Modeling uncertainty in the three-dimensional structural deformation and stratigraphic evolution from outcrop data: Implications for submarine channel knickpoint recognition

Digital outcrop models help to constrain the interactions of stratigraphic and structural heterogeneity on ancient depositional systems. This study uses a stochastic approach that incorporates stratigraphic and structural modeling to interrogate the three-dimensional morphology of deep-water channel strata outcropping on Sierra del Toro in the Magallanes Basin of Chile. This approach considers the relative contributions, and associated uncertainty, of erosional downcutting versus post-depositional structural folding and small-offset faulting on the present-day configuration of the submarine channel complexes. Paleodepositional channel-belt gradients were modeled using a combination of three-dimensional visualization, stochastic surface modeling, palinspastic restoration, and decompaction modeling that are bound with errors constrained by stratigraphic and structural uncertainty. Modeling results indicate that at least 100 m of downcutting occurs over 6 km, and the resultant thalweg gradient of 64–125 m/km (decompacted) suggests that the Cerro Toro axial channel belt is an out-of-grade depositional system. Furthermore, the presence of steeper segments (100–175 m/km decompacted) suggests the preservation of one or more knickpoints that are similar in magnitude to tectonically-induced knickpoints on the modern seafloor. The interpreted knickpoints are correlated with a decreasing channel width-depth ratio and an increase of channel depth. These results indicate that stochastic surface modeling using digital outcrop models can constrain stratigraphic interpretations and post-depositional structural heterogeneity.     

湖北兴山大峡口二叠系剖面沉积相分析

在大量前人研究的基础上,通过野外实测,运用沉积相分析方法,结合露头层序地层学、生物地层学、储层成岩作用等方面研究,初步对湖北兴山大峡口二叠系剖面进行了沉积相分析研究,认为该剖面由下至上可划分为两个沉积体系单元,即碳酸盐缓坡沉积体系（相）和碳酸盐台地沉积体系（相）。同时,初步总结出了该剖面的沉积相模式。海平面的升降变化是控制该区沉积相发育和分布的主要因素。     

Fracture distribution along an Upper Jurassic carbonate ramp,NE Spain

Understanding the distribution of natural fractures in sedimentary systems is of high relevance for the exploration and production of fluids in the subsurface. This study focuses on a Kimmeridgian mixed siliciclastic-carbonate ramp system, which is part of the Jurassic limestones outcropping in the northeastern Iberian Chain. The study area is located north of the Ricla village, fifty kilometers southwest of Zaragoza. The outcrop stretches over six kilometers in length, it allows for recording detailed fracture patterns and facies variations. A GIS-based software-package 'DigiFract' is used to measure and digitize fractures in vertical outcrops. Fracture orientation measurements obtained from vertical and horizontal outcrops are used to create a conceptual three-dimensional image of the fracture distribution of the mixed ramp system. The fracture data are processed by integrating outcrop logs and sample-data obtained from thin-sections and rock property analysis. The continuous facies belts of the shallow low-angle ramp system show limited lateral variations. The studied sediments are subdivided in four main facies tracts (FT's): (FT-1) Bioclastic siltstones, (FT-2) alternating sandy limestones and marls, (FT-3) cross-bedded and channelled oolitic-bioclastic sand- and grainstones and (FT-4) coralgal float-to mudstones with eventites. Measured fracture orientations of the vertical and horizontal outcrops are identical throughout the entire exposure. Two main fracture sets are identified, the first set (Set 1) has a N–S direction and the second set (Set 2) has a NE–SW direction. The lateral homogeneity of the sedimentary system, thus facies, layer thickness and slope angle, can be translated to the observed fracture patterns. Within one single facies belt, fractures tend to behave the same in the proximal, middle and distal part of the ramp system. However, vertical facies variations are an important factor for the measured vertical fracture-heterogeneity. Fine-grained mud-supported facies correspond to periods of a sea-level highstand; coarse-grained cemented facies on the other hand are related to a sea-level lowstand. The physical contrast of the sediments caused by sea-level fluctuations forces fractures to solely concentrate in the brittle layers. Fracture density and termination patterns observed on this ramp stand in contrast to fracture geometries observed in flat-topped carbonate platforms. Lateral facies heterogeneity and platform anatomy of flat-topped carbonate platforms are key parameters for the eventual fracture distribution. For the studied mixed ramp-type system the vertical facies variations are key parameter.     

Detailed 3-D depositional architecture of Late Jurassic carbonate–anhydrite cycles (Brightling Mine,Weald Basin,UK)

Quantifying the geometries of evaporite deposits at a <1 km scale is critical in our understanding of similar ancient depositional systems, but is challenging given evaporite mineral dissolution at surface conditions. A high-resolution stratigraphic study of the basal Purbeck Beds in Brightling Mine, UK, provides insight into the three-dimensional architecture, lateral continuity and vertical heterogeneity within an evaporite seal. We conducted a field mapping study, combined with X-ray diffraction, petrographic microscopy, and δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O isotope analysis. The stratigraphic interval contains five facies. In stratigraphic order, these include supratidal porphyritic nodular evaporite, shallow subtidal peloidal packstone with evaporite and two overlying rhythmic sequences of intertidal microbial laminite, subtidal shale, and subtidal laminar marl, capped by nodular anhydrite. The interpreted environment of deposition is a supratidal sabkha subject to periodic flooding in which intertidal (tidal flat) facies and subtidal (shallow marine) facies laterally passed into the evaporative sabkha. The cycles are interpreted as meter-scale shoaling-upward sequences, likely controlled by localized high-frequency changes in relative sea level and/or sabkha hydrology. Spatial patterns in the geometries of key stratigraphic surfaces reveal a subtle depression towards the central western region of the mine seam. The variation in stratal geometries is interpreted as paleotopography and is a function of individual or composite processes related to dissolution, eolian processes, and coastal erosion. These observations indicate a similar mode of deposition to the modern-day sabkha of the Persian Gulf. We conclude that the dynamic process of evaporite deposition led to subtle stratigraphic heterogeneities and changes in bed thicknesses, but largely continuous lateral bedding at an interwell-scale.     

Variations in architecture and cyclicity in fault-bounded carbonate platforms: Early Miocene Red Sea Rift,NW Saudi Arabia

The Early Miocene was a period of active rifting and carbonate platform development in the Midyan Peninsula, NW Saudi Arabia. However, there is no published literature available dealing with the detailed characterization of the different carbonate platforms in this study area. Therefore, this study aims to present new stratigraphic architectural models that illustrate the formation of different carbonate platforms in the region and the forcing mechanisms that likely drove their formation. This study identified the following features formed during active rifting: a) a Late Aquitanian (N4) fault-block hangingwall dipslope carbonate ramp, b) a Late Burdigalian (N7-N8) isolated normal fault-controlled carbonate platform with associated slope deposits, and c) a Late Burdigalian (N7-N8) attached fault-bounded platform with reef buildups, rimmed shelf developed on a footwall fault-tip within a basin margin structural relay zone that formed coinciding with the second stage of rifting. Variations in cyclicity have been observed within the internal stratigraphic architecture of each platform and also between platforms. High-resolution sequence stratigraphic analysis shows to be parasequences the smallest depositional packages (metre-scale cycles) within the platforms. The hangingwall dipslope carbonate ramp and the attached platform demonstrate aggradational-progradational parasequence stacking patterns. These locations appear to have been more sensitive to eustatic cyclicities, despite the active tectonic setting. The isolated, fault-controlled carbonate platform reveals disorganized stratal geometries in both platform-top and slope facies, suggesting a more complex interplay of rates of tectonic uplift and subsidence, variation in carbonate productivity, and resedimentation of carbonates, such that any sea-level cyclicity is obscure. This study explores the interplay between different forcing mechanisms in the evolution of carbonate platforms in active extensional tectonic regions. Characterization of detailed parasequence-scale internal architecture allows the spatial variation in syn-depositional relative base-level changes to be inferred and is critical for understanding the development of rift basin carbonate platforms. Such concepts may be useful for the prediction of subsurface facies relationships beyond interwell areas in hydrocarbon exploration and reservoir modeling activities.     

Architecture of a forced regressive systems tract in the Turonian Ferron “Notom Delta”, southern Utah, U.S.A.

The large-scale stratigraphic architecture of forced regressive deposits has been documented in many previous studies. Bed-scale facies architectural analyses of these deposits, however, are still very limited. The Cretaceous Ferron “Notom Delta” in southern Utah, U.S.A. contains a 20 km dip-oriented exposure of a stepped, forced regressive systems tract. The main focus of this paper is to reconstruct the paleogeography and depositional history of the systems tract based on detailed stratigraphic and facies architectural analysis using 23 geological sections, photomosaics, and walking out of beds.Internally, the systems tract consists of 6 parasequences, 11f to 11a from the oldest to the youngest. During the progradation of parasequences 11f to 11b the paleoshorelines were wave-dominated, as indicated by the abundance of HCS and/or SCS beds, wave-ripple cross-laminated beds, and the occurrence of diverse and robust ichnological suites attributable to the Skolithos and Cruziana Ichnofacies. Progradation of the wave-dominated shorelines resulted in more homogeneous and laterally continuous sand bodies. From 11b to 11a, however, there is a distinct change in paleoshoreline regime from wave-dominated to tide-influenced as indicated by the common occurrence of tidal facies in 11a, including: (1) lenticular, wavy, and flaser bedding and bidirectional dipping cross strata; (2) reactivation surfaces, double-mud drapes, and ripple cross lamination with opposing dips at the toe of large dune-scale cross sets; (3) inclined heterolithic strata (IHS) and sigmoidal bedding with tidal rhythmites; and (4) cyclic vertical variation in facies and bed thickness and the common occurrence of sand-mud couplets. These tide-influenced facies show overall lower bioturbation intensity (BI 0-3). Progradation of the tide-influenced shoreline results in more heterolithic delta-front facies. Tidal and/or tidal-fluvial channels further dissect delta-front sandstones, forming more isolated sand bodies.Data from this study, as well as previous work, show that width and thickness of the forced regressive parasequences are small, typically less than 5 km and 20 m respectively. In subsurface studies, identifying and correlating such small-scale parasequences using sparse data involve significant uncertainties. A combination of the diagnostic features indicating forced regression and different data sets is essential to better constrain the geometry and architecture these small-scale bodies.     

Facies- to sandbody-scale heterogeneity in a tight-gas fluvial reservoir analog: Blackhawk Formation,Wasatch Plateau,Utah, USA

Using photomosaics and measured sections, this outcrop study characterizes facies- to sandbody-scale heterogeneity in the fluvial and coastal-plain deposits of the Blackhawk Formation of the Wasatch Plateau, Utah, USA, as an outcrop analog for the fluvial tight-gas reservoirs of the adjacent greater western Rocky Mountain basins as well as for conventional fluvial reservoirs elsewhere. Analysis on eight contiguous, vertical cliff-faces comprising both depositional-dip- and -strike-oriented segments provides field-validation and calibration of the entire range of fluvial heterogeneity, where: 1) large-scale heterogeneity (10's of m vertically and 100's of m laterally) is associated with stacking of channelized fluvial sandbodies encased within coastal-plain fines, 2) intermediate-scale heterogeneity (1's of m vertically and 10's of m laterally) is related to type and distribution of architectural elements like bar-accretion and crevasse-splay units within individual sandbodies, and 3) small-scale heterogeneity (10's of cm vertically and 1's of m laterally) is attributed to facies spatial variability within individual architectural elements.At a reservoir-scale (∼6 km strike-transect), impact of these heterogeneities has resulted in potential stratigraphic compartmentalization in varied patterns and scales within and among three zones, which have similar lateral extents. Distinct vertical or lateral compartmentalization, contrasting net-to-gross pattern, width-constraint by either large- or intermediate-scale heterogeneity, disparity in communication between principal reservoir compartments by intermediate-scale heterogeneity, and reservoir-quality segregation to barrier styles rendered by small-scale heterogeneity are documented in an array of trends. These intriguing trends are challenging to correlate across the reservoir-scale dataset, contributing to multiple, analogous exploration and production uncertainties. For improved tight-gas exploration and production strategy of the western Rocky Mountain basins, study results were also used in developing potential predictive tools: 1) thickness threshold of individual channelized sandbody favoring multiple well intersection, 2) aspect ratio in performing probabilistic sandbody-width estimation, and 3) prediction of sandbody amalgamation using underlying coal thickness.     

Sedimentology and depositional architecture of tidal compound dunes on a carbonate ramp: The lower Miocene deposits of the central Apennine (Latium,Italy)

The sedimentology and sequence stratigraphy of the central Apennine lower Miocene carbonate deposits (Guadagnolo Formation) are the goal of this paper. The Guadagnolo carbonate ramp deposits consist of a thick succession of three main lithofacies: marls, marly limestones and cross-bedded limestones. The lateral and vertical facies distribution, as well as the biota assemblages, suggests a deposition of these sediments along the middle-outer ramp sector of the Latium-Abruzzi carbonate platform. All the data suggest sedimentation under the influence of tidal currents that were responsible of bedforms generation as simple and compound dunes. These bodies are developed on metric and decametric scale, and are stacked one to other to form complex sedimentary bodies extending both in strike and dip section for several tens to hundred meters. The dune system developed in a semiclosed basin (the Paleoadriatic sea), open in the southern and closed in the northern sector respectively. Within this basin a probably amphidromic system developed. The flow sediment transport was dominantly westward, and was conditioned by the ramp paleotopography. From a sequence stratigraphic point of view several high and low rank depositional sequences that were differentiated basing on their relative physical scale (thickness of each unit) and on the lateral extension of the unconformities and the correlative conformities bounding them were recognized. The hierarchy of recognized sequence-stratigraphic units include, from the smallest to the largest: simple depositional sequences, low-rank composite depositional sequences and high-rank composite depositional sequences. In the Guadagnolo succession four high-rank composite depositional sequences having a duration variable from 0.9 to 1.6 Ma, and named Guadagnolo 1, 2, 3, and 4, were recognized. These high-rank composite sequences are internally constituted by a stacking of simple and low-rank composite depositional sequences, having a duration ranging from 40 ka to 200 ka. All these units constitute part of a higher-rank composite sequence developing between 21 and 14.80 Ma that we name “The Guadagnolo Depositional Sequence”. The wedge-shaped geometry, the thickness variation and the stacking pattern of the Guadagnolo succession are the response to eustasy and tectonic subsidence. The glacial eustasy mostly controlled the formation of the high-frequency depositional sequences, tectonic subsidence, related to the roll-back of the hinge west-directed subduction in turn connected to the advancement of the Apennine thrust modulated the accommodation space.     

Depositional processes and stratigraphic architecture within a coarse-grained rift-margin turbidite system: The Wollaston Forland Group,east Greenland

The Wollaston Forland Basin, NE Greenland, is a half-graben with a Middle Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous basin-fill. In this outcrop study we investigate the facies, architectural elements, depositional environments and sediment delivery systems of the deep marine syn-rift succession. Coarse-grained sand and gravel, as well as large boulders, were emplaced by rock-falls, debris flows and turbulent flows sourced from the immediate footwall. The bulk of these sediments were point-sourced and accumulated in a system of coalescing fans that formed a clastic wedge along the boundary fault system. In addition, this clastic wedge was supplied by a sand-rich turbidite system that is interpreted to have entered the basin axially, possibly via a prominent relay ramp within the main fault system. The proximal part of the clastic wedge consists of a steeply dipping, conformable succession of thick-bedded deposits from gravity flows that transformed down-slope from laminar to turbulent flow behaviour. Pervasive scour-and-fill features are observed at the base of the depositional slope of the clastic wedge, c. 5 km into the basin. These scour-fills are interpreted to have formed from high-density turbulent flows that were forced to decelerate and likely became subject to a hydraulic jump, forming plunge pools at the base of slope. The distal part of the wedge represents a basin plain environment and is characterised by a series of crude fining upward successions that are interpreted to reflect changes in the rate of accommodation generation and sediment supply, following from periodic increases in fault activity. This study demonstrates how rift basin physiography directly influences the behaviour of gravity flows. Conceptual models for the stratigraphic response to periodic fault activity, and the transformation and deposition of coarse-grained gravity flows in a deep water basin with strong contrasts in slope gradients, are presented and discussed.     

Heterogeneity of fill within an incised channel: The Oligocene Grès du Champsaur,SE France

Submarine channel deposits are recognised as the primary heterogeneity within the turbidite systems that host them, with channel fill heterogeneities being considered secondary. An investigation of channel fill heterogeneities was conducted on Oligocene turbidites of the Grès du Champsaur, Hautes Alpes, SE France, which was deposited in a sub-basin within the Alpine peripheral foreland basin. Here, a series of erosional channels are exposed in mountainous terrain. Maximum channel widths are in the order of 1000 m, and depths of the order of 100 m. The channels can be traced along axis for at least 6 km. Mapping of channel facies revealed three orientations of fill heterogeneity expressed as: (1) upward variations in the character of vertically stacked fill sequences, (2) lateral variability, and (3) the occurrence of downstream dipping and stacking units forming the uppermost parts of channel fill. Vertically expressed heterogeneities are thought to have developed via the gradual reduction in the efficiency of channelised flow, leading to a progressive reduction in scour and the deposition of overall thinning and fining upwards sequences. Lateral heterogeneity is related to the development of downstream-oriented elongated scour and fill facies. Downstream-dipping heterogeneity is represented by a series of several metre-scale downstream-dipping low-angle clinoforms thought to be related to final infill of the negative channel bathymetry by a migrating front of sand that would have formed part of a downstream-migrating sheet to channel transition in plan view. Both first and second orders of channel heterogeneity may control the reservoir performance of channel prone turbidite sequences. Preferred-orientation channel facies heterogeneities are thought to affect potential hydrocarbon recovery through their impact on permeability anisotropy within the confines of the channel.     

Sequence stratigraphy,sedimentary facies and reservoir quality of Es4s,southern slope of Dongying Depression,Bohai Bay Basin,East China

Thin-bedded beach-bar sandstone reservoirs are common in the Eocene Shahejie Formation (Es4s) of Niuzhuang Sag, along the southern gentle slope of the Dongying Depression. Here we report on the link between sequence stratigraphy, sedimentary facies and diagenetic effects on reservoir quality. Seismic data, wireline logs, core observations and analyses are used to interpret depositional settings and sequence stratigraphic framework. Petrographic study based on microscopic observation of optical, cathodoluminescence (CL), confocal laser scanning (LSCM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were used to describe the fabric, texture, allogenic and authigenic mineralogy of these highly heterogeneous sandstone reservoirs. The Es4s interval is interpreted as third-order sequence, composed of a lowstand systems tract (LST), a transgressive systems tract (TST) and a highstand systems tract (HST). On the fourth order, twenty-nine parasequences and seven parasequence sets have been identified. Sand bodies were deposited mainly in the shoreface shallow lake beach-bar (clastic beach-bar), semi-deep lake (carbonate beach-bar) and the fluvial channels. The depositional and diagenetic heterogeneities were mainly due to the following factors: (1) fine grain size, poor sorting, and continuous thin inter-bedded mud layers with siltstone/fine-sandstone having argillaceous layers in regular intervals, (2) immature sediment composition, and (3) even with the dissolution of grains and several fractures, destruction of porosity by cementation and compaction. Secondary pores from feldspar dissolution are better developed in sandstones with increased cementation. Grain coating smectite clays preserved the primary porosity at places while dominating pore filling authigenic illite and illite/smectite clays reduced permeability with little impact on porosity. Due to the high degree of heterogeneity in the Es4s beach-bar interval, it is recognized as middle to low permeable reservoir. The aforementioned study reflects significant insight into the understanding of the properties of the beach-bar sands and valuable for the comprehensive reservoir characterization and overall reservoir bed quality.     

Defining the concept of stratigraphic grade and applying it to stratal (reservoir) architecture and evolution of the slope-to-basin profile: An outcrop perspective

Stratigraphic grade is the similarity of the morphology of successive slope-to-basin profiles in a genetically related depositional system. In this article we use data collected from regional cross-sections of six depositional systems, stratal architecture derived from outcrops of the Lewis Shale (Wyoming, USA), and the Ross Sandstone (Ireland), and supplementary outcrop and subsurface data from other depositional systems to determine how stratigraphic grade relates to stratal (reservoir) architecture in deepwater systems.Four methods are developed that collectively define stratigraphic grade: (1) regional stacking patterns of fourth-order stratigraphic surfaces, (2) the relationship between the trajectory of the shelf edge (T_se) and the trajectory of the depocenter (T_d) for fourth-order stratigraphic units, (3) morphology of the slope-to-basin profiles of fourth-order stratigraphic surfaces, and (4) the similarity of the morphologies of slope-to-basin profiles of fourth-order surfaces in a system (σ_s, σ_r). Several characteristics of stratigraphic (reservoir) architecture of fourth-order stratigraphic cycles are related to stratigraphic grade: (1) longitudinal distribution of sandstone in fourth-order cycles, (2) location of maximum sandstone relative to the depocenter of fourth-order cycles, (3) lengths of fourth-order submarine fans, and (4) longitudinal and vertical distribution of architectural elements. Stratigraphic grade is thus a predictor of reservoir architecture and can thereby be used to reduce the uncertainty in the interpretation of subsurface data.The concept of stratigraphic grade is useful in understanding the stratigraphic evolution of deepwater systems. Most deepwater systems analyzed in this study initiated as out-of-grade and temporally evolved to graded systems over a time span of millions of years. Systems rarely evolve from graded to out-of-grade. First-order controls on stratigraphic grade are determined to be angle of slope, tectonically forced changes in angle of slope during deposition, and sediment supply.     

Growth faults at the prodelta to delta-front transition,Cretaceous Ferron sandstone,Utah

Cliff exposures of synsedimentary growth faults at the base of the Cretaceous Ferron sandstone in central Utah represent outcrop analogs to subsurface growth faults. Delta front sands prograded over and deformed less dense prodelta muds of the underlying Tununk Shale. Detailed fault patterns and associated facies changes demonstrate a complex fault history and style for growth fault development rather than a simple progressive development of faults in a basinward position. The most proximal and most distal fault sets were the earliest active faults. Growth faulting was initiated by deposition of cross-bedded distributary channel and mouth bar sandstones that reach 9 m thick in the hangingwalls of the faults. Curvature of the beds in the hangingwall of the faults nucleates smaller conjugate fault sets. Cross-bed sets in the hangingwalls of faults decrease from meter to decimeter scale away from the faults suggesting decreasing flow velocity or decreased preservation of cross sets as a result of decreasing accommodation in distal hangingwalls. Shifts in depositional loci, including upstream and downstream accretion of mouth bar sands contribute to the complex faults history and internal heterogeneity and development of potentially isolated sandy reservoir compartments.     

Ground penetrating radar for facies architecture and high-resolution stratigraphy: Examples from the Mesoproterozoic in the Chapada Diamantina Basin,Brazil

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) surveys were conducted on Mesoproterozoic eolian, fluvial, deltaic, estuarine, and shallow marine successions in the Chapada Diamantina Basin. The subsurface continuation of facies and facies architecture exposed on road cuts was imaged using the GPR signal of a 400-MHz antenna penetrating 8 m in depth, even with mudstone intervals. Reflection patterns in the GPR profiles that were compared with photo mosaics of outcrops and supporting data from vertical sections and gamma ray logs, reveal sedimentary, stratigraphic, and structural features, such as sedimentary structures, the external geometry of architectural elements, stratigraphic surfaces, folds and tension gashes. The patterns most likely reflect the response from low-weathered, non-porous muscovite-illite-rich mudstone and quartzarenite sandstone in which authigenic and detrital illite and sericite are prevalent clay minerals.Measured vertical sections and radar stratigraphy indicate high-frequency cyclic successions of estuarine and shoreface intervals are present at the base of the Tombador Formation. The shoreface intervals are composed of heterolithic strata and offshore tidal bars deposits. The heterolithic shoreface strata exhibit tabular geometry that can be easily identified throughout the outcrop and in the subsurface. Such intervals represent the end of high-frequency transgressive cycles, and hence they are potential candidates for including the maximum flooding surfaces and for defining genetic sequences. Therefore, GPR proved to be an independent method for studying facies architecture and the establishment of a high-resolution stratigraphic framework even in the Precambrian.     

Fracture patterns and petrophysical properties of carbonates undergoing regional folding: A case study from Kurdistan,N Iraq

The Zagros-Taurus fold and thrust belt hosts a prolific hydrocarbon system. Most hydrocarbon reserves are stored in naturally fractured reservoirs and such fracture systems can therefore have a significant impact on reservoir performance. Fractures are one of the most important paths for fluid flow in carbonate reservoirs, and industrial geoscientists and engineers therefore need to understand and study fracture patterns in order to optimise hydrocarbon production. The observed fracture patterns in outcrops may have implications on fluid flow and reservoir modelling in subsurface reservoirs, and we have therefore undertaken a case study of fracturing associated with regional folding in Iraqi Kurdistan. In this area, some exploration wells currently target Upper Triassic dolostones (Kurra Chine Formation) and/or Lower Jurassic limestones and dolomitised limestones (Sehkaniyan Formation). In both units hydrocarbon production comes mainly from secondary porosity created by dolomitisation, dissolution and fracturing. Both formations have undergone multiple phases of deformation associated with burial, uplift, folding and thrusting. We investigate some fracture pattern characteristics and some petrophysical properties of these units using selected outcrops around the Gara, Ora and Ranya anticlines that form folds directly traceable for 25–70 km. Our outcrop data is compared with subsurface fracture and petrophysical datasets reported from wells in the nearby Shaikhan and Swara Tika Fields. The 1-2-3D fracture attributes collected from outcrops are fracture orientation, type, spacing, intensity, length and cross-cutting and abutting relationships. Fracture orientations show a clear relationship to the local fold axis in both the outcrop and subsurface, although in some cases they appear to relate more to the present day in-situ maximum horizontal stress direction or local strike-slip faulting. Three stages of fracturing are proposed: pre-folding, early-folding and post-folding fractures. In addition, we report petrophysical properties - porosity, permeability and acoustic velocity of both the Kurra Chine and Sehkaniyan formations in relation to their structural position within folds and faults and stratigraphic level. The highest porosities and permeabilities are recorded in the hinges and backlimbs of the Gara Anticline. The best reservoir quality (highest porosity and permeability) is often found in areas associated with replacement dolomite i.e. solution vugs and intercrystalline porosity. The Kurra Chine Formation displays similar trends in velocity-porosity data at both outcrop and the subsurface. However, the Sehkaniyan Formation displays lower acoustic velocity for a given porosity at outcrop compared to the subsurface.     

Frequency analysis across the drowning of a Lower Jurassic carbonate platform: The Calcare Massiccio Formation (Apennines,Italy)

This work illustrates the evolution the Lower Jurassic shallow-water carbonates known as the Calcare Massiccio Formation in the Central Apennines (Italy). The Calcare Massiccio is characterized by lateral and vertical variability in the facies associations, related to an articulated physiography of the Triassic to Lower Jurassic carbonate platform and to its tectonic evolution. This work documents the depositional environment changes during the platform evolution. Quantitative analysis on samples collected from three stratigraphic sections were performed through the Calcare Massiccio succession allowed up to the overlying Pliensbachian pelagites. Two type of carbonate sedimentation have been recognized: in the peritidal and shallow subtidal environments (Calcare Massiccio A) the carbonate production is dominated by microbial activity, while the carbonate sedimentation in a deeper environment of middle to outer ramp (Calcare Massiccio B), is dominated by a bioclastic sedimentation.The evolution from the Calcare Massiccio A to the B can be interpreted as the product of increase of accommodation that in turn produced a backstepping of carbonate facies belt, the photic microbial dominated peritidal facies developed on the persistent Latium-Abruzzi Platform while the bioclastic carbonate production factory settled on the structural highs resulting from the dismembering of the platform by syn-sedimentary tectonic.The bioclastic carbonate factory was not efficient in filling the available accommodation space produced by Sinemurian extensional tectonic. This inefficiency was amplified by the restricted area available for this factory in the small structural highs. These conditions were sufficient to predispose the platform to the drowning without invoke change in the trophic resource or change in the palaeoceanography.     

Controls on reservoir heterogeneity of tight sand oil reservoirs in Upper Triassic Yanchang Formation in Longdong Area,southwest Ordos Basin,China: Implications for reservoir quality prediction and oil accumulation

Compared to conventional reservoirs, pore structure and diagenetic alterations of unconventional tight sand oil reservoirs are highly heterogeneous. The Upper Triassic Yanchang Formation is a major tight-oil-bearing formation in the Ordos Basin, providing an opportunity to study the factors that control reservoir heterogeneity and the heterogeneity of oil accumulation in tight oil sandstones.The Chang 8 tight oil sandstone in the study area is comprised of fine-to medium-grained, moderately to well-sorted lithic arkose and feldspathic litharenite. The reservoir quality is extremely heterogeneous due to large heterogeneities in the depositional facies, pore structures and diagenetic alterations. Small throat size is believed to be responsible for the ultra-low permeability in tight oil reservoirs. Most reservoirs with good reservoir quality, larger pore-throat size, lower pore-throat radius ratio and well pore connectivity were deposited in high-energy environments, such as distributary channels and mouth bars. For a given depositional facies, reservoir quality varies with the bedding structures. Massive- or parallel-bedded sandstones are more favorable for the development of porosity and permeability sweet zones for oil charging and accumulation than cross-bedded sandstones.Authigenic chlorite rim cementation and dissolution of unstable detrital grains are two major diagenetic processes that preserve porosity and permeability sweet zones in oil-bearing intervals. Nevertheless, chlorite rims cannot effectively preserve porosity-permeability when the chlorite content is greater than a threshold value of 7%, and compaction played a minor role in porosity destruction in the situation. Intensive cementation of pore-lining chlorites significantly reduces reservoir permeability by obstructing the pore-throats and reducing their connectivity. Stratigraphically, sandstones within 1 m from adjacent sandstone-mudstone contacts are usually tightly cemented (carbonate cement > 10%) with low porosity and permeability (lower than 10% and 0.1 mD, respectively). The carbonate cement most likely originates from external sources, probably derived from the surrounding mudstone. Most late carbonate cements filled the previously dissolved intra-feldspar pores and the residual intergranular pores, and finally formed the tight reservoirs.The petrophysical properties significantly control the fluid flow capability and the oil charging/accumulation capability of the Chang 8 tight sandstones. Oil layers usually have oil saturation greater than 40%. A pore-throat radius of less than 0.4 μm is not effective for producible oil to flow, and the cut off of porosity and permeability for the net pay are 7% and 0.1 mD, respectively.     

Sequence stratigraphy and cyclicity in the Middle Eocene of the Fayoum ranges,Western Desert,Egypt: Implications for regional sea level changes

The Middle Eocene deposits in the Fayoum Ranges are composed of complex alternative clastic (claystone and sandstone) and carbonate (limestone and dolostone) facies and dominated carbonate (limestone) facies. Facies are arranged mainly in regression and shallowing upward (emergence) cycles and sequences. Field stratigraphic and microfacies analysis of the study area permits recognition of four major sequences, reflecting 3rd-order cycles. Depositional sequences and cycles are bounded by subaerial erosive surfaces or caliche deposits, ferruginous crust, and by their correlative conformities. Sequence-1 consists of two shallowing-upward cycles (dominate carbonate facies), each of which starts with nummulitic wackestone, capped with nummulitic packstone including Globigerinatheka subconglobata subconglobata biozone. These cycles were deposited under tropical to subtropical conditions as evidenced by the carbonate nature of the rocks and the abundance of nummulites, which need warm conditions for their flourishing. Sequence-2 consists of four emergence cycles based with claystone and capped with wackestone including Morozovella lehneri biozone. The duration (Ma) of sequence-2 (Morozovella lehneri zone) is 3.05 Ma (44.25 Ma for the upper of TA3 3.3 to 41.2 Ma for the lower of TA3 3.5). Sequence-3 includes three rock units (includes Trucorotaloides rohri biozone). The lower unit involves lowstand systems tract, the middle unit contains transgressive systems tract and the upper rock unit includes highstand systems tract. The lowstand systems tract consists of emergence cycles of mixed clastic- carbonate facies, clays at the base and capped with wackestone and packstone facies. The transgressive systems tract consists of dominant carbonate facies, wackestone at the base and capped with packstone facies. Sequence 4 involves transgressive systems tract. The duration of both sequence-3 and sequence 4 has been estimated as 1.8 Ma.