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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

CSPG Bulletin

Abstract


Bulletin of Canadian Petroleum Geology
Vol. 39 (1991), No. 2. (June), Pages 209-209

"Coalbed Methane Potential of the Lower Cretaceous Luscar Group in the Vicinity of Nordegg, Alberta [Abstract]"

Dawson, F.M.1, Kalkreuth, W.D.1, Burchard, K.2

ABSTRACT

Lower Cretaceous Luscar Group strata containing coal resources of low- to medium-volatile bituminous rank represent a prime exploration target for coalbed methane in the Alberta Foothills. The Nordegg region is presently the focus of a coalbed methane resource assessment study being conducted by the Geological Survey of Canada. Structural mapping, coal seam sampling and geological modelling of subsurface data have been undertaken to produce a geological framework upon which coalbed methane resource estimates can be made.

The Gates Formation of the Luscar Group contains up to six coal seams in the Nordegg area with up to 11 m of cumulative coal thickness. Tectonic thickening occurs in local areas, such as the Nordegg minesite, where coal seams, (3-4 m), have been thickened to greater than 10 m. Detailed reflectance studies indicate that the rank of the coals at and near the surface ranges from high-volatile A bituminous to low-volatile bituminous. Low-volatile bituminous coals occur at surface in the Brazeau Thrust sheet near Nordegg. From there a significant decrease of rank is indicated along strike both to the south in the Ram River, Fall Creek areas and to the north in the Blackstone River area. Rank decreases also toward the west in the Bighorn Thrust sheet, where Luscar Group coals of mainly medium-volatile rank occur.

Outcrop localities and subsurface data have been utilized to prepare detailed maps illustrating coal rank variability. Surface and subsurface mapping were completed to assess the in situ coal resource potential. Geological structures and depth from surface parameters were applied, and several coalbed methane targets have been defined. Rank and thickness data obtained from exploration wells along a W-E transect through the Nordegg area appear to be consistent with the outcrop data and suggest that coals of the Luscar Group may have high coalbed methane potential at depths less than 1500 m west of the Brazeau Thrust.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ASSOCIATED FOOTNOTES

1 Geological Survey of Canada, Calgary, Alberta T2L 2A7

2 Institut fur Geologie, Freie Universitat Berlin, Berlin 33, Germany

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