Williston Basin Architecture and Hydrocarbon Potential (Phase 1)

TGI II Project

Mission:

To develop a seamless 3D geological model of Paleozoic and Mesozoic-aged rocks, from subsurface to outcrop, in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, in a geographic area that extends the IEA Weyburn Monitoring and Storage project area east and northeast into Manitoba, and west and north into central Saskatchewan, in order to enhance our knowledge of subsurface mineral potential (e.g. brines and potash), and hydrocarbon migration and entrapment. This model will incorporate geophysical and hydrogeological data to enhance our understanding of hydrocarbon migration paths and traps, within and beyond, traditional geographic areas of hydrocarbon production.

Objectives:

The overall objective was to produce a geological model of Phanerozoic rocks over a significant portion of Saskatchewan and Manitoba to enhance our understanding of the hydrocarbon and mineral potential. This was done through subsurface geological mapping, geophysical mapping, hydrogeological mapping and remotely sensed imagery analysis.

Specific Objectives include: 

1. Identify major geological units within the project area and their equivalencies in Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
    
2. Develop a web-enabled compilation of existing literature and current geoscience knowledge for the project area.
    
3. Produce regional isopach and structure maps for all major geological units in the study area and present them in an ArcView GIS format with attached attribute data.
    
4. Acquire, and incorporate seismic, aeromagnetic, and gravity data into a seamless 3D regional geological model of the subsurface to improve our understanding of the Precambrian basement and possible tectonic relationship with overlying Phanerozoic rocks.
    
5. Produce regional hydrogeological model for strata of Paleozoic and Mesozoic age within the study area.

Execution Strategy:

1. Co-ordinate and seek alignment and synergy with all Task groups through meetings that address the issues of communication, data sharing, and human and financial resources.
    
2. Establish integration processes to link up inter-related tasks and integrate the information from these tasks into the final product.
    
3. Establish effective execution and efficient use of resources, through such project management tools as a Control Document, Project Schedule, Financial Management system and Data Management system.

Study Area:

A geographic area that extends the IEA Weyburn Monitoring and Storage project area east (to approximately range 10E1) and northeast (to the Precambrian Shield edge) into Manitoba, and west (to 30W2) and north (to Precambrian Shield edge) in central Saskatchewan.

Scope, Responsibilities, Deliverables and Budgets:

Legend:

GSC: Geological Survey of Canada; SMER: Saskatchewan Ministry of Energy and Resources; STEM: Manitoba Science, Technology, Energy and Mines (now Manitoba Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources) and other partners.

Roles and Responsibilities*:

* The affiliations of the team members are shown as they were at the beginning of the project and do not necessarily reflect the current employer or employment status of the individual.

GSC Project Leader: Benoit Beauchamp (GSC Calgary), Martin Fowler (GSC Calgary)

Steering Committee: Mike Cecile, Mark Williamson (GSC), Chris Gilboy (SMER), Ric Syme and John Fox (STEM): Steering committee members are responsible for the financial management and co-ordination of the project.

Provincial Project Leaders (Co-leaders): Kim Kreis (SMER), Steve Whittaker (SMER), and Ruth Bezys (Carol Martiniuk; STEM): Provincial Project leaders are responsible for the management and co-ordination of efforts of the various Tasks within their respective province and the co-ordination and integration of work done in both provinces. Current Project Leaders are Michelle Nicolas (STEM) and Melinda Yurkowski (SMER).

Principal Task Leaders: Kim Kreis (SMER), Steve Whittaker (SMER); Ruth Bezys, Carol Martiniuk (STEM); Igor Morozov (University of Saskatchewan); Ben Rostron (University of Alberta): Principle Task Leaders are responsible for the co-ordination of program activities within the Task ensuring that objectives are being met, deliverables are being provided and timely reports are being issued. Communicate to the Project Leaders problems and concerns of the Task members and request assistance. Speak on behalf of Task members in their absence. Assist in co-ordinating activities and flow of information with other Principal Task Leaders and Researchers.

Task Members (Researchers): Develop appropriate technical plans (scope of work) to accomplish the objectives and the deliverables committed to in the scope of work. Carry out the work and be responsible for meeting cost, schedule, scope and quality targets. Report on progress according to a frequency and format conveyed by the Principal Task Leader.

Project Duration and Timelines:
Funding: April 1, 2003 to March 31, 2005
Deliverables: April 25, 2005 to December 31, 2013

Budget (over two years):
GSC funds: $720 000
Provincial funds: $48 500
Total budget: $768 500

Digital elevation model of the TGI study area. (click to enlarge)