This report presents the results of rhenium-osmium (Re-Os) isotope analysis performed on 11 organic-rich and radiogenic shale samples from the following Devonian and Jurassic formations in central and northern Alberta:

  • Keg River Formation (1 sample)
  • Duvernay Formation (2 samples)
  • Muskwa Formation (1 sample)
  • Gordondale (5 samples) and Poker Chip Shale (2 samples) members of the Fernie Formation.

The samples were collected from core hosted by the Alberta Energy Regulator Core Research Centre in Calgary and analyses were performed at the Crustal Re-Os Geochronology Laboratory at the University of Alberta.

Current detailed stratigraphic work at the AGS includes an effort to resolve uncertainties regarding the age and stratigraphic position of a number of stratigraphic units, based on precise isotope dating. Recent advances in dating organic-rich shales using the Re-Os isotope system have allowed us to date important hydrocarbon source rocks in the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin.
 

Place Keywords

Pană, D.I., Creaser, R.A, Toma, J., Playter, T.L., Corlett, H.J., Hauck, T.E., Peterson, J.T., Grobe, M. and Poulton, T. (2018): Geochronology in support of the Alberta Table of Formations: Rhenium-Osmium isotope dating of selected Devonian and Jurassic core samples from central and northern Alberta; Alberta Energy Regulator, AER/AGS Open File Report 2018-06, 25 p.