This digital data release includes inorganic geochemistry results for selected samples from Alberta stratigraphic units for shale- and siltstone-hosted hydrocarbon resource evaluation. The strata evaluated include the following units:
- basal Banff Formation
- Colorado Group
- Duvernay Formation,
- Exshaw Formation
- Montney Formation,
- Muskwa Formation,
- Wilrich Member,
- Nordegg Member, and
- Rierdon Formation.
Lithologies are generalized and based on a visual description.
Allocation of stratigraphic unit names was done based on available stratigraphic information at the time of sampling. No attempt was made to reallocate samples within a consistent regional stratigraphic framework. In some cases, stratigraphic unit allocation may be incorrect.
We compiled the data into a single, de-normalized dataset. Each row is a unique record. The Sample_ID column is the primary key field.
A site may have multiple samples including laboratory standards and sample duplicates.
Records with blank analysis values indicate that the specified test was not run on that sample. The number of significant digits of the sample results is provided by the laboratory. Trailing zeros may have been dropped by Microsoft Excel or Microsoft Access.
The laboratory performed general validation checks on all samples using lab standards and duplicates. The order in which the elements were analyzed may vary for each sample depending on the analytical instrument. Sample_ID 9250 is a standard that has anomalous mercury content. This may indicate the standard is contaminated. Samples run in the same batch were 8051 to 8061.
The term shale describes a fine-grained, organic-rich rock and may not imply fissility.
We collected representative core samples based on available core for the target formations to get a reasonable spatial distribution of data. The core did not always cover the entire target interval. We performed high-density sampling in the shale targets and fine-grained rocks. Lower density sampling was done in other lithologies and bounding formations. Where available, we sampled outcrops on target formations. If Date_Collected is 20xx-01-01, we collected the sample during the year indicated, but the exact date is unknown.
Samples too small for specific types of analysis are indicated by 'I.S.' (insufficient sample) in the analyte columns. Null analyte values indicate analyses were not run on the sample. Less than and greater than symbols indicate analyte minimum and upper detection limits respectively.
Fish Scales Formation refers to 1) the Fish Scales Formation of the Colorado Group in the southern, central, and northeast plains, and 2) the Fish Scales Member or Fish Scales Zone of the Shaftesbury Formation in the northwest plains.
We collected outcrop samples from various outcrop sites during fieldwork excursions from 2007 to 2011. Core samples were collected at the Alberta Energy Regulator’s Core Research Centre.
Geologists recorded the sample and site information, such as location, depth, formation, and a brief lithological description at the time of collection. Representative splits of the samples were made and sent to the laboratory for inorganic geochemical analysis.
All analyses were performed by Acme Analytical Laboratories Ltd. (Vancouver, British Columbia).
There are 12 laboratory analytical methods used to analyze samples.
- 1DX_method: Aqua Regia digestion followed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) multi-element analyses.
- 1EX_method: Four-acid (HF-HNO3-HClO4-HCl) digestion followed by ICP-MS multi-element analyses.
- 1F_method: 1:1:1 Aqua Regia digestion followed by Ultratrace ICP-MS analysis.
- 1F15_method: 1:1:1 Aqua Regia digestion followed by Ultratrace ICP-MS analysis (15 g. sample).
- 2A_C_method: Determination of graphitic carbon and organic carbon using a Leco carbon-sulphur analyzer.
- 2A_LECO_method: Determination of total carbon and total sulphur using a Leco carbon-sulphur analyzer.
- 2A_S_method: Determination of sulphate using a Leco carbon-sulphur analyzer.
- 2A11_method: Determination of carbonate carbon using a Leco carbon-sulphur analyzer.
- 3BMS_method: Lead-collection fire-assay fusion followed by digestion of the silver-dore bead and ICP-MS analyses (30 gram sample).
- 4A-4B_method: Fusion-HNO3 digestion followed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-ES) and ICP-MS multi-element analyses except for (i) total carbon and total sulphur by a Leco carbon-sulphur analyzer and (ii) LOI (loss on ignition) by weight difference after ignition at 950° C.
- 7AX_method: Aqua Regia digestion followed by ICP-ES and ICP-MS analyses.
- 7TD_method: Four-acid digestion followed by ICP-ES analyses.
The analytical method is incorporated in the analyte name along with the unit of measure. For example, the analyte definition for analyte Au_3BMS_PPB is gold in parts per billion using the 3BMS method of analysis.