--> Abstract: Triassic Petroleum Systems in the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin: Old Data, New Ideas, by Cynthia L. Riediger, Nina Ejezie, and Martin Fowler; #90039 (2005)
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Triassic Petroleum Systems in the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin: Old Data, New Ideas

Cynthia L. Riediger1, Nina Ejezie1, and Martin Previous HitFowlerNext Hit2
1 University of Calgary, Calgary, AB
2 Geological Survey of Canada, Calgary, AB

Numerous large oil and gas fields are known in the Triassic system of Western Canada. The source or sources of the oils are mainly of Triassic age (Lower Triassic Montney, Middle Triassic Doig, Upper Triassic Pardonet), indicating a predominantly closed petroleum system. However the details of the Triassic petroleum systems are not well documented in terms of timing of hydrocarbon Previous HitmigrationTop and trap filling. Mature Doig source rocks were most prolific and efficient, accounting for most of the medium gravity oils found in Middle and Upper Triassic reservoirs. Understanding the timing of trap filling is important when exploring close to the Doig subcrop edge, where Triassic reservoirs may also contain oil derived from the stratigraphically younger Gordondale (Nordegg) Formation. That source rock produces heavier, sulphurous oil, resulting in less attractive economics. Oils from deeper fields (Valhalla) are thought to have a Montney source, and the relative timing of oil versus gas generation in relation to Montney reservoir filling has not been described. Finally, previous studies of thermal maturity and source rock quality indicate that hydrocarbon source potential in the deformed belt is high for both oil and gas. The timing of structural development relative to hydrocarbon generation in the deformed belt, as well as in the Peace River subsurface region, is key for understanding the Triassic petroleum systems.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90039©2005 AAPG Calgary, Alberta, June 16-19, 2005