Thermal history of Canadian Williston basin from apatite fission-track thermochronology—implications for petroleum systems and geodynamic history

摘要: Abstract Apatite fission track (AFT) thermochronology has been applied to a composite depth profile of Precambrian basement rocks underlying the Phanerozoic Canadian Williston Basin. Thermal histories derived from AFT data record cycles heating and cooling which follow pattern regional burial history, but also indicate major temporal geographic variations in timing degree maximum temperatures. These thermal history were not previously recognised organic maturity indicators subsidence models. Specifically, our study suggests late Paleozoic heat flow anomaly with extent closer that Middle Devonian–Carboniferous Kaskaskia patterns than Basin proper. This both economic geodynamic significance. The recognition potential Upper Cambrian–Lower Ordovician petroleum source became fully mature during distinguishes system others entered main hydrocarbon generation stage latest Cretaceous Paleogene time. suggested implies coupling between inelastic inferred lithospheric weakening. While temporally varying model is preferred, lack independent constraints on thickness upper strata precludes outright rejection previous constant model. provide important new evolution epicratonic its