Depositional and diagenetic controls on reservoir quality in first Wilcox sandstone, Livingston field, Louisiana

Journal Article · Thu Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1987 · AAPG Bull.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6916372

Johnston, D D; Johnson, R J

Livingston field is a large oil field (approximately 25 million bbl) in southeastern Louisiana. The field produces from the lower Eocene First Wilcox sandstone, a 40 to 50-ft (12 to 16-m) thick barrier island deposit, from subsea depths of 9917-10,146 ft (3023-3092 m). The presence and quality of the reservoir are the direct result of diagenetic events that were strongly influenced by depositional facies. Early primary porosity was significantly reduced by clay and quartz overgrowths and by carbonate cements. Dissolution of the carbonate cement and leaching of feldspars and other unstable grains restored porosity to 65-75% of original values. The highest degree of secondary porosity was created in the facies of highest primary porosity - the eolian, beach, and upper shoreface - while the initially less porous middle and lower shoreface developed little or no secondary porosity. The formation of late-stage diagenetic clays (kaolinite, illite, chlorite, and smectite) have decreased permeability by reducing or blocking pore-throat openings. 11 figures.

• Research Organization: Univ. of California, Los Angeles
• OSTI ID: 6916372
• Journal Information: AAPG Bull.; (United States), Journal Name: AAPG Bull.; (United States) Vol. 71:10; ISSN AABUD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020200* -- Petroleum-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
CENOZOIC ERA
CLAYS
DEPOSITION
DIAGENESIS
FEDERAL REGION VI
GEOLOGIC AGES
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOLOGIC FORMATIONS
LOUISIANA
MINERAL RESOURCES
NORTH AMERICA
OIL FIELDS
PERMEABILITY
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
POROSITY
RESERVOIR ROCK
RESOURCES
TERTIARY PERIOD
USA