Distribution of Total Dissolved Solids in the Wabamun Hydrostratigraphic Unit

This map depicts the concentration of total dissolved solids (TDS) in groundwater in the Wabamun hydrostratigraphic unit (HSU). The horizontal and vertical extent of the unit was adopted from version one of the 3D Provincial Geological Framework model of Alberta. The map is a result of an empirical Bayesian kriging technique using publicly available water chemistry data from oil and gas wells.

The TDS surface was mapped at a regional scale using many years of data, thus providing a good indication of regional water chemistry within the unit rather than site-specific values. The final gridded map surface was clipped based on the spatial distribution of representative chemistry data. Three formation-scale inset maps show the difference between the modelled distribution of TDS concentration and measured values, the distribution of hydraulic head, and the results of water driving force analysis, respectively. The geometry and variable thickness of the Wabamun HSU are illustrated on schematic cross-sections.