Hydrogeological characterization of the Red River Formation, Williston Basin, Canada-United States of America

Extensive exploration activity began in the Paleozoic section of the Williston Basin soon after the discovery of promising oil reserves in southern Saskatchewan in the mid-1990s. Significant hydrocarbon potential was indicated, and it sparked interest in the Red River Formation.;Results of the present work confirm the previously recognized three distinctive water types (CaSO4, NaCl, and Na-CaCl) in the Red River Formation. Two flow regimes exist within the study area: one gravity-driven, originating from high elevations; the second, a sluggish brine, sitting in the deepest part of the basin. Freshwater hydraulic heads decrease from southwest to north-northeast; however, the presence of high-density fluids modifies the freshwater flow patterns in direction and magnitude. Application of the UVZ-method shows hydrocarbon migration towards the edges of the basin.