Initial analysis of the Jurassic "Nordegg Member", Fernie Formation: using paleomagnetism to date source rock thermal maturation

Paleomagnetic analysis demonstrates that the mean inclination, and therefore the age of the magnetization, in the organic-rich shales of the "Nordegg Member" of the Jurassic Fernie Formation correlates with thermal maturity indices. In the immature wells, the magnetization is probably Early to Middle Jurassic (I = 60degrees +/- 5degrees), in the mature wells, Late Jurassic (I = 70degrees +/- 3degrees) and in the overmature wells, Late Cretaceous (I = 77degrees + 7/ - 5degrees). The change in inclination with time, which reflects varying ages of magnetization, also allows the possibility that the inclination can be used as a proxy for the maturity level in the "Nordegg Member" and thereby aid in petroleum exploration. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.