Geochemistry and computer modeling for oil exploration and production in the Tyler Formation, Williston Basin, western North Dakota

Ivana M. Stevanovic
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Department of Geology and Geological Engineering Rapid City, South Dakota, USA 57701
[email protected]

The rare earth elements (REE’s) and trace elements are an excellent indicator of depositional environments. Determination of chemical composition of REE’s coupled with total organic content and biomarkers will enable for investigation of the petroleum migration pathways from source to reservoir rocks within the Tyler Formation.

The proposed study will use cores and oil samples from The Tyler Formation within the Williston Basin of western North Dakota. Samples will be examined for geochemical composition primarily rare earth elements (REE), trace elements, and total organic content, as well as biomarkers, atomic ratios of hydrogen/carbon, oxygen/carbon, and maturity by using pyrolysis, inductively-coupled plasma – mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The geochemical data will be mapped and analyzed using Arc GIS with RockWare geochemical software. Thin sections from the cores will be examined for microsedimentary structures, porosity and permeability. The data from the geochemical analysis, thin sections and the geophysical logs will be used to model potential drilling sites using Schlumberger’s Petrel^® simulation software.

Utilizing rare earth elements, trace elements and total organic content in innovative and standardized geochemical techniques coupled with the computer modeling will enhance our understanding of the depositional environments, source and reservoir rocks, and petroleum migration pathways, which will enable for better drilling decision making.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90157©2012 AAPG Foundation 2012 Grants-in-Aid Projects