Research Portal

Geoscience » Source Rock & Depositional Environment

Predictive Modeling of Sandstone Reservoir Distribution in the SW Scotian Basin

March 2018 – April 2020

The SW Scotian Basin is considered an under-explored passive margin sedimentary basin, however, it is also the most probable location to find oil on the Scotian Margin.

Geoscience » Play Fairway Analyses Atlases 2010–Present

Greater North Atlantic Liassic Petroleum Systems Synthesis

October 2019 – February 2020

In the absence of definitive, direct evidence for a Liassic (i.e. Lower Jurassic) petroleum system offshore Nova Scotia, information is required on source rock analogs around the greater North Atlantic region.

Geoscience » Source Rock & Depositional Environment

Piston Coring Geochemistry Program

January 2015 – January 2020

Confirming the presence of hydrocarbons from an oil-prone Jurassic age source rock would encourage exploration in the deep water portion of Nova Scotia’s offshore.

Geoscience » Source Rock & Depositional Environment

Predictive Modelling of Sandstone Reservoir Quality in the Scotian Basin

May 2016 – December 2018

This project uses existing knowledge of inferred drainage basin areas and paleoclimate to model multiple river inputs to the Scotian Basin. The modelled sedimentary succession is compared with actual sediment thicknesses in the basin.

Geoscience » Spill Preparedness

Advanced Coastal Mapping to Support Hydrodynamic Modelling

April 2016 – June 2018

Nova Scotia’s Atlantic coast exhibits a variety of shorelines that may be vulnerable to contamination in the event of an offshore oil spill. In turn, variable currents, changing water levels, shoals, and exposed seaside conditions make effective spill response difficult for tidal inlets.

Nova Scotia Small Tidal Test Centre: Gap Analysis and Business Case

November 2017 – March 2018

As the tidal energy industry develops, there is increasing interest in the prospects for small-scale tidal energy development. Building small-scale tidal energy installations has promise given the number of locations where they can be used.

Geoscience » Play Fairway Analyses Atlases 2010–Present

Central Scotian Slope Atlas (2016)

January – August 2016

The objective of this project was to identify and technically evaluate any significant exploration leads and prospects in the area of interest.  The study used integrated 3D basin modelling analysis to assess the timing of maturation of source rocks, transformation ratios, hydrocarbon entrapment,

Geoscience » Source Rock & Depositional Environment

Direct Hydrocarbon Indicator (DHI) Mapping, Offshore Nova Scotia

January – May 2016

This project reviewed existing seismic data to identify and catalogue Direct Hydrocarbon Indicators (DHIs) in offshore Nova Scotia, particularly in the Laurentian and Georges Bank Sub-basins.

Nova Scotia Tidal Research Summary Report – Researching Tidal Energy – Marine Life: The Nova Scotia Experience

October 2015 – May 2016

This report looks at the extensive tidal energy-related research undertaken in the Bay of Fundy over a 10 year period beginning in 2005.

Geoscience » Seismic & Marine Sound

Test Snow Crab Response to Seismic Stress

February 2012 – September 2013

There is concern in Atlantic Canada that there is insufficient information on the potential effects of seismic noise on snow crab.