Characterizing Alberta’s Subsurface in 3D –exploring innovative solutions to enhance communication

of geoscience information to stakeholders and provide

decision support

Kelsey MacCormack

October 31st, 2015

Alberta, Canada

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Google Maps Image

661,848 km2

From 2D Maps to 3D Models

2D Bedrock Geology 3D Geological Framework

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Interactive 3D geological modelsTraditional map products

Framework Goals

2020 Goals

3D Geological Model of Alberta

Current Goals

Develop an Integrated Platform

Optimize Workflow

Fully Documented

Develop an Internal and External Delivery

System

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Integration and

Collaboration

Efficient and Strategic

Transparent and Credible

Timely and Accessible

Ensuring Consistency and Credibility

LEXICON

Table of Formations 3D Geological Framework

Communicate accurate

and credible geologic

information to stakeholders

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OFR 2012-06

Inputs

Outputs

Geophysical Logs

Stratigraphic Pick DatabaseField DataRock Property Data

3D Models

3D Geobodies Subsurface Risk Assessments

Facilitate Data Integration and

Subsurface Information Communication

Provincial Geological Framework

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Tip of the

Iceberg

Dashboard Metrics

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Outlier

Analysis

Uncertainty

AnalysisValue of

Information

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Southern Alberta

Fox Creek

Peace River Project

West-Central Alberta

Lower Athabasca Region

Calgary Lethbridge

Corridor

Multi-scalar Sub-model Investigations

Peace River 3D Geologic Model

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Detailed

resource

evaluation

Consistent

geologic

framework

74,471 km2

Determine resource zones to aid

regulatory response

3D Animation – Peace River

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Evaluating Subsurface Risk

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Evaluate data within a

consistent geological

platform

Determine zones with

similar characteristics

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Southern Alberta

Fox Creek

Peace River Project

West-Central Alberta

Lower Athabasca Region

Calgary Lethbridge

Corridor

Multi-scalar Sub-model Investigations

25 layer model

88,768 km2

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Southern Alberta

Characterize geology and

assess resource integration

within a consistent framework.

A A’

A’A

Co

lora

do

Gro

up

Pakowki Fm

First White Specks Member

Carlile Fm

Second White Specks Fm

Milk River Fm

Belly River Group

Belly River Group

Virgelle MemberTelegraph Creek Member

Deadhorse Coulee Member

upper Alderson sandstone

base-Alderson unconformity

50

0 m

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Southern Alberta Integrated Resources

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Southern Alberta

Fox Creek

Peace River Project

West-Central Alberta

Lower Athabasca Region

Calgary Lethbridge

Corridor

Multi-scalar Sub-model Investigations

43,163 km2

54 layers

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West-Central Alberta (PBR) Model

500m x 500m

Prototype for

semi-automated

workflow

Connecting Surface Activity to the

Subsurface

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Roads

Pipelines

Surface water

Plays

Aquifers

Faults

Data Integration for Decision Makers

Data Integration Subsurface Evaluation

Uncertainty Analysis

Decision Support

Risk Analysis

Formation Extents

Internal

Characterization

Geochemical Data

Faults

Event Data

Play Geometries

Well Data

Efficiently evaluate subsurface properties and interactions

Improved characterization of subsurface uncertainty and risk

Online Interactive Information

Dissemination

2-Dimensional

Alberta Interactive

Mineral Map

3-Dimensional

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Opportunities

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AGS

AER and GOA

Public and Industry

Use Models Predictively

Strategically prioritize work in high priority areas.

Identify areas with similar geological characteristics to predict

where similar events may occur.

Link subsurface interactions to activities on the land surface

NGOs

Communicate geology using Minecraft

Our Vision….

Develop a multi-dimensional, interdisciplinary, multi-scalar, geostatistically optimized, probabilistically parameterized, geocellular model of Alberta

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to effectively communicate and disseminate geological information meeting the needs of a diverse stakeholder group.

Our Vision….

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Develop tool to efficiently integrate information and communicate credible geoscience knowledgewith ANYONE

Thank You

kelsey.maccormack@aer.ca