Reservoir characteristics in the Cretaceous volcanic rocks of Songliao Basin, China: A case of dynamics and evolution of the volcano-porosity and diagenesis

Abstract

To explain the strong spatial heterogeneity of volcanic reservoirs porosity in the Songliao Basin and provide new ideas for predicting good volcanic reservoirs in other similar basins, the relationship between the pore evolution process and lithology of volcanic reservoirs has been described in this article. With the description and interpretation of core, thin section, scanning electron microscope, and the results of mercury injection experiment, this article clarifies the lithology, pore types, and pore structure features of the volcanic reservoirs in the Songliao Basin. The rocks of volcanic reservoirs in study area contain pyroclastic rock and volcanic lavas. The most common lithologies are rhyolite, volcanic breccia, and volcanic tuff. The pore size, morphology, and structure vary greatly between these three lithologies, the reason of which we think is the different volcanic eruption process as well as rock composition and its structure. The digenetic evolution of rhyolite includes gas dissipation of magmatic condensation; vesicles fulfilling by hydrothermal fluid; kaolinization and sericitization of feldspar phenocrysts; carbonation, devitrification, and recrystallization of felsic matrix; and finally, the dissolution of feldspar phenocrysts and felsic matrix. As for volcanic breccia, it usually go through the compaction, quartz and calcite filling the original pores between volcanic breccias, and dissolution of mineral debris together with tuff matrix. Similar with the rhyolite, volcanic tuff also undergoes the carbonation and kaolinization of felsic matrix, the dissolution of feldspar and felsic matrix, and compaction. Due to these comprehensive processes, a comprehensive analysis of volcanic rock lithology, which can indicate lithology distribution vertically and horizontally, is very necessary during volcanic reservoirs evaluation and prediction. These detailed analyses will help explorers to find potential reservoirs by distinguishing the diagenetic evolution and pore characteristic of volcanic reservoirs.