Geological analysis of carbon sequestration potential

Geological analysis of carbon sequestration potential

Location map of the study area investigated during the 2023 and 2024 fieldwork, including field stations for the collection of rock samples.

Description

This project investigates potential reservoir formations for carbon storage in the Mackenzie Delta and Colville Hills of the Northwest Territories. The Northwest Territories Geological Survey examined the structural and petrophysical parameters of the sedimentary strata within the study area to assess the potential suitability of reservoirs for carbon storage. During 2023 and 2024, the Energy Geoscience team conducted two field surveys to collect rock samples from the study area for lab analysis.

Location

An image of the Northwest Territories via Google Maps 2025. The black dots represent the area under investigation for carbon storage potential.
An image of the Northwest Territories via Google Maps 2025. The black dots represent the area under investigation for carbon storage potential.
The Mackenzie Delta (70°46’15’’ N and 126°41’48.86” W­) and Colville Hills (65°40’39.95’’ N and 127°52’11.45’’ W) in the Northwest Territories, Canada, are geologically significant regions with notable carbon storage potential. The Mackenzie Delta hosts a complex petroleum system with proven hydrocarbon reserves, primarily in Cretaceous and Tertiary deltaic sediments. However, the carbon storage potential of the Mackenzie Delta requires in-depth investigation. The Colville Hills, an uplifted Paleozoic carbonate and siliciclastic platform, contains structural and stratigraphic traps ideal for carbon storage due to the deep porous formations, extensive cap rocks, and proximity to potential emission sources, contributing to Canada’s net-zero emission commitments.

Justification

This project responds to feedback on a pre-feasibility analysis of exporting Mackenzie Delta natural gas to Asian markets. It emphasises the need for a greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction strategy and eco-friendly carbon solutions aligned with the environmental goals of the Northwest Territories. The project supports the transition to a low-carbon economy by enabling net-zero commitments.

A three-dimensional structural model showing a fault scar running through the six potential candidates for carbon storage within the Mackenzie Delta of the Northwest Territories.

Approach

Geological analysis was conducted by collecting relevant geoscience data from field surveys of the study area and laboratory analyses of rock samples. Six clastic reservoir formations identified in the subsurface of the Mackenzie Delta will be analysed and screened based on the Storage play quality index (SPQI). In addition, laboratory and well-log analyses will help conduct the petrophysical and geomechanical investigations. Three-dimensional structural and facies modelling will contribute to the capacity and injectivity estimation. Furthermore, reservoir simulation and modelling will be conducted to estimate the carbon storage volume (volumetric analysis). The state-of-the-art PetrelTM software platform develops these structural and petrophysical models.

An illustration of spectral analysis used for estimating fracture density. The volume of shale and fracture porosity is calculated using spectral analysis.
An illustration of spectral analysis used for estimating fracture density. The volume of shale and fracture porosity is calculated using spectral analysis.

Schedule

The project began in the summer of 2023. During the summer of 2024, fieldwork was carried out by the Northwest Territories Geological Survey Energy Team, with logistical support from the Polar Continental Shelf Program (PCSP). The fieldwork involved two weeks of mapping and sampling in the Richardson Mountain, Mackenzie Basin – Caribou Hills, and part of the Anderson Plain. The final research results will be published as Northwest Territories Geological Survey reports and journal articles.

 

Partners and Support

  • Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)
  • Mineral and Petroleum Resource Division (MPRD)
  • Polar Continental Shelf Program (PCSP)

Moose Channel Formation (Location: 68o 22’ 26.34” N, 136o 15’ 5.07” W) outcrop in the Big Fish Creek Canyon. The image at the top shows the Energy Geoscience team members during their fieldwork.
Moose Channel Formation (Location: 68o 22’ 26.34” N, 136o 15’ 5.07” W) outcrop in the Big Fish Creek Canyon. The image at the top shows the Energy Geoscience team members during their fieldwork. The Basal sandstone member (bottom) exhibits blocky sandstone with various sedimentary structures such as parallel laminations, cross lamination, interbeds of pebbly and cobbly conglomerates, and grades into clayey/muddy interbeds.

 

Keywords

Carbon sequestration, Mackenzie Delta, Greenhouse gas reduction, Low carbon economy, Storage play quality index, Petrophysical analysis, Reservoir simulation, Geomechanical analysis, Reservoir modelling, Probabilistic analysis