3D Pore-network quantitative analysis in deformed carbonate grainstones

Miller Zambrano*, Emanuele Tondi, Lucia Mancini, Fabio Arzilli, Gabriele Lanzafame, Marco Materazzi, Stefano Torrieri

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This study consists of a three-dimensional (3D) assessment of the pore network properties (i.e., porosity, pore connectivity, specific surface area) in deformed carbonate grainstones cropping out in Sicily and Abruzzo regions (Italy). Previous studies, including microphotography, mercury injection analysis, and in-situ air permeameter measurements, have reported permeability differences (in the range of two-to-three orders of magnitude) between the carbonate grainstones exposed in Sicily and Abruzzo, that cannot be explained by only considering the differences of porosity. In this study, the pore network properties of suitable rock samples were studied by quantitative analysis of X-ray micro-CT images using both synchrotron and microfocus sources. On the basis of the results, inferences about the control of pore network properties on permeability were made for both host rock and deformation bands. In the host rocks, high values of connectivity seem to be associated with high values of permeability, whereas higher values of the specific surface area seem to correspond to lower permeability. Within the deformation bands (DBs), both porosity and pore connectivity are reduced except for local solution-enlarged stylolites and fractures (slip surfaces) preferentially connected parallel to the DB.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)251-264
Number of pages14
JournalMarine and Petroleum Geology
Volume82
Early online date2 Feb 2017
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2017

Keywords

  • Connectivity density
  • Deformation bands
  • Porosity
  • Specific surface area
  • X-ray computed tomography

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