Geochemical Evaluation of the Tyler Formation, North Dakota using Rare Earth Elements (REE) and Kinetics

This investigation involves the core samples and oil samples from the Tyler Formation in the Williston basin, North Dakota. The REE proved to be a very powerful tool for tracing oil migration and determining the paleoenvironments when both oil and sediment samples are examined. Different lithologies: shale, limestone, interbedded shale and limestone and sandstone all contributed as source rocks for Tyler oil. The kinetics has confirmed the existence of four kerogen types and indicated that even type I can generate oil in the Tyler Formation.