Upper Paleozoic hydrocarbon systems in the Sverdrup Basin, Canadian Arctic Islands

The upper Paleozoic (Carboniferous to Permian) succession of the Sverdrup Basin in the Canadian Arctic Islands has the potential to contain significant hydrocarbon reserves, though it has never been a primary exploration target. To better constrain previous estimates and hydrocarbon play possibilities, this study completed evaluations of source rock quality and extent and thermal maturity. This study also incorporated new understandings of reservoir units and their stratigraphic relation to source rocks, trapping configurations and timing of hydrocarbon migration. Several hydrocarbon source units were identified within the upper Paleozoic formations of the Sverdrup Basin including the Emma Fiord, Trappers Cove, Antoinette, Assistance, Sabine Bay, van Hauen and Trold Fiord formations. The Emma Fiord and Trold Fiord formations are both found to be oil prone, with the remainder of the sources being gas prone. The upper Paleozoic succession is interpreted to be gas prone due to dominant kerogen types and high average thermal maturity. Many of the older concept plays put forth for the upper Paleozoic succession have been determined to be unviable. However, modern plays that implement new understandings of the basin have the potential to be viable. This study has found that the upper Paleozoic succession of the Sverdrup Basin is promising for gas discoveries with new plays such as salt diapirism plays, or plays similar to the Barents Sea Gohta play. New hydrocarbon rock source data also suggests the potential for a new oil and gas play on northern Prince Patrick Island. This new research could lead to significant resource discoveries that have been previously overlooked.