Maximizing Information from Fine-Grained Sedimentary Rocks: An Inclusive Nomenclature for Mudstones

Macquaker, Joe H.S.; Adams, A. E.

doi:10.1306/012203730735

Cited by 159 publications

(58 citation statements)

References 26 publications

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“…Diagenetic kaolinite is also present throughout the matrix both as minor patches (1-10 μm in size) and in the form of larger rounded shapes up to 50 μm across, either replacing grains or infilling shelter porosity. Following the nomenclature scheme of Macquaker & Adams (2003), this rock is described as a bioturbated silt-bearing, clay-rich mudstone.…”

Section: Sample Descriptionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microstructural controls on the pressure-dependent permeability of Whitby mudstone

Mckernan

Mecklenburgh²,

Rutter³

et al. 2017

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A combination of permeability and ultrasonic velocity measurements allied with image analysis is used to distinguish the primary microstructural controls on effective-pressure dependent permeability. Permeabilities of cylindrical samples of Whitby Mudstone were measured using the oscillating pore pressure method at confining pressures ranging between 30-95 MPa and pore pressures ranging between 1-80 MPa. The permeability-effective pressure relationship is empirically described using a modified effective pressure law in terms of confining pressure, pore pressure and a Klinkenberg effect. Measured permeability ranges between 3×10 -21 m 2 and 2 ×10 -19 m 2 (3 and 200 nd), and decreases by ~1 order of magnitude across the applied effective pressure range. Permeability is shown to be less sensitive to changes in pore pressure than changes in confining pressure, yielding permeability effective pressure coefficients ( ) between 0.42 and 0.97. Based on a pore-conductivity model which considers the measured changes in acoustic wave velocity and pore volume with pressure, the observed loss of permeability with increasing effective pressure is attributed dominantly to the progressive closure of bedding-parallel, crack-like pores associated with grain boundaries.Despite only constituting a fraction of the total porosity, these pores form an interconnected network that significantly enhances permeability at low effective pressures.The pre-publication reference is: Mckernan, R., Mecklenburgh, J., Rutter, E. H. and Taylor Progress in understanding fluid transport properties of mudstones is currently hindered by a scarcity of published experimental data. However, the ongoing expansion of the hydrocarbon industry into low-permeability unconventional resources is driving the demand for research and development in this field. Even when hydraulic fracture treatment is used to enhance production, flow of hydrocarbons into the fractures will be controlled ultimately by the microporous, low permeability matrix. Furthermore, during reservoir production pore-fluid pressure is progressively reduced, which acts to increase the in-situ Terzaghi effective pressure (defined as overburden pressure minus pore pressure), thereby decreasing permeability. The evolution of permeability of the matrix therefore determines the prediction of long-term production, which must take into account the effects of flow regime, multiphase flow, sorption effects, permeability anisotropy and, most importantly, the pressuredependence of permeability.Laboratory measurements of permeability of intact mudstone samples performed under reservoir conditions has yielded values between 10 -22 m 2 and 10 -12 m 2 (0.1 nD and 1 D) for flow both parallel and normal to layering (Morrow et al.

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Section: Sample Descriptionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microstructural controls on the pressure-dependent permeability of Whitby mudstone

Mckernan

Mecklenburgh²,

Rutter³

et al. 2017

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“…on their microtextural attributes, grain size and mineralogy. The scheme used here is slightly modified from that proposed by Macquaker and Adams (2003). This succession is organised into stacked successions of very thin beds (<20 mm thick).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The role of event beds in the preservation of organic carbon in fine-grained sediments: Analyses of the sedimentological processes operating during deposition of the Whitby Mudstone Formation (Toarcian, Lower Jurassic) preserved in northeast England

Ghadeer

Macquaker

2012

Marine and Petroleum Geology

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“…As discussed by Macquaker & Adams (2003), although this may sometimes be the case (cf. Oertel & Curtis 1972), many fissile shales are not laminated and their fissility is a secondary property largely related to weathering (Ingram 1953).…”

Section: Origin Of Stratification In Shalesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Other authors prefer the term 'mudstone' for fine-grained sedimentary rocks in general (e.g. Macquaker & Adams 2003). I prefer to uphold the historic use of 'shale' with the meaning of a general class of fine-grained sedimentary rocks (including fine-grained, biogenous sedimentary rocks).…”

Section: Origin Of Stratification In Shalesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Fissility should therefore not be taken to indicate the presence of lamination. Equating fissility with lamination and misinterpreting strata that are genetically thin bedded as being genetically laminated has caused researchers to overestimate the continuity of the shale sedimentary record and also the significance of bottom water anoxia in their deposition (Macquaker & Adams 2003).…”

Section: Origin Of Stratification In Shalesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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More gaps than shale: erosion of mud and its effect on preserved geochemical and palaeobiological signals

Trabucho‐Alexandre¹

2014

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Maximizing Information from Fine-Grained Sedimentary Rocks: An Inclusive Nomenclature for Mudstones

Cited by 159 publications

References 26 publications

Microstructural controls on the pressure-dependent permeability of Whitby mudstone

Microstructural controls on the pressure-dependent permeability of Whitby mudstone

The role of event beds in the preservation of organic carbon in fine-grained sediments: Analyses of the sedimentological processes operating during deposition of the Whitby Mudstone Formation (Toarcian, Lower Jurassic) preserved in northeast England

More gaps than shale: erosion of mud and its effect on preserved geochemical and palaeobiological signals

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