Hydrogeological characterization of the Red River Formation, Williston Basin, Canada-United States of America.

摘要

Extensive exploration activity began in the Paleozoic section of the Williston Basin soon after the discovery of promising oil reserves in southern Saskatchewan in the mid-1990s. Significant hydrocarbon potential was indicated, and it sparked interest in the Red River Formation.;Results of the present work confirm the previously recognized three distinctive water types (CaSO4, NaCl, and Na-CaCl) in the Red River Formation. Two flow regimes exist within the study area: one gravity-driven, originating from high elevations; the second, a sluggish brine, sitting in the deepest part of the basin. Freshwater hydraulic heads decrease from southwest to north-northeast; however, the presence of high-density fluids modifies the freshwater flow patterns in direction and magnitude. Application of the UVZ-method shows hydrocarbon migration towards the edges of the basin.