Geological characterization of the Aquistore CO2 storage site from 3D seismic data

Abstract

A 30km2 3D seismic survey was conducted in 2012 at the Aquistore CO2 storage site near Estevan, Saskatchewan, Canada. The purpose of the survey was to investigate the geological suitability of this site for the purposes of long-term CO2 storage. The resultant 3D seismic volume has been interpreted in conjunction with geological and geophysical logs from the 3400m deep CO2 injection well (01/5-6-2-8-W2M) that was subsequently drilled. The CO2 storage reservoir resides immediately above the Precambrian crystalline basement (3400m) and is part of a regionally extensive >200m-thick clastic interval (Winnipeg and Deadwood formations). The reservoir is capped by a 15m thick laterally-continuous shale unit (Icebox Member of the Winnipeg Formation). A regional evaporite at ∼2500m depth (Prairie Formation) provides a secondary barrier to vertical flow. It is >150m thick and shows no salt dissolution features. Above the Prairie Formation are 1500m of laterally continuous Middle Devonian to Lower Cretaceous strata and 1000m of Upper Cretaceous and younger sedimentary rocks, including additional regionally-extensive aquitards that provide tertiary seals: Watrous Formation (∼120m), Colorado Group (>185m), and Bearpaw Formation. There is no evidence of vertical faulting extending through the Devonian or deeper section. A local sub-vertical Precambrian basement fault is interpreted to exist. It lies beneath a flexure within the overlying Cambrian to Silurian strata. The fault is oriented at an azimuth of 75°–85° relative to the regional maximum horizontal stress making it less susceptible to reactivation during CO2 injection. There is no clear evidence that the strata in an overlying flexure are ruptured or faulted. Natural seismicity in the area is very low and the nearest known significant seismogenic fault zone is located ∼200km away.