CO2 storage risk minimization through systematic identification and assessment of faults: a Williston Basin case study

Abstract The Williston Basin is considered a tectonically stable area with only a few major inactive faults. Over the last 50 years, extensive hydrocarbon exploration in the basin has demonstrated that smaller faults do exist and closer evaluation is necessary to determine the nature of this faulting. An area near the town of Dickinson, North Dakota, has been identified as a potential location for CO 2 storage/enhanced oil recovery. A thorough geologic assessment of the area has identified structural anomalies that may indicate the presence of faulting, which, in turn, may affect precise CO 2 storage site selection.