| dc.description.abstract | Although the general influence of rock fabric on porosity and permeability (Φ-k) within carbonates is well documented, if and how pore evolution and Φ-k scatter quantitatively relate to depositional fabric remains poorly constrained. This project empirically explores this uncertainty within oolitic grainstones from a range of geologic ages and diagenetic histories to understand depositional sediment-pore relationships, and how they can evolve with lithification. Integrating data from point counting, digital image analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance and core analysis of Holocene, Pleistocene, Pennsylvanian, and Mississippian oolitic grainstones reveals quantitative relations among rock fabric, pores, and petrophysical parameters. Oolitic grainstones of similar sedimentology taken from distinct diagenetic scenarios display a unique combination of pore size, shape, spatial distribution, and Φ-k character. Within each scenario, grain size, sorting, and type are correlated more closely with pore attributes and k than cementation and compaction. Collectively, these results are interpreted to suggest that diagenesis defines the absolute values of pore attributes and petrophysical parameters, but sedimentology controls the trends or variability within an oolitic succession. The implication of these findings is that petrophysical variability within oolitic reservoirs closely follows sedimentologic trends, which may be predictable within a stratigraphic framework. | |
