--> Abstract: Deciphering the Basin Eevolution of the Beaufort-Mackenzie Basin, Canada, using 3D-Basin Modeling and Sequence Stratigraphy; #90063 (2007)

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Deciphering the Basin Eevolution of the Beaufort-Mackenzie Basin, Canada, using 3D-Basin Modeling and Sequence Stratigraphy

 

Kroeger, Karsten F.1, Rolando Di Primio2, Robert Ondrak3, Brian Horsfield4 (1) GFZ Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany (2) GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, D-14473 Potsdam, Germany (3) GeoForschungsZentrum, Potsdam, Germany (4) GeoForschungsZentrum-Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany

 

The Beaufort-Mackenzie Basin is a major petroleum province in Canada for oil, gas, and gas hydrates. The area has experienced a complex tectonic history with several phases of folding, faulting and uplift. In addition, large variations of sediment accumulation rate due to changing source areas and extreme variations in surface temperature caused by several glaciation periods further complicate the basin history. Temperature history and maturation of potential Cenozoic type III source rocks are reconstructed in 2D/3D basin models. Well log data and 2D/3D seismic surveys are used to analyze facies distribution in space and time in particular within the thick Upper Tertiary units. Using a sequence stratigraphic approach we try to achieve a more detailed sedimentological description of the Tertiary sedimentary units which previously were treated as single units. We intend to distinguish smaller sedimentary units in order to obtain a higher resolution which will help to improve the 3D-basin model. To elucidate the effect of deep permafrost formation on the maturation of organic matter in zones of very rapid deposition during the Quaternary the influence of glaciation on the thermal regime has been integrated in the model. As a result, we can show that the coincidence of maximum burial and deep permafrost formation during the Quaternary can significantly retard organic matter maturation. Modeling of the sedimentary history of the Cenozoic Mackenzie Basin will allow to identify sites of hydrocarbon generation and migration and to assess the importance of geological structures in gas hydrate formation.

 

AAPG Search and Discover Article #90063©2007 AAPG Annual Convention, Long Beach, California