Palynomorph color and dispersed coal particle reflectance from three Mackenzie delta boreholes

Three boreholes located in the Mackenzie River Delta area of Northwest Territories, Canada, are described with respect to vitrinite reflectance and palynomorph color—the two parameters used to deduce palaeotemp‐eratures and predict potential hydrocarbons. The boreholes are I.O.E. Ellice 0–14, Gulf‐Mobil Parsons F‐09, and Gulf et al. Reindeer D‐27. Palynomorph colors range from fresh yellow to light brown, while reflectance values vary between 0.3 1% Ro and 0.82% Ro. The relative degree of organic metamorphism for the area is considered to be slight to moderate, with the coal‐equivalent rank, based on reflectance, ranging from lignitic to high volatile A bituminous. The palaeotemperatures (following Bostick, 1973) and the consequent geothermal gradients both vary according to depth and borehole. In effect, pollen color, rank, and palaeotemperatures suggest favorable conditions for the production and preservation of oil and gas (Staplin, 1969; Hacquebard and Donaldson, 1970; Pusey, 1973).