Finite Element Modeling of Fluid Flow in Peace River Arch of Western Canada Sedimentary Basin:Implications for Hydrothermal Dolomitization

This study aims at numerically investigating thermohaline fluid flow and its controlling factors related to the Devonian-age hydrothermal dolomitization in the Peace River Arch (PRA) area, Western Canada Sedimentary Basin. Simulation results indicate that faults serve as important conduits for upwelling fluid flow, which may bring reactants and heat from depth into the shallower Wabamun aquifer for dolomitization. Higher salinity distribution at depth impedes the upwelling hydrothermal fluid flow. However, evaporative conditions at surface during active tectonic stage allow high saline fluids to move downwards into the aquifer but prevent hot fluids flowing into it from depth. Topography does not significantly influence the fluid flow patterns in the PRA. Therefore, buoyancy- and topography-induced fluid flow is likely not responsible for the hydrothermal dolomitization in the study area, and other driving mechanisms need to be investigated