Date of Award
2015
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Geology
First Advisor
R.D. LeFever
Abstract
The Birdbear Formation of the Williston Basin of southwestern North Dakota represents one carbonate-evaporite sequence of the Late Devonian. The formation was deposited during regression on a broad, shallow epeiric shelf and is composed principally of dolomite, limestone and anhydrite. The Birdbear Formation is conformable with the Duperow Formation below and the Three Forks Formation above. The designations of 17 lithofacies form the context for describing hydrocarbon generation, migration and accumulation. Rock-Eval 6 and total organic carbon of 42 samples were used to identify the quality of source rocks present in the formation. Good and excellent source rocks were identified in both the upper and lower members, at varying intervals, as organic rich limestones, microbialites and stromatolites. The vertical terminus of each interval is anhydrite, forming excellent seals to the present source rocks and providing conduits to three stratigraphic traps. The Birdbear Formation of the Williston Basin in southwestern North Dakota encapsulates the vital components for a complete petroleum system.
Recommended Citation
Engleman, Benjamin L., "Llithostratigraphic investigation and components of a complete petroleum system within an Upper Devonian carbonate-evaporite sequence : the Birdbear Formation, Williston Basin, North Dakota" (2015). Theses and Dissertations. 80.
https://commons.und.edu/theses/80