Abstract
The hydrodynamics and hydrochemistry of two Upper Cretaceous sandstone aquifers, the Brazeau-Belly River and the Cardium aquifer, are compared in a study area in the west-central part of the Alberta Basin. The results show the compartmentalisation of each aquifer into zones of different fluid saturation and pressure distribution, large areas being abnormally pressured. This implies the existence of lateral low-permeability barriers, which are created by lithofacies changes and the decrease of relative permeability to water at the water–hydrocarbon interface. Various mechanisms drive flow in Cretaceous units in the area. Flow in the Brazeau-Belly River aquifer has mostly adjusted to the present-day topography, whereas pressures in the Cardium aquifer are mainly governed by hydrocarbon generation in the deep basin and erosional rebound of the surrounding shales.
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