Effect of Diagenetic Processes and Depositional Facies on Reservoir Quality of the Eocene Carbonate Sequence (Sakesar Limestone) in the Central Salt Range, Pakistan

Abstract

The effect of depositional facies and diagenesis on the reservoir potential of the Sakesar limestone has been assessed through core plug porosity and permeability data, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and petrographic study in three stratigraphic sections (Karuli, Badshah Pur, and Sardhai) of Central Salt Range. Field observations reveal three lithofacies: thin-bedded limestone with shale intercalation, thick-bedded nodular limestone, and highly fractured limestone. Based on a petrographic study, six microfacies have been identified: bioclastic mudstone facies (SKF-1), Lockhartia-nummulitic wackestone facies (SKF-2), Assilina-Alveolina packstone facies (SKF-3), Lockhartia-nummulitic packstone facies (SKF-4), Alveolina grainstone facies (SKF-5), and nummulitic grainstone facies (SKF-6). The Sakesar limestone shows various diagenetic changes such as compaction, dissolution, dolomitization, cementation, and fracturing, resulting in different types of pores. Two reservoir zones are identified in the Sakesar limestone: a mud-dominated reservoir in an outer ramp setting with interparticle and micropores and a bioclastic grain-dominated facies in an inner ramp setting with intraskeletal and fracture porosity. The porosity and permeability of grain-dominated facies (8%–30% and 0.8–8 mD) are higher than mud-dominated facies (4%–15% and 0.5–4 mD) due to intraskeletal/intraparticle pores and dolomitization.

Keywords

porosity / permeability / diagenesis / dolomitization / microfacies / stratigraphy / petroleum deposits

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