--> Abstract: Compound-Specific C and H Isotope Ratios as an Oil-Source Correlation Tool in the Beaufort-Mackenzie Basin, by Yongqiang Xiong, Maowen Li, Lloyd Snowdon, and Dale Issler; #90039 (2005)

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Compound-Specific C and H Isotope Ratios as an Oil-Source Correlation Tool in the Beaufort-Mackenzie Basin

Yongqiang Xiong1, Maowen Li2, Lloyd Snowdon2, and Dale Issler2
1 Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Guangzhou, China
2 Geological Survey of Canada - Calgary, Calgary, AB
 

This study represents a preliminary attempt at clarifying the oil-source genetic relationships in the Beaufort-Mackenzie Basin using combined compound-specific stable carbon and hydrogen isotope analyses. Potential source rock samples that were selected on the basis of molecular parameters display distinct isotope signatures, characterized by relatively constant stable carbon and hydrogen isotope values of n-alkanes in the Mesozoic marine and non-marine source rocks and a shift in the carbon and hydrogen isotopes toward more negative values with increasing carbon number of n-alkanes in the Tertiary deltaic source rocks. Both biomarkers and isotope data indicate that the Kamik, Parsons and Siku oils have clear affinities with the mature Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous source rocks such as those in the Husky Formation, and most of the oils in the Tertiary reservoirs correlate with mature source rocks such as those in the Taglu Formation. Based on molecular markers, the oils from the Tuktoyaktuk Peninsula-South Delta correlate well with the Upper Cretaceous marine source rock samples. However, the mismatch in the carbon and hydrogen isotope values of n-alkanes in these oils and the studied source rock samples suggests more mature Upper Cretaceous source rocks with different source facies for the oils. The diversity in the molecular and isotopic compositions of n-alkanes proves to be a valuable tool for constraining the various oil-source correlation models in the Beaufort-Mackenzie Basin.

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