Abstract: Previous studies based on regional geology, sediment type and stratigraphic thickness, concluded that the Bonnet Plume Basin in northeastern Yukon has gas potential, but insignificant oil potential. However, these studies were not based on samples collected from within the basin. For this study, in total, 226 rock samples collected from outcrop and drill core throughout the Bonnet Plume Basin were analyzed by Rock-Eval 6 programmed pyrolysis and combustion to assess the petroleum source-rock potential of the strata. The results indicate that the Road River Formation (Cambrian to Devonian) has no source rock potential, but the Bonnet Plume Formation (Cretaceous to Tertiary) has gas and perhaps oil potential. Potential oil generation in the Bonnet Plume Formation is attributed to the occurrence of liptinite-bearing coal and previously unrecognized, siliceous, oil shale. A hydrocarbon-rich tar associated with a naturally burning coal seam was also discovered in the Bonnet Plume Formation.

Authors: Lowey, G.W.

Keywords: coal, gas potential, hydrocarbon-rich tar, oil potential

Citation: Lowey, G.W., 2009. A summary of Rock-Eval data for the Bonnet Plume Basin, Yukon:Implications for a previously unrecognized oil play. In: Yukon Exploration and Geology 2008, L.H. Weston, L.R. Blackburn and L.L. Lewis (eds.), Yukon Geological Survey, p. 173-186.

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