The Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences at the University of Victoria (UVic) has just published a study on the potential presence of natural gas and oil in the Queen Charlotte Basin, off British Columbia .
A detailed investigation has been carried out on the petroleum system of this geographic area in an attempt to improve the scientific information available on British Columbia's offshore gas and oil reserves. Using advanced computer modeling programs, existing geophysical, geological and geochemical information was analyzed to better identify the factors influencing the formation and accumulation of hydrocarbons.
The researchers concluded that the conditions necessary for the formation of natural gas and oil were met in the Queen Charlotte Basin. According to Dr. Michael Whiticar, professor of biogeochemistry at UVic, the delineation of areas with petroleum potential will allow different groups to refine their economic and environmental assessment and better target their activities.
This study was funded under the “Coast Under Stress” research program - which addresses the impacts of environmental, social and economic restructuring on coastal communities - and the British Columbia Minister of Energy and Mines.
contacts:
- Dr. Michael Whiticar (School of Earth and Ocean Sciences) -
whiticar@uvic.ca
- Steve Simons (BC Offshore Oil and Gas Team, Ministry of Energy and Mines)
- steven.simons@gems7.gov.bc.ca
- Maria Lironi (UVic Communications) - lironim@uvic.ca
Sources: University of Victoria Media Release, 18 / 11 / 2004
Editor: Delphine Dupre, VANCOUVER,
attache-scientifique@consulfrance-vancouver.org