Geological terms describe the rock formations, depths, and subsurface characteristics that determine where oil and gas accumulate.
A body of rock with consistent characteristics distinguishing it from surrounding strata. Formations are named and mapped across basins. Major producing formations in Western Canada include the Montney, Cardium, Viking, and Bakken.
Example: The Montney Formation produces both gas and liquids across BC and Alberta.
A subdivision of a formation or a specific interval within a wellbore. Zones identify particular depth intervals targeted for production or completion. A well may have multiple producing zones.
Example: The completion perforated three zones in the Spirit River Formation.
The deepest point reached during drilling, measured from surface. Total depth is expressed in meters or feet and indicates the maximum extent of the wellbore. Horizontal wells have both measured depth (along the wellbore) and true vertical depth.
Example: The well reached total depth of 3,200 meters in the Slave Point Formation.
The elevation reference point on a drilling rig from which all depths are measured. The KB height is recorded for each well so subsurface depths can be correlated across different well locations.
Example: All depth measurements are referenced to KB elevation of 980 meters above sea level.
A geological period (419-359 million years ago) known for prolific reef buildups that host major oil accumulations in Alberta. Devonian formations include Leduc, Nisku, and Slave Point, containing some of the largest conventional oil pools.
Example: Leduc Devonian reef oil launched Alberta's modern petroleum industry in 1947.
A geological period (145-66 million years ago) containing many important oil and gas formations in Western Canada. Cretaceous sandstones like the Viking, Cardium, and Mannville host vast conventional and tight oil resources.
Example: The Viking Formation is a prolific Cretaceous oil and gas producer.
A thick silty shale formation spanning BC and Alberta, one of North America's largest unconventional gas and liquids plays. The Montney requires horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing to produce economically.
Example: Montney wells in northeast BC can produce 10+ million cubic feet of gas per day.
A Devonian-aged shale formation in central Alberta containing both oil and condensate-rich gas. The Duvernay is an emerging unconventional play requiring advanced completion techniques.
Example: Duvernay wells near Fox Creek produce high-value condensate.
A tight oil formation spanning Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the northern US (primarily North Dakota). The Bakken transformed Saskatchewan into a significant oil producer through horizontal drilling technology.
Example: Saskatchewan Bakken wells typically target the middle member of the formation.
The percentage of void space in a rock where fluids can be stored. Higher porosity means more storage capacity. Conventional reservoirs have 15-30% porosity; tight formations may have only 5-10%.
Example: This sandstone has 22% porosity, indicating excellent storage potential.
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