Unconventional Hydrocarbon Potential of a Middle Triassic Source Rock in the West-Central Sverdrup Basin, Canadian Arctic Archipelago

• Main Author: Kondla, Danielle
• Other Authors: Clarkson, Christopher R., Sanei, Hamed
• Format: Master Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: Graduate Studies 2015
• Subjects: Geochemistry; Geology; Unconventional Reservoir; OrganicPetrology; Bitumen; Trace Elements; Reservoir Quality; Arctic; Canadian Arctic Archipelago; Arctic Archipelago; sverdrup basin
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/11023/2419; https://doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/28552

Organic-rich Middle Triassic strata of the Sverdrup Basin have been identified as source rocks; however their potential as a self-sourced, unconventional hydrocarbon reservoir has not been examined. This study uses a combination of organic and inorganic geochemical, petrographic, and petrophysical techniques to provide insights into the hydrocarbon potential and reservoir characterization. Factors influencing organic matter (OM) distribution during deposition are established to develop an understanding of the depositional system. Effects from diagenesis and thermal maturation are investigated to reveal the present reservoir conditions. Suboxic to anoxic bottom waters and minimal clastic dilution conditions associated with the base of regressive systems tracts are favorable for high primary OM preservation. OM in the thermally mature interval of the studied strata is dominated by solid bitumen, which has a negative effect on reservoir quality by occluding porosity. However, this interval does have capacity to generate oil and gas.