This study provides a detailed understanding of the stratigraphy, depositional facies, structural history and hydrocarbon maturation and migration of the Keg River Formation shelf carbonates in the Senex and surrounding areas.  In addition, detailed analyses of the field areas is provided in order to better understand the occurrence of, and potential for hydrocarbon entrapment within the Keg River Formation in the study area.

The study area lies to the north east of the PreCambrian Peace River Arch.  Progressively younger sediments within the Middle Devonian Elk Point Group can be found to onlap and cover the underlying PreCambrian surface.  Their distribution is controlled by the topography of the Arch during deposition.  As well, eroded fault blocks on the PreCambrian surface can be shown to pierce the stratigraphic section up into the Muskeg Formation.  Where Keg River carbonates overlie these PreCambrian highs the internal facies and sedimentation patterns have been affected by the underlying topography.  Biostromal buildups developed over these highs and through subsequent dolomitization have developed reservoir quality porosity.  Interbedded evaporites and dolomites of the Muskeg Formation cap the Keg River section providing a seal to the Keg River reservoirs.  In some areas salt dissolution has occurred and the timing has been determined to have taken place during both Watt Mountain and Beaverhill Lake deposition.

The study area is located in north central Alberta from Townships 87 to 102 between Ranges 22W4 and 11W5 and encompasses the fields at Trout, Kidney, Senex and Panny.  At the time of the study 354 wells penetrated the Keg River Formation or deeper within the study area.  Cored intervals from 182 wells were examined at the AEUB Core Research Centre.

Click globe for map of study area.

• fully illustrated text (76 pages, plus colour and B&W figures) documenting stratigraphy, depositional facies, hydrocarbon maturation & migration, play types, exploration potential, core descriptions, and database;
• 8 stratigraphic cross sections illustrating regional and field stratigraphic relationships;
• 11 maps (isopach, structure, & facies) at 1:100,000 and 1:250,000 scales;
• 12 stratigraphic picks from Top Muskeg Formation to Top PreCambrian;
• 354 well database available in hardcopy and digital formats;
• core descriptions from 182 wells described with internally consistent correlations.