Hydrocarbon source rock evaluation of Middle Proterozoic Solor Church Formation, North American Mid-Continent Rift System, Rice County, Minnesota

American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin
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Abstract

Hydrocarbon source rock evaluation of the Middle Proterozoic Solor Church Formation (Keweenawan Supergroup) as sampled in the Lonsdale 65-1 well, Rice County, Minnesota, shows that: (1) the rocks are organic matter lean (24 of 25 samples have less than 0.8% organic carbon); (2) the organic matter is thermally post-mature, probably near the transition between the wet gas phase of catagenesis and metagenesis (dry gas zone); and (3) the rocks have minimal potential for producing additional hydrocarbons (genetic potential < 0.30 mg HC/g rock). Although no direct evidence exists from which to determine maximum burial depths, the observed thermal maturity of the organic matter requires significantly greater burial depths, a higher geothermal gradient, or both. It is likely, t least on the Saint Croix horst, that thermal maturation of the organic matter in the Solor Church took place relatively early, and that any hydrocarbons generated during this early phase were probably lost prior to deposition of the overlying Middle Proterozoic Fond du Lac Formation (Keweenawan Supergroup).

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Hydrocarbon source rock evaluation of Middle Proterozoic Solor Church Formation, North American Mid-Continent Rift System, Rice County, Minnesota
Series title American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin
DOI 10.1306/AD462BB4-16F7-11D7-8645000102C1865D
Volume 69
Issue 8
Year Published 1985
Language English
Publisher American Association of Petroleum Geologists
Description 9 p.
First page 1208
Last page 1216
Country United States
State Minnesota
County Rice County
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