Nisku regional reconnaissance in central Alberta was done with the objective to obtain a better understanding of Nisku sequences and facies along the Nisku margin to the east and north of the established Nisku pinnacle trend from the Pembina-Bigoray area up into the Meekwap area.

This study provides an initial regional stratigraphic framework and facies analysis with recommendations to focus on new play types and areas. The map sheet extends from T. 43-84, R. 13W4M-8W6M, but the study focused only on the margins and Blueridge Basin. It addressed the question of what happens to the Nisku margins and pinnacles to the east of the Bigoray area and between Meekwap and Bigoray. Lack of mature source rock is probably the main reason why pinnacles to the northeast of Bigoray have not yielded significant hydrocarbons. Possible source rock for the pinnacles appears to be the Duvernay and not the Cynthia shales. Trapping of hydrocarbons in the Meekwap Field indicate migration of oil from the Blueridge Basin into the Western and Eastern Meekwap Shelf. Many oil and gas shows in the Blueridge indicate that hydrocarbons have moved through this blanketing limestone-dolomite unit. The Blueridge has received hydrocarbons both through migration and local sourcing such as the organic shales within the Upper and Middle Blueridge.