Petrology, geochemistry and diagenesis of the Middle Devonian Slave Point Formation, Hamburg Field, northwestern Alberta.

The Middle Devonian carbonates of the Slave Point Formation, Hamburg Field, northwestern Alberta, are composed mainly of stromatoporoid floatstones and rudstones which were deposited in open and restricted marine platform environments. This study is aimed at evaluating the diagenetic history of the Slave Point carbonates, with particular emphasis on dolomitization and porosity evolution. Carbonates of the Slave Point Formation have undergone a complex diagenetic history, represented mainly by cementation and dolomitization. All lithofacies are fractured and variably dolomitized. Dolomitization ranges from isolated fabric-selective dolomite rhombs, through to pervasive dolomitization. Diagenesis occurred during shallow to deep burial, with a proposed interlude of hydrothermal alteration. Four different types of dolomite have been identified: (1) matrix dolomite, (2) pseudomorphic dolomite, (3) pervasive dolomite, and, (4) saddle dolomite. Most primary porosity has been reduced by calcite cementation and compaction although minor amounts are retained. Secondary porosity makes up the reservoir porosity and includes intercrystalline, vuggy/moldic and fracture porosity; however, it is occluded to a certain extent by saddle dolomite and late stage calcite cements. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)Dept. of Earth Sciences. Paper copy at Leddy Library: Theses & Major Papers - Basement, West Bldg. / Call Number: Thesis1998 .C58. Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 39-02, page: 0460. Adviser: Ihsen Al-Aasm. Thesis (M.Sc.)--University of Windsor (Canada), 1998