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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 65 (1981)

Issue: 7. (July)

First Page: 1362

Last Page: 1362

Title: Present Thermal State of Western Canada Sedimentary Basin: ABSTRACT

Author(s): Jacek Majorowicz, Alan M. Jessop

Article Type: Meeting abstract

Abstract:

The regional geothermal pattern of Western Canada sedimentary basin was studied using available temperature data from shut-in wells. Average heat conductivity was estimated with net-rock data from Canadian Stratigraphic Services. These data allowed heat flow estimations.

The geothermal gradient and heat-flow values for the basin are exceptionally high in comparison with the other Precambrian platform areas, especially in the northwestern part of the Prairies basin in Alberta and British Columbia and most of southern Saskatchewan. Low-gradient areas are found close to the eastern limit of the Disturbed belt of Alberta and British Columbia. Neither the analysis of regional conductivity nor heat generation of the basement rocks based on U, Th, and K data after Burwash explains the heat-flow patterns. Certain hydrogeologic phenomena do suggest the significant influence of fluid flow on geothermal features. Low geothermal gradient areas coincide with water recharge and high hydraulic head regions.

The phenomenon of upward water movement in the deep strata and downward fluid flow through much of the Cenozoic and Mesozoic strata seems to be the main influence on heat distribution in the basin. Analyses of coal metamorphism in the upper and middle Mesozoic formations of the Foothills belt and in the central Prairies basin suggest that pre-Laramide heat-flow distribution was different from the present. It is very probable that the Foothills belt had a higher geothermal gradient than the central part of the Prairies basin, opposite to the present relation.

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