Seismic characterization of the Nisku Formation in the Wabamun area, Alberta, Canada for large-scale CO₂ sequestration

Seismic characterization of the Devonian Nisku Formation in the Wabamun area, Alberta, Canada has revealed two primary groups of anomalies. The first group is interpreted to be footprints of geological discontinuities which are induced by dissolution and karsting in a geologic formation shallower in the stratigraphy. Even though there is no evidence to indicate that the integrity of the Nisku Formation or the overlying caprock has been compromised, such geologic discontinuities should be taken into consideration if supercritical CO₂ were to be injected into the Nisku Formation. The second group is interpreted to be due to contrasts in lithology and/or porosity of the Nisku Formation. This interpretation is supported by constraints provided by well control and by seismic modeling. Finally, our analysis has identified favorable low-impedance, potentially high-porosity, locations that could be developed for a CO₂ injection site.