Origin of Dolomite in the Arab-D Reservoir from the Ghawar Field, Saudi Arabia: Evidence from Petrographic and Geochemical Constraints

Swart, Peter K.; Cantrell, Dave L.; Westphal, Hildegard; Handford, C. Robertson; Kendall, Christopher G. St. C.

doi:10.2110/jsr.2005.037

Cited by 109 publications

(60 citation statements)

References 50 publications

(38 reference statements)

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“…Relevant reservoir rock characterization studies on the Middle East Arab Formation have been carried out by other authors (Mitchell et al, 1988;Meyer and Price, 1992;Cantrell and Hagerty, 2003;Lindsay et al, 2006;Ehrenberg et al, 2007) of which few report on the diagenetic and burial history (Swart et al, 2005;Morad et al, accepted) providing the necessary background data for this advanced, quantitative study. The Arab Formation in the study region is progradational, interrupted by several steps of increased subsidence rates until the Late Cretaceous when the obduction of the Oman ophiolites slowed down the burial rate.…”

Section: Geological Background Of Samplementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Each diagenetic process is simulated, according to one or more scenarios. The scenarios are selected, based on detailed work on the Arab C Formation and on background literature of the geological history of the study area (Mitchell et al, 1988;Meyer and Price, 1992;Cantrell and Hagerty, 2003;Swart et al, 2005;Lindsay et al, 2006;Ehrenberg et al, 2007;Morad et al, accepted). The maximum geological duration of the diagenetic events (in My) is derived from the burial curve of the study area (Morad et al, accepted) and aids in eliminating unrealistic scenarios.…”

Section: Geochemical Reaction Path Modelingmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Quantification and Prediction of the 3D Pore Network Evolution in Carbonate Reservoir Rocks

Boever

Varloteaux

Nader

et al. 2012

Oil Gas Sci. Technol. – Rev. IFP Energies nouvelles

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Résumé -Quantification et prédiction de l'évolution d'un réseau 3D de pores dans des roches réservoirs de carbonates -Cette étude présente une approche intégrée qui permet la reconstruction et la prédiction des modifications de structure 3D de pores ainsi que le développement de la porosité/perméabilité tout au long de la diagenèse des carbonates. Des modèles de réseau de pores réactifs peuvent prédire les changements en matière de propriétés de transport de milieux poreux, résultant des phénomènes de dissolution/cimentation. La validité et prédictibilité de ces modèles dépendent toutefois de la représentativité des réseaux de pores équivalents utilisés et des équations et paramètres utilisés pour modéliser les événements diagénétiques. L'approche développée est appliquée au cas réel d'une roche dolomitique de la formation arabe moyen orientale. La microscopie 2D standard montre que le processus principal affectant la qualité de réservoir consiste en la dolomitisation, suivie d'un renforcement de la porosité dû à une dissolution de la dolomie et à une destruction de la porosité secondaire par cimentation de l'anhydrite diagénétique tardive. La microtomographie par rayons X informatisée (X-ray μ-CT ; X-ray computer (micro)tomography) permet de quantifier le volume et la distribution en 3D des différents constituants d'échantillon. Les résultats sont comparés avec les mesures de laboratoire. Des réseaux de pores équivalents avant la dissolution dolomitique et préalablement à la précipitation d'anhydrite tardive sont reconstruits et utilisés pour simuler les caractéristiques de porosité, de perméabilité lors de ces étapes diagénétiques. En utilisant ces structures 3D de pores, la PNM-R (Pore Network Modeling Reactive ; modélisation réactive de réseau de pores) peut suivre les voies d'évolution plausible de porosité-perméabilité entre ces étapes. Les conditions d'écoulement et les vitesses de réaction obtenues par modélisation des voies de réaction géochimiques peuvent être utilisées en tant que référence pour définir les paramètres de modèle de PNM-R. L'approche peut être utilisée pour un typage dynamique de roches et le passage à une échelle supérieure de propriétés pétrophysiques, nécessaires pour la modélisation de réservoir. Abstract -Quantification and Prediction of the 3D Pore Network Evolution in Carbonate ReservoirRocks -This study presents an integrated approach that allows the reconstruction and prediction of 3D pore structure modifications and porosity/permeability development throughout carbonate diagenesis. Reactive Pore Network Models (PNM-R) can predict changes in the transport properties of porous media, resulting from dissolution/cementation phenomena. The validity and predictability of these models however depend on the representativeness of the equivalent pore networks used and on the equations and parameters used to model the diagenetic events. The developed approach is applied to a real case of a

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Section: Geological Background Of Samplementioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Geochemical Reaction Path Modelingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Quantification and Prediction of the 3D Pore Network Evolution in Carbonate Reservoir Rocks

Boever

Varloteaux

Nader

et al. 2012

Oil Gas Sci. Technol. – Rev. IFP Energies nouvelles

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“…First, type Type-1 dedolomites are discussed. Type-1 dedolomites resemble the "hollow dolomites" of Swart et al (2005), Jones (2007), or Nader et al (2008). Apparently, the solution of dolomite started from the inside of (zoned?)…”

Section: De-dolomitization -Models and Evidencementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Their patterns, processes, and timing frequently play a key role in understanding the development of carbonate platforms. Moreover, the usually stratiform dolomite bodies may have economic implications when forming layercake hydrocarbon reservoirs (Swart et al, 2005;Borkhataria et al, 2006). At a later stage, dedolomitization (calcitization of dolomites) may happen.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Early diagenetic dolomitization and dedolomitization of Late Jurassic and earliest Cretaceous platform carbonates: A case study from the Jura Mountains (NW Switzerland, E France)

Rameil

2008

Sedimentary Geology

108

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Early diagenetic dolomitization is a common feature in cyclic shallow-water carbonates throughout the geologic record. After their generation, dolomites may be subject to dedolomitization (re-calcification of dolomites), e.g. by contact with meteoric water during emersion. These patterns of dolomitization and subsequent dedolomitization frequently play a key role in unravelling the development and history of a carbonate platform. On the basis of excellent outcrops, detailed logging and sampling and integrating sedimentological work, high-resolution sequence stratigraphic interpretations, and isotope analyses (O, C), conceptual models on early diagenetic dolomitization and dedolomitization and their underlying mechanisms were developed for the Upper Jurassic / Lower Cretaceous Jura platform in north-western Switzerland and eastern France. Three different types of early diagenetic dolomites and two types of dedolomites were observed. Each is defined by a distinct petrographic/isotopic signature and a distinct spatial distribution pattern. Different types of dolomites are interpreted to have been formed by different mechanisms, such as shallow seepage reflux, evaporation on tidal flats, and microbially mediated selective dolomitization of burrows. Depending on the type of dolomite, sea water with normal marine to slightly enhanced salinities is proposed as dolomitizing fluid. Based on the data obtained, the main volume of dolomite was precipitated by a reflux mechanism that was switched on and off by high-frequency sea-level changes. It appears, however, that more than one dolomitization mechanism was active (pene)contemporaneously or several processes alternated in time. During early diagenesis, percolating meteoric waters obviously played an important role in the dedolomitization of carbonate rocks that underlie exposure surfaces. Cyclostratigraphic interpretation of the sedimentary succession allows for estimates on the timing of early diagenetic (de)dolomitization. These results are an important step towards a better understanding of the link between high-frequency, probably orbitally forced, sea-level oscillations and early dolomitization under Mesozoic greenhouse conditions.

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“…In this regard, Fe, Mg and Sr are among the most important elements to be evaluated (Gregg and Shelton 1989;Nelson and Read 1990;Marshall 1992;Swart et al 2005).…”

Section: Geochemistrymentioning

confidence: 99%

Multistage dolomitization in the cretaceous carbonates of the east Shahmirzad area, north Semnan, central Alborz, Iran

Bazargani-Guilani

Faramarzi

Tak³

2010

Carbonates Evaporites

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Different types of Cretaceous limestone and dolostone are the host for lead-zinc deposits and occurrences in the northeast of Shahmirzad, central Alborz. Dolostones are dominated by replacement dolomites with minor dolomite cements. Replacement dolomites include (1) very fine-crystalline, non-planar, xenotopic-a (Rd1); (2) fine-to medium-crystalline, planar-e dolomite rhombs, idiotopic-e, scattered dolomite crystals in micrite matrix (Rd2); (3) fine-to medium-crystalline, planar-e (porphyrotopic) (Rd3); (4) medium-crystalline, planar-s, subhedral to euhedral mosaic dolomites, idiotopic-s (Rd4); they post-date early submarine cements. Two types of dolomite cements were identified: medium-to coarsecrystalline, planar-e, euhedral to subhedral dolomite cements, idiotopic-c (Cd1); coarse-crystalline, non-planar, saddle dolomite cements (Cd2). They post-date replacement dolomites and predate late-stage calcite cements that line mouldic vugs and fractures. The association of Rd1 with stromatolites and evaporites, combined with d 18 O positive values, postdating early diagenetic features such as micrites and marine cements, could evidence the importance of evaporitic brines for the dolomitization in sabkha (salt flats) environment. The emersion of the carbonate successions at the end of Early Cretaceous caused an ingression of waters of mixed meteoric-marine composition. This caused a wide dissolution of the carbonates and the generation of a first karstic phase. Rd2 and Rd3 dolomites were formed in this environment, as well. A second generation of karstic dissolution happened during the Laramide orogeny in Late Cretaceous, when the carbonate successions were uplifted till emersion. This stage wsas followed by a shallow burial phase and by the hydrothermal formation of Rd4, Cd1 and Cd2 dolomites. These dolomite types are associated epigenetic base-metal mineralization (MVT). The d 18 O PDB and d 13 C PDB isotopic ratios of the dolomites range from -5.80 to 2.14% and from -0.03 to 2.94%, respectively. The d 18 O PDB values are suggesting that all the studied dolomites have been deposited in low-temperature conditions. The measured d 18 O values of fine-grained dolomites are heavier than those occurring in the hydrothermal types. This is pointing to lower formation temperatures in respect to other dolomite types in the study area. The remaining porosity of vugs and veins was filled by banded calcites and/or macrocrystals of sparry calcite. The d 18 O PDB values of these calcites vary between -12.46 and -7.45% and d 13 C PDB is in a range between -3.28 and 1.56%. The O-isotopic values of calcites are lower than those of dolomites and may therefore indicate higher temperatures of precipitation. The different generations of dolomite contain also variable amounts of calcium carbonate, ranging from 49.5 to 55.5%. Fe, Mn and Sr in the dolostones are also variably concentrated: 280-1,500, 75-101 and 71-178 ppm, respectively. Fe, Mn and Sr values can also reflect the complexity of the diagenetic processes and the hydrothermal acti...

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Origin of Dolomite in the Arab-D Reservoir from the Ghawar Field, Saudi Arabia: Evidence from Petrographic and Geochemical Constraints

Abstract: This mimetic style of dolomitization occurs immediately adjacent to the overlying anhydrite and is interpreted to have formed very shortly after deposition from hypersaline brines.

Cited by 109 publications

References 50 publications

Quantification and Prediction of the 3D Pore Network Evolution in Carbonate Reservoir Rocks

Quantification and Prediction of the 3D Pore Network Evolution in Carbonate Reservoir Rocks

Early diagenetic dolomitization and dedolomitization of Late Jurassic and earliest Cretaceous platform carbonates: A case study from the Jura Mountains (NW Switzerland, E France)

Multistage dolomitization in the cretaceous carbonates of the east Shahmirzad area, north Semnan, central Alborz, Iran

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