Abstract
Abstract Understanding the formation of volcanic and epiclastic reservoirs is pivotal for exploring geoenergy resources such as geothermal energy, hydrocarbons, and new CO 2 sequestration and hydrogen storage opportunities. This paper examines the processes controlling the quality of pyroclastic and epiclastic reservoirs of the Kora volcano, an extinct stratocone presently buried in the offshore Taranaki Basin, New Zealand. We conduct detailed seismic reflection interpretation, drillcore lithofacies and wireline-log description, petrographic analysis, and analytical tests to generate a unified framework that explains the formation of volcaniclastic reservoirs from basin to pore-scale. Each stage of construction and degradation of the Kora volcano is associated with particular processes that increase or reduce reservoir quality. Primary processes include quench fragmentation, deuteric mineral dissolution, and epiclastic sedimentation. Secondary processes comprise mineral alteration (mainly meteoric; minor hydrothermal and diagenetic), mechanical stress fracturing (mainly tectonic; minor magmatic and burial deformation), and pervasive biogenic cementation. Epiclastic conglomerates present the highest reservoir quality (average 23% porosity and up to 997 mD permeability), followed by lapilli-tuffs and tuff-breccias. In contrast, bioclastic epiclastic sandstones are typically cemented by carbonates and pyrite. Our models and interpretations will increase understanding of the formation of volcaniclastic reservoirs and aid exploration of geoenergy resources in volcanic terrains.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.