Diagenetic mineral assemblage prediction of reservoir burial history

Conference · Tue Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1996

OSTI ID:425610

Hathon, L A ^[1]; Houseknecht, D W ^[2]

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1. Amoco Production Co., Houston, TX (United States)
2. United States Geologic Survey, Reston, VA (United States)

Mineralogy of Oligocene Sespe Formation sandstones, siltstones and shales was used to establish a relationship between depth of burial and diagenetic process within the Oxnard Shelf tectonic subprovince of the Ventura Basin, California. Shallow (700-2000m), low temperature diagenetic products/processes observed at the eastern end of the shelf include: smectite-kaolinite-iron oxide pigmentation-labile grain dissolution. Plagioclase feldspar framework grains exhibit intermediate compositions (Ab{sub 80}). Deep (3700- 5300m),high temperature diagenetic products/processes observed at the west end of the shelf include: illite/smectite-illite-chlorite-quartz-laumontite- intergranular pressure solution. Plagioclase feldspar framework grains are nearly completely albitized (Ab{sub 95}). Apatite fission track analyses confirm depth of burial/temperature exposure estimates made from diagenetic mineral assemblages observed along the sample traverse. The eastern end of the Oxnard shelf has not been significantly more deeply buried than at present day; the South Mountain area experienced {approximately} 2000 m of deeper burial prior to uplift. Diagenetic mineral assemblage was used to infer that Sespe sandstones from the Topa Topa Uplift area (present depth 312m) have experienced significantly deeper paleoburial (on the order of {approximately}4,000-5,000m/13,000-16,000ft) and exposure to temperatures on the order of 130{degrees}C (270{degrees}F). Apatite fission track analysis supports the interpretation made from diagenetic assemblage, suggesting paleotemperature > 110{degrees}C.

• OSTI ID: 425610
• Report Number(s): CONF-960527--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
CALIFORNIA
DIAGENESIS
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
RESERVOIR ROCK
SANDSTONES
SEDIMENTARY BASINS