The Paleogene Sokor1 Formation in Termit Basin is recognized as the most important hydrocarbon reservoir. However, in spite of its reservoir importance, published studies on its diagenetic process and their effects on reservoir quality are absent or limited. Petrographic analysis, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction were used to assess diagenetic characteristics, controls on reservoir and reservoir quality of Sokor1 Formation. The Sokor1 sandstones are mostly quartz sandstone, lithic quartz-arenite and rarely lithic fedspathic-quartz-arenite, with an average mass fraction of quartz 95%, feldspar 1.6% and rock fragments 3.4% (Q95F1.6R3.4). Diagenetic processes in Sokor1 sandstones include mechanical compaction, cementation, dissolution and replacement. The main authigenic minerals are quartz overgrowth and clay minerals, which occur as pore-filling and pore-lining cements. Sokor1 sandstone has undergone stages A and B of eodiagenesis and now, it is experiencing stage A of mesodiagenesis. The widespread occurrences of quartz overgrowth suggest that Sokor1 sandstones lost a significant amount of primary porosity during its diagenetic history. Secondary porosity occurred due to partial and complete dissolution of feldspar, quartz grains and rock fragments, so increasing reservoir quality. The latter is predominantly controlled by depositional environment controls on grains size, sorting and matrix. Thus, reservoirs of best quality were deposited in braided river channel environments. In addition, oil accumulation has no discernable effects on porosity and oil probably entered the reservoir at late diagenetic stage, after quartz overgrowth and authigenic cements had already occurred.

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This is the first study of pyrite minerals in the entire West and Central African Rift System (WCARS). Several polished organic-rich core samples from the Cretaceous Yogou Formation of the Niger (Chad) Basin located in the WCARS were investigated for their pyrite content using FE-SEM and SEM-EDS imaging techniques. An attempt was made to classify the types and provenance of the pyrites and to highlight the control of rift fractures on the oxidation and dissolution of pyrites in the region. Three major types of pyrites are present in the studied formation, including euhedral pyrite (EPy) crystals, pyrite framboids (FPy), and sunflower pyrites (SPy). A statistical analysis of 307 FPy shows that the framboids are diagenetically formed with an average diameter of 6.61 μm. SPy is present in a relatively low amount compared to framboids. The pyrites underwent a variety of diagenetic modifications, from mechanical compaction to oxidation, dissolution, and recrystallization. Unoxidized pyrites primarily contain Fe, S, and C, but oxidized pyrites also contain O, Al, and Si. There is a strong correlation between the fractures and the spatial distribution of the physicochemical alteration of the pyrite in the study. Dissolution in relatively deep-buried samples occurs mainly along fracture planes. The fractures provide a pathway for oxidants and other metal elements to reach the pyrites. The pattern of pyrite dissolution reflects the timing of fracture formation and fracture activities as a purveyor or drainage for fluids in the organic-rich samples investigated. The pyrites are associated intimately with organic matter (OM); thus, the relationship between the fracture and the pyrites’ transformation is significant in the assessment of organic matter preservation at deep-burial depth.