Diagenetic evolution of fault zones in Urgonian microporous carbonates, impact on reservoir properties (Provence – southeast France)

Abstract

Microporous carbonate rocks form important reservoirs with permeability variability depending on sedimentary, structural, and diagenetic factors. Carbonates are very sensitive to fluid–rock interactions that lead to secondary diagenetic processes like cementation and dissolution capable of modifying the reservoir properties. Focusing on fault-related diagenesis, the aim of this study is to identify the impact of the fault zone on reservoir quality. This contribution focuses on two fault zones east of La Fare anticline (SE France) crosscutting Urgonian microporous carbonates. Overall, 122 collected samples along four transects orthogonal to fault strike were analyzed. Porosity values have been measured on 92 dry plugs. Diagenetic elements were determined through the observation of 92 thin sections using polarized light microscopy, cathodoluminescence, carbonate staining, SEM, and stable isotopic measurements (δ13C and δ18O). Eight different calcite cementation stages and two micrite micro-fabrics were identified. As a main result, this study highlights that the two fault zones acted as drains canalizing low-temperature fluids at their onset and induced calcite cementation, which strongly altered and modified the local reservoir properties.