Three-Dimensional Property Model of the Duvernay Formation in Alberta (dataset, multiple files)

This dataset contains two 3D property models of the Upper Devonian Duvernay Formation in central Alberta. We modelled the West Shale Basin (WSB) and East Shale Basin (ESB) separately due to the differences in depositional and petrophysical properties of each basin. The modelled properties include total porosity (PHIT), total organic carbon (TOC), and carbonate fraction from petrophysical analysis of oil and gas well data; and temperature and pressure gradients, condensate-gas ratio (CGR), and gas-oil ratio (GOR) from production data.

The WSB and ESB property models cover an area of approximately 86 532 km² and 34 984 km² respectively, and include the entire thickness of the Duvernay Formation. The modelling was focused on the Duvernay Formation and excluded the Leduc Formation platforms and reefs. The skeleton of the two 3D property models builds on the 3D Provincial Geological Framework Model of Alberta, Version 1, and was supplemented with more detailed internal architecture.

This model is available for download in the following packages; 

• a deconstructed model dataset composed of discrete and continuous model horizons as Esri format grids, and zone model extent shapefiles, ESB: [Download, 7 MB], WSB: [Download, 13 MB]
• populated model properties as point data in ASCII format, ESB: [Download, 201 MB], WSB: [Download, 357 MB]
• an iMOD model dataset package, ESB: [Download, 130 MB], WSB: [Download, 455 MB], and
• the Petrel project file, [Download, 776 MB], or
• all of the above data [Download, 1.9 GB].

All of the standard format digital datasets can be viewed in iMOD, an open source software, and Petrel, enabling users to visualize rotate, slice, explode, and toggle data on and off in 3D. The iMOD software provides users with an interactive geospatial environment where end users can manipulate 3D geological models and into which they can import their own geospatially referenced subsurface and surface data.

The Upper Devonian Duvernay Formation is present in the subsurface of most of central Alberta except where the stratigraphically equivalent Leduc Formation carbonate platforms and reefs are located, defining two distinct regional areas of Duvernay Formation deposition: the West Shale Basin and the East Shale Basin. The organic-rich shales and carbonate, and silicious mudstones of the Duvernay Formation have long been considered an important source rock for hydrocarbon accumulations in Alberta and, more recently, have become a major target for unconventional oil and gas exploration and development.