Initial analysis of the Jurassic “Nordegg Member”, Fernie Formation: using paleomagnetism to date source rock thermal maturation

Abstract

Paleomagnetic analysis demonstrates that the mean inclination, and therefore the age of the magnetization, in the organic-rich shales of the “Nordegg Member” of the Jurassic Fernie Formation correlates with thermal maturity indices. In the immature wells, the magnetization is probably Early to Middle Jurassic ( I=60°±5°), in the mature wells, Late Jurassic ( I=70°±3°) and in the overmature wells, Late Cretaceous ( I=77°+7/−5°). The change in inclination with time, which reflects varying ages of magnetization, also allows the possibility that the inclination can be used as a proxy for the maturity level in the “Nordegg Member” and thereby aid in petroleum exploration.