Distribution of total dissolved solids in McMurray Formation water in the Athabasca oil sands region, Alberta, Canada: Implications for regional hydrogeology and resource development

AAPG Bulletin ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 99 (01) ◽  
pp. 77-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin R. Cowie ◽  
Bruce James ◽  
Bernhard Mayer
Keyword(s):  
Oil Sands ◽  
Resource Development ◽  
Total Dissolved Solids ◽  
Formation Water ◽  
Athabasca Oil Sands ◽  
Dissolved Solids ◽  
Athabasca Oil Sands Region ◽  
Mcmurray Formation ◽  
Regional Hydrogeology

Planform Recognition and Implications of a Cretaceous-age Continental-scale River Avulsion Node in the Western Interior Basin, Alberta, Canada

2019 ◽  
Vol 89 (7) ◽  
pp. 610-628 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harrison K. Martin ◽  
Stephen M. Hubbard ◽  
Cynthia A. Hagstrom ◽  
Sean C. Horner ◽  
Paul R. Durkin
Keyword(s):  
Oil Sands ◽  
Sedimentary Basins ◽  
Oxbow Lake ◽  
Athabasca Oil Sands ◽  
Deep Time ◽  
Athabasca Oil Sands Region ◽  
Continental Scale ◽  
Mcmurray Formation ◽  
Channel Belt ◽  
Western Interior Basin

Abstract The recognition of an avulsion in the stratigraphic record of an ancient river can provide key insight into its paleoenvironmental setting. In this study, the first planform recognition and delineation of a continental-scale river avulsion node in the deep-time record is used to provide novel insights into the paleogeographic setting for Aptian strata of the Western Interior Basin. Deposits of the Cretaceous McMurray Formation (A2 channel belt) in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region of Alberta, Canada, compose a world-class archive of fluvial–deltaic deposition, captured with a uniquely dense wireline-well-log and drill-core dataset. Despite extensive research on this expansive deposit, however, the depositional setting and paleoenvironmental conditions of the formation have been the subject of long-standing and unresolved debate. In this study, the planform geometry of meander belts characterized by pervasive point-bar and oxbow-lake deposits are examined along a continuous dip-oriented transect > 100 km long, covering > 11,000 km2. The avulsion node documented is linked to three potential causal mechanisms: the presence of the paleobackwater limit, syndepositional salt collapse, or differential erosion and compaction of the substrate associated with an underlying Devonian carbonate escarpment. Although the data compiled do not favor any one of the three proposed mechanisms, each hypothesis potentially provides novel insights into the depositional environment of the McMurray Formation. Notably, the paleobackwater interpretation is consistent with recent seismic geomorphological analysis of the local A2 channel belt that suggested that deposition occurred in the upper reaches of the backwater zone. The results of this work have implications for delineating hydrocarbon-bearing units in the Athabasca Oil Sands, as well as recognizing the record of ancient avulsion nodes in other sedimentary basins.

Natural temporal variations in the chemistry of shallow groundwater, Athabasca Oil Sands area, Alberta

1981 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 1599-1608 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas A. Hackbarth
Keyword(s):  
Coefficient Of Variation ◽  
Oil Sands ◽  
Shallow Groundwater ◽  
Temporal Variations ◽  
Total Dissolved Solids ◽  
Early Summer ◽  
Athabasca Oil Sands ◽  
Dissolved Solids ◽  
Dissolved Carbon ◽  
Pattern Of Variation

Significant natural variation of the chemistry of shallow groundwater was observed from 1977 through 1979 in three wells located in the Athabasca Oil Sands area, Alberta. The wells are between 5 and 8 m deep and are located in boreal forest far from any direct influence by man.The coefficient of variation of total dissolved solids for the well sampled monthly for 35 months was 34%, while those for the two wells sampled bi-monthly were 21 and 11%. The coefficient of variation for individual constituents was generally higher than the above values.An annual pattern of variation in shallow groundwater chemistry is recognized. Calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonate reach lowest annual concentration in the spring and rise rapidly by early summer. Concentration of these ions gradually decreases through fall and winter. This cycle is related to the abundance of dissolved carbon dioxide in recharge water and is controlled to a great extent by the abundant muskeg.Spring and fall are typically times of highest sulfate concentrations. This is coincident with recharge events and is related to leaching of sulfur compounds. High chloride during winter is related to slower rates of groundwater flow and the consequent increased opportunity for release of ions from chloride-bearing minerals.Information from other wells in the Athabasca Oil Sands area indicates that the coefficient of variation of total dissolved solids with respect to time generally decreases with depth. Coefficients of variation might be expected to be as high as 35% at depths of 10 m; the range declines to a relatively constant 4% at depths greater than 150 m.

scholarly journals The Effects of Plume Episodes on PAC Profiles in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region

2021 ◽  
pp. 117014
Author(s):  
Narumol Jariyasopit ◽  
Tom Harner ◽  
Cecilia Shin ◽  
Richard Park
Keyword(s):  
Oil Sands ◽  
Athabasca Oil Sands ◽  
Athabasca Oil Sands Region
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