− | Compaction reduces the porosity and permeability of a rock by causing the following: (1) grain rotation and rearrangement into a tighter packing configuration, (2) plastic [[deformation]] of [[Ductility|ductile]] grains that flow into adjacent pores and pore throats, (3) fracturing and crushing of [[Brittleness|brittle]] grains, and (4) pressure solution in the form of grain suturing and stylolitization.<ref name=pt06r84>McBride, E. F., 1984, [http://archives.datapages.com/data/bulletns/1984-85/data/pg/0068/0004/0500/0505.htm Compaction in sandstones—influence on reservoir quality]: AAPG Bulletin, v. 68, p. 505.</ref> Rocks that contain mechanically labile grains, such as clay clasts, altered rock fragments, or delicate fossils, are likely to experience a reduction in porosity and permeability as the ductile grains plastically flow into adjacent pore spaces. Brittle grains will fracture, shatter, or in the case of some fossils and porous grains, collapse. A rock that consists of a framework of strong minerals, such as quartz, tends to undergo only minor porosity and permeability reduction during compaction due to grain rotation and rearrangement into a tighter packing configuration. | + | Compaction reduces the porosity and permeability of a rock by causing the following: (1) grain rotation and rearrangement into a tighter packing configuration, (2) plastic [[deformation]] of [[Ductility|ductile]] grains that flow into adjacent pores and pore throats, (3) [[Fracture|fracturing]] and crushing of [[Brittleness|brittle]] grains, and (4) pressure solution in the form of grain suturing and stylolitization.<ref name=pt06r84>McBride, E. F., 1984, [http://archives.datapages.com/data/bulletns/1984-85/data/pg/0068/0004/0500/0505.htm Compaction in sandstones—influence on reservoir quality]: AAPG Bulletin, v. 68, p. 505.</ref> Rocks that contain mechanically labile grains, such as clay clasts, altered rock fragments, or delicate fossils, are likely to experience a reduction in porosity and permeability as the ductile grains plastically flow into adjacent pore spaces. Brittle grains will fracture, shatter, or in the case of some fossils and porous grains, collapse. A rock that consists of a framework of strong minerals, such as quartz, tends to undergo only minor porosity and permeability reduction during compaction due to grain rotation and rearrangement into a tighter packing configuration. |
− | [[Deformation|Fracturing and brecciation associated with folds, faults, and diapirs]] generally increase the reservoir quality of well-indurated rocks (see [[Evaluating fractured reservoirs]]). Fracture porosity is typically low, usually providing only about 1% porosity; however, fractures in large reservoirs may hold considerable reserves. Fracture permeability may be as high as tens of darcies and is directional in nature. Conversely, fractures filled by mineralization or with gouge may produce a permeability barrier in the direction perpendicular to the fracture. Brecciation along fracture or fault zones may occur due to shearing or dissolution and collapse. Except where mineralization has occurred in the breccia, brecciation can increase both porosity and permeability considerably. Closely spaced sealing faults can significantly compartmentalize a reservoir. | + | [[Deformation|Fracturing and brecciation associated with folds, faults, and diapirs]] generally increase the reservoir quality of well-indurated rocks (see [[Evaluating fractured reservoirs]]). [[Fracture]] porosity is typically low, usually providing only about 1% porosity; however, fractures in large reservoirs may hold considerable reserves. Fracture permeability may be as high as tens of darcies and is directional in nature. Conversely, fractures filled by mineralization or with gouge may produce a permeability barrier in the direction perpendicular to the fracture. Brecciation along fracture or fault zones may occur due to shearing or dissolution and collapse. Except where mineralization has occurred in the breccia, brecciation can increase both porosity and permeability considerably. Closely spaced sealing faults can significantly compartmentalize a reservoir. |