Abstract
The study integrated lithofacies analysis and measurement of total organic carbon "TOC," porosity, and mechanical properties to evaluate the main factors controlling rock strength and elastic properties of three carbonate mudrocks units within the Jurassic succession of Central Saudi Arabia. Textural and microstructural analyses revealed that the former two units (Hanifa Formation Hawtah Member and Tuwaiq Formation) have five lithofacies interpreted as a lower shoreface intra-shelf basin deposition, respectively. Two mudrock lithofacies within the Upper Marrat Formation were recognized, both deposited under peritidal low ramp setting. Weak to moderate correlations between mechanical properties and porosity in all studied formations were observed; coefficient of determination R2 values range between 0. 1 and 0.7. Tensile strength has the strongest correlation with porosity and mineral composition. Hard phase mineral (quartz, feldspar, and pyrite) abundance has a more robust correlation with elastic moduli compared to the other minerals. Relatively higher R2 values were observed for the correlations between rock strength and clay + TOC content in Tuwaiq and Hanifa compared with Marrat mudrocks. Marrat and Tuwaiq mudrocks lithofacies have a stronger correlation between particle size and unconfined compressive strength, whereas particle size is weakly correlated with elastic moduli. Sedimentary layering and associated anisotropy significantly control these correlations. Deep lower shoreface deposits of Hanifa mudrock are mechanically stiffer than intra-shelf basin outer ramp deposits of Tuwaiq mudrock lithofacies. Peritidal Upper Marrat mudrock lithofacies have slightly higher stiffness than Tuwaiq mudrock and lower stiffness than Hanifa mudrock. The results are useful to predict the rock brittleness of these Jurassic intervals and their worldwide equivalent.
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