The three members of the Bakken Formation exhibit an onlapping relationship, and converge and thin toward the margins or marginal shelf areas of the Williston basin. In Manitoba, the lower member is absent, except for Waskada field.

Several correlative lithofacies have been recognized in the middle member. The lowermost unit of the middle member is a regressive deposit. The upper parts of the middle member show transgressive and regressive cycles, and intertidal deposits interfinger with their distal equivalents.

Conventional Bakken production is restricted to areas where it is a thermally mature source rock. The majority of Bakken production in recent years has been concentrated within the shale of the upper and lower members, although there are fields that produce from a sandstone within the middle member. This production suggests migration of Bakken oil from the central part of the basin. The sandstone unit may provide a conduit for migration.

 

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91017©1992 AAPG Rocky Mountain Section Meeting, Casper, Wyoming, September 13-16, 1992 (2009)