Carbonate Stratigraphy and Organic Matter Preservation Within the Scotian Margin, Offshore Nova Scotia

Abstract

Current research demonstrates the existence of organic matter (OM) rich intervals within the Abenaki carbonate platform (Scotian Basin, offshore Nova Scotia), namely in the Misaine Member of the Abenaki Formation and lateral equivalents. The aims of this research project are to: a) investigate the complex interacting processes that controlled the deposition of the Abenaki Formation; b) understand the temporal and lateral evolution of the carbonate factories, the wide variety of carbonate facies, and the interplay with OM preservation; c) evaluate the geodynamic, climatic and eustatic changes that took place during the Middle–Upper Jurassic at a regional scale. To construct a refined depositional and sequence stratigraphy model for the Abenaki Formation, all parameter controls of a carbonate factory are considered. Techniques include: microfacies interpretation and analysis of hand specimens of cored intervals using petrographic microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy. Analyzing the facies and fabrics of the carbonate deposits, will indicate relative sea level and water chemistry during the time of sediment deposition. The basin physiography, depositional environments and trend and distribution of the carbonate deposits will be studied using the NovaSPAN seismic dataset by ION's Integrated Seismic Solutions group along the present day continental shelf and slope. An evaluation of the OM rich intervals will be done by transforming seismic reflection data into acoustic impedance, which solves for the acoustic and elastic properties of seismic data. This technique will be studied in greater detail with the understanding of the nonlinear correlation between acoustic impedance and TOC (total organic carbon). Source rock intervals can be better defined laterally and vertically and potentially be traced throughout the Scotian Basin. Source rocks are a key risk in exploration of the Scotian Basin and need to be better understood in order to mitigate risks and uncertainties linked with exploration.

AAPG Datapages/Search and Discovery Article #90259 ©2016 AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, June 19-22, 2016