Geochemical analysis and familial association of oils and potential source rocks of the Ordovician Winnipeg Formation and Cambrian Deadwood Formation, Williston Basin (Manitoba, North Dakota)

The source of Cambrian Deadwood and Ordovician Winnipeg Formation oils in the Williston Basin has been the subject of geologic discussion for numerous years. Early studies suggested that the Winnipeg Formation was the primary source of Lower Palaeozoic oils in contrast to recent studies that favour the Ordovician Red River Formation kukersites. Recent Rock-Eval and petrographic studies of the Winnipeg Formation recognized good source potential in the Winnipeg Formation, within the Icebox Member, that had been previously overlooked, increasing interest in the origin of the oils and their familial association. The primary objective of this thesis is to define the geochemical signature of Winnipeg and Deadwood Formation oils, and compare and contrast these geochemical signatures with other known oils within the Williston Basin particularly the stratigraphically adjacent Red River Formation oil.; The geochemical composition of Winnipeg Formation oil, determined using gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, suggests that the oil originates from an oil family, not yet defined in the basin. Preliminary findings suggest that the source of Deadwood Formation oil from Newporte, North Dakota is different from that of Winnipeg or Red River Formation oils. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...