Synthesis and model of formation-water flow, Alberta Basin, Canada

Journal Article · Tue Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1995 · AAPG Bulletin

OSTI ID:127311

Bachu, S ^[1]

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1. Alberta Geological Survey (Canada)

Based on a large amount of publicly available data, several studies have previously examined the flow of formation waters in different parts of the Alberta basin, offering various interpretations as to the causes of the observed pressure regime and flow pattern; however, there has been no synthesis of these diverse studies on a basin-wide basis. Accordingly, these studies are critically reviewed in this paper and synthesized in a new basin-scale model of the flow of formation waters in the Alberta basin. The proposed regional-scale model has significant implications for understanding hydrocarbon migration pathways, ore genesis, the geothermal regime, and deep waste disposal in the Alberta basin. Several flow systems, each one driven by a different mechanism, are identified, together with the main processes leading to the nonhydrostatic pressures observed in the basin. Two megahydrostratigraphic successions and associated flow systems are recognized. The first succession corresponds to the pre-Cretaceous passive-margin stage of basin development, and consists of thick, carbonate-dominated aquifer systems separated by shaly aquitards and evaporitic aquicludes. A northeastward basin-scale flow system is driven by basin topography, with recharge in Montana and discharge in northeastern Alberta. Southwest-to-northeast regional-scale flow adjacent to the fold and thrust belt is probably the result of past tectonic processes. As a result of salinity variations, flow-retarding buoyancy effects can be important. The second megahydrostratigraphic succession corresponds to the post-Jurassic foreland stage of basin evolution, and consists of thick, shaly aquitard systems and relatively thin sandstone aquifers.

• OSTI ID: 127311
• Report Number(s): CONF-950995--
• Journal Information: AAPG Bulletin, Journal Name: AAPG Bulletin Journal Issue: 8 Vol. 79; ISSN 0149-1423; ISSN AABUD2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
05 NUCLEAR FUELS
58 GEOSCIENCES
ALBERTA
AQUIFERS
CANADA
EXPLORATION
FLUID FLOW
GEOLOGIC MODELS
GROUND DISPOSAL
HYDROCARBONS
SEDIMENTARY BASINS
STRATIGRAPHY
TOXIC MATERIALS