Multi-scale three-dimensional distribution of fracture- and igneous intrusion- controlled hydrothermal dolomite from digital outcrop model, Latemar platform, Dolomites, northern Italy

Abstract

A B S T R A C TIn recent years, fracture-controlled (hydrothermal) dolomitization in association with igneous activity has gained interest in hydrocarbon exploration. The geometry and distribution of dolomite bodies in this setting are of major importance for these new plays. The Latemar platform presents a spectacularly exposed outcrop analogue for carbonate reservoirs affected by igneous activity and dolomitization.Light detection and ranging (LIDAR) scanning and digital outcrop models (DOMs) of outcrops offer a great opportunity to derive geometrical information. Only a few analysis methods exist to quantitatively assess huge amounts of georeferenced threedimensional lithology data. This study presents a novel quantitative approach to describe three-dimensional spatial variation of lithology derived from DOMs. This approach is applied to the Latemar platform to determine dolomite body geometry and distribution in relation to crosscutting dikes.A high-resolution photorealistic DOM of the Latemar platform allows description of dolomite occurrences in three dimensions, with high precision at platform scale. This results in a unique lithology dataset of limestone, dolomite, and dike positions. This dataset is analyzed by true three-dimensional variography for the geospatial description of dolomite distribution. In most

Multiscale fracture network characterization and impact on flow: A case study on the Latemar carbonate platform

“…(d) Fracture network of domain E located in the northeastern slope facies. (e) Lidar views of domain C with the interpretations of the fracture planes in 3‐D, which are in fact brecciated, magmatically intruded zones of a few meters width [ Preto et al ., ; Jacquemyn et al ., ].…”

“…[], and for a specific application to the Latemar see Jacquemyn et al . []. Geologic interpretation of such raw point cloud data textured with imagery is computational challenging unless efficiently processed and rendered with software such as LIME [ Buckley et al ., ].…”

“…The NNW‐SSE trending features typically form first‐order steep mountain slope surfaces and sharp trenches, whereas the WSW‐ENE features form less pronounced linear undulations on the mountain slopes. Figure e and other 3‐D interpretations show that most fractures extend vertically across the multiple lithostratigraphic intervals of the platform interior [ Egenhoff et al ., ; Preto et al ., ; Jacquemyn et al ., ]. As the 3‐D fracture planes larger than 10–20 m in length are dominantly subvertical in orientation, their structural alignments can be sufficiently captured by 2‐D trace line interpretations from satellite imagery with only minor geometric distortion.…”

“…Descriptions source directly from the Latemar carbonate platform in the Dolomites of northern Italy. The Latemar is one of the most studied platforms for its sedimentary architecture and dolomitization features [ Egenhoff et al ., ; Carmichael et al ., ] and as reservoir analogue [ Boro et al ., ; Whitaker et al ., ; Jacquemyn et al ., ].…”

Introduction to Vertical Geology thematic issue

“…All these recent evolutions open the door to many new techniques and applications, and permit new research topics to be pursued. This allows us to investigate new problems as well as revisit old questions, such as dolomitization [Jacquemyn et al, 2015], with fresh input tools.…”