Flow pathways in multiple-direction fold hinges

Implications for fractured and karstified carbonate reservoirs

Journal article (2021)

Authors

Cayo C.C. Pontes Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte
Francisco H.R. Bezerra Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte
G. Bertotti Applied Geology - CEG
V. La Bruna Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte
Philippe Audra University Côte d'Azur
Jo De Waele University of Bologna
Augusto S. Auler Instituto do Carste,Carste Ciencia e Meio Ambiente, Belo Horizonte
Fabrizio Balsamo University of Parma
S. de Hoop Applied Geology - CEG
Luca Pisani University of Bologna
Research Group
Applied Geology (CEG) (TU Delft)
Salitre Formation Fracture corridors Carbonate reservoir Hypogene karst conduits
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Published Date

2021

Language

English

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Faculty

Civil Engineering & Geosciences

Department

Geoscience and Engineering

Research Group

Applied Geology

Abstract

Caves developed in carbonate units have a significant role in fluid flow, but most of these subsurface voids are below seismic resolution. We concentrated our study on four caves to determine the roles of fractures and folds in the development of karst conduits that may form flow pathways in carbonate reservoirs. We performed structural field investigations, petrographic analyses, and geometric characterization using Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) for caves in Neoproterozoic carbonates of the Salitre Formation, central part of the São Francisco Craton, Brazil. We found that the conduit shape, usually with an ellipsoidal cross-section, reflects the tectonic features and textural variations. Carbonate layers containing pyrite and low detritic mineral contents are generally karstified and appear to act as favorable flow pathways. Our results indicate that the development of the karst system is related to fracture corridors formed along parallel and orthogonal sets of fold hinges, which provide preferential pathways for fluid flow and contribute to the development of super-K zones. This study provides insights into the prediction of subseismic-scale voids in carbonate reservoirs, with direct application for the hydrocarbon and hydrogeology flow and storage.