Open File Report 2008-08

What is Shale Gas? An Introduction to Shale-Gas Geology in Alberta

Authors: Rokosh, C.D.; Pawlowicz, J.G.; Berhane, H.; Anderson, S.D.A.; Beaton, A.P.

Executive Summary

Alberta Geological Survey is determining the quantity and spatial extent of Alberta shale gas resources and clarifying potential environmental and landowner issues that may arise due to development. The fundamental needs of resource analysis are data from which to estimate a resource base; however, there is a lack of information on a regional scale. We have begun to collect geochemical and geological data from prior publications and have started collecting and generating our own data. This report introduces our project, summarizes our understanding of some of the shale gas issues in the province related to development and states some of the factors important in shale gas resource assessment.

Place Keywords: 72e; 72l; 72m; 73d; 73e; 73l; 73m; 74d; 74e; 74l; 74m; 82g; 82h; 82i; 82j; 82n; 82o; 82p; 83a; 83b; 83c; 83d; 83e; 83f; 83g; 83h; 83i; 83j; 83k; 83l; 83m; 83n; 83o; 83p; 84a; 84b; 84c; 84d; 84e; 84f; 84g; 84h; 84i; 84j; 84k; 84l; 84m; 84n; 84o; 84p; alberta; canada

Theme Keywords: banff formation; colorado group; exshaw formation; geology; resource assessment; shale gas; unconventional gas