This study characterized the geochemistry and organic matter composition of the Upper Cretaceous successions from the central Canada to investigate the hydrocarbon potential and the paleo-depositional environment. This work includes about 500 samples obtained from different borehole cores from locations along the eastern margin of the Canadian Cretaceous Interior Seaway. The first set of cores is located in southwestern Manitoba proximal to the pale-shoreline position, while the second set of cores are in central part of Saskatchewan located in a deeper part of the paleo-sea compare to the first wells.

This study utilizes different geochemical techniques such as XRF to determine whole rock geochemistry of these units to assist in understanding the distribution and lateral variation of sedimentary and thereby reservoir facies. Elemental trend analysis of normalized geochemical data shows that each of these different sedimentary assemblages is distinguishable by unique combination of major or trace element concentrations.

The organic geochemistry results show that the two groups of samples are immature (mean VRo=0.38%) and organic-rich (mean TOC=7%) with predominantly liptinite-rich, marine kerogen. The ratio of land driven vitrinite macerals to marine algae in the samples is an indication of depositional settings and proximity to shoreline.

In this work, organic and inorganic geochemistry will be integrated with sedimentary observations for a more holistic reconstruction of paleo-condition. The generated model is essential to better evaluate the hydrocarbon generation potential of the studied rocks.