Organic geochemistry of the Montney Formation: new insights about the source of hydrocarbons, their accumulation history and post accumulation processes

This study consists of a non-traditional molecular and stable isotope approach to analyze organic matter (soluble bitumen and produced oil/condensate) from the Montney Formation low-permeability reservoirs, with the purpose of identifying source(s) ofhydrocarbons, accumulation history and post accumulation processes. The same approach bases on the distribution of compound classes such as aromatic carotenoids, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), bicyclic alkanes, and oxygen-polar compounds. The geochemical screening has been enhanced withperforming compound specific isotope analysis (CSIA) of n-alkanes and selected aromatic hydrocarbons. Widely spread PAHs, the presence of molecular indicators of euxinia, and hydrocarbon mixtures identified using CSIA profiles, are some of the key findings from this research, which will improve ourunderstanding of the Montney petroleum system(s).