Depositional control on diagenetically-induced heterogeneity in triassic red beds sandstones

Abstract

Analysis of the spatial and temporal evolution of diagenetic features is of paramount importance for the evaluation and modelling of petrophysical parameter distribution in siliciclastic reservoir rocks. The recent proliferation of software for reservoir quality prediction and modelling has changed the approach of the industry to the appraisal and recovery phases of hydrocarbons exploration and production. Most of these software focus on specific aspects as for instance quartz cementation modelling which is much more easily predictable due to the chemical conditions of the diagenetic environment in which it develops. A completely different task could be to forecast the occurrence and amount of clay minerals and their impact on reservoir quality by understanding their distribution within a depositional system and their subsequent post-depositional modifications.