A stratigraphic framework for Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous gas-bearing strata (Monteith Formation) in the subsurface of northwest Alberta

Abstract

Research Article| March 01, 2012 A stratigraphic framework for Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous gas-bearing strata (Monteith Formation) in the subsurface of northwest Alberta Brett D. Miles; Brett D. Miles Department of Geoscience, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Ross B. Kukulski; Ross B. Kukulski Department of Geoscience, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar M. Keegan Raines; M. Keegan Raines Department of Geoscience, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar John-Paul Zonneveld; John-Paul Zonneveld Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E3 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Andrew L. Leier; Andrew L. Leier Department of Geoscience, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Stephen M. Hubbard Stephen M. Hubbard Department of Geoscience, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Bulletin of Canadian Petroleum Geology (2012) 60 (1): 3–36. https://doi.org/10.2113/gscpgbull.60.1.3 Article history received: 17 Aug 2010 accepted: 01 Apr 2012 first online: 12 Jul 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Twitter LinkedIn Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Brett D. Miles, Ross B. Kukulski, M. Keegan Raines, John-Paul Zonneveld, Andrew L. Leier, Stephen M. Hubbard; A stratigraphic framework for Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous gas-bearing strata (Monteith Formation) in the subsurface of northwest Alberta. Bulletin of Canadian Petroleum Geology 2012;; 60 (1): 3–36. doi: https://doi.org/10.2113/gscpgbull.60.1.3 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu nav search search input Search input auto suggest search filter All ContentBy SocietyBulletin of Canadian Petroleum Geology Search Advanced Search Abstract The entire Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous stratal package between the Fernie Formation and the Cadomin Formation, from Townships 62–74 in the subsurface of northwestern Alberta, is assigned to the Monteith Formation (Minnes Group). Three mappable units are present, informally termed Monteith A, B and C, from youngest to oldest. The Monteith C was deposited in a marginal marine–deltaic depositional setting. Upward, the transition to coastal plain (Monteith B) and fluvial (Monteith A) depositional settings records a continuous progradation of a long-lived depositional system. Mapping of these units is aided by identification of regionally extensive marine flooding surfaces in the Monteith C, which are used as stratigraphic datums.The thickness of the Monteith Formation decreases from 450 m in the southwestern portion of the study area to a zero-edge in the northeast. The Monteith A, B and C are up to 160 m, 100 m and 200 m thick, respectively. Depositional thinning to the northeast is prevalent, but the primary reason for gross stratal thinning is substantial incision associated with the overlying sub-Cadomin unconformity.The Monteith Formation in Alberta was deposited in a foredeep setting. Regional thickness trends suggest increased accommodation to the southwest and the strata are interpreted to have accumulated on the cratonward side of the foredeep axis. These observations, as well as evidence for basin axial channel flow to the northwest during deposition of the Monteith C, support an interpretation that the foreland basin had initiated prior to Monteith Formation deposition. Basin physiography, as well as uplift and denudation of the Cordillera, affected the depositional evolution of units in the study area. Ultimately, these factors strongly influenced the distribution of reservoir rocks (primarily sandstones of the Monteith A and C), which are part of the Deep Basin Gas System. The presence or absence of permeability enhancing fractures also impacts reservoir quality and well deliverability in the Monteith Formation. You do not currently have access to this article.