3D modelling of a dolomitized syn-sedimentary fault system: an exhumed analogue of a hydrocarbon reservoir

@inproceedings{RUNKJRM34,
 abstract = { The decrease in discoveries of new hydrocarbon reservoirs has twofold implications: i) the need to
improve our knowledge of classic reservoirs, such as traps within extensional syn-sedimentary
structures, and ii) enhanced efforts aimed at better understanding complex reservoirs. In particular,
in the last few years, fault related dolomitized bodies, often associated to extensional faults, received
worldwide attention thanks to the capability of dolomitizing fluids to improve the pore network.
However, the shape and geometries of the dolomitized bodies within complex fault networks as well
as the related porosity distribution and evolution is difficult to predict. The study of outcrop analogues
can help to solve these issues.
In this work, we focused our attention on the Early Jurassic carbonate sediments of the Calcari Grigi
Group, deposited on the Trento Platform (Italian Southern Alps). The stratigraphic succession
encompasses (from bottom to top): the peritidal limestones of the Monte Zugna Formation, the
initially high porosity Loppio Oolitic Limestone, and the nearly tight marls and marly limestones of
the lower Rotzo Formation.
During Early Jurassic, after deposition of the Loppio Oolitic Limestone, the Trento Platform
underwent syn-sedimentary extensional tectonics, which caused the formation of numerous tilted
blocks. Differential subsidence of these blocks is testified by abrupt thickness changes in the Rotzo
Formation. This created a structural framework favourable to the formation of syn-sedimentary
extensional traps (with the Loppio Oolitic Limestone as reservoir and Rotzo Formation as seal).
In the Tertiary, Alpine compressional tectonics caused the reactivation of the Jurassic faults with a
strike slip kinematics and was associated with the circulation of dolomitizing fluids. The combination
of these events led to the formation of secondary fault-related dolomitized bodies. The enhanced pore
network in correspondence of the dolomitized bodies further increased the potential for high-porosity
bodies (analogues to potential hydrocarbon traps).
These complex conditions are visible in a syn-sedimentary structure spectacularly exposed on the
Monte Testo (Trentino, Italy). In this contribution, we present a 3D geological of this structure,
obtained with SKUA-gOcad, based on 3D photogrammetric modelling, detailed geological mapping
and structural analysis, porosity analysis carried out on representative sections, and geostatistical
simulation of porosity on dolomitized bodies.
Thanks to the 3D model we obtained: i) a thickness map of the Rotzo Formation that allow us to
understand which faults were active during the deposition of the formation and which areas could
have been more suitable for hydrocarbon accumulation; ii) a geometric and volumetric model of the
structure that permitted us to study the porosity distribution and to define the potential volume of
hydrocarbons that could be hosted by a similar structure. These results were eventually extrapolated
to the entire platform, providing clues on the hydrocarbon potential of similar buried geologic bodies. },
 author = { Martinelli, Mattia AND Franceschi, M. AND Massironi, Matteo AND Bistacchi, Andrea AND Di Cuia, Raffaele AND Rizzi, Alessandro },
 booktitle = { 2016 RING Meeting },
 publisher = { ASGA },
 title = { 3D modelling of a dolomitized syn-sedimentary fault system: an exhumed analogue of a hydrocarbon reservoir },
 year = { 2016 }
}