Print this pageDevonian Petroleum Systems of Western Canada
FOWLER, MARTIN G., LAVERNE D. STASIUK, MAOWEN LI, GARY D. ADDISON, MARK HEARN, and MARK OBERMAJER
The Western Canada Sedimentary Basin (WCSB) is commonly considered mature with respect to hydrocarbon exploration. However, the fundamental underlying controls on the occurrence of hydrocarbons are still poorly understood, probably because of the ease with which oil and gas were formally discovered in this region.
Four of the principle petroleum systems previously identified in the WCSB occur within Devonian strata. A joint GSC-industry multidisciplinary study is currently reevaluating the potential, organic facies and maturity of prospective Devonian source intervals, oil-oil and oil-source correlations and migration pathways. This data is integrated with geology to develop models that will provide a better understanding of the occurrence of hydrocarbons in Devonian strata. Initial results have already greatly modified our understanding of Devonian petroleum systems within the basin and have had an impact on exploration strategy. This presentation will compare and contrast previous ideas with those suggested by our current study. For example, Middle Devonian rocks vary considerably in their organic facies and are effective source rocks over a wider area than previously thought. The "Cynthia petroleum system" may not exist as Nisku reservoired hydrocarbons in west central Alberta appear to be Duvernay sourced. However, the Nisku may be the source of hydrocarbons in southern Alberta where the Duvemay is absent Also, the regional maturity of the Devonian does not entirely conform to the previously held concept of maturity trending parallel to the Cordilleran deformed belt.