Three-dimensional structural model of composite dolomite bodies in folded area (Upper Jurassic of the Etoile massif, southeastern France)

Abstract

The three-dimensional (3-D) geometry of fractures and fault-related dolomite is difficult to access with classical subsurface prospection tools. Therefore, we have investigated an outcrop to improve the subsurface prediction for complex dolomite bodies. This outcrop is located in the Etoile massif (southeastern France) within a fault-bend anticline. The sedimentary units are of Upper Triassic to lower Barremian age. The fold results from the Pyreneo-Provencal shortening during the Late Cretaceous to the Eocene. The anticline hosts three types of dolomite bodies: (1a) massive dolomite of middle to late Oxfordian age, (1b) syndepositional stratabound dolomite of Tithonian age, and (2) isolated dolomite bodies associated with fractures and faults. Large-scale geometries of fault-related dolomite bodies have been modeled in 3-D. The 3-D geometries of these bodies show diapir-, finger- and wall-like structures. These bodies are located close to the main thrusts, in strata of middle Oxfordian to early Barremian age and are linked to the compressive fold-bending phase during the Late Cretaceous. Fault-related dolomitization occurred because of magnesium removal from the hydraulic brecciation and the pressure solution of type 1 dolomite with overpressured fluids. These fluids flushed upward along the main thrust and laterally by following the reservoir property contrasts in the host rocks. Fault-related dolomite bodies are either spread far apart from faults in grainy limestones with good initial reservoir properties or are restricted to fault vicinity in muddy limestones with poor initial reservoir properties. The study of the structural and stratigraphic framework was essential in the understanding of the dolomitization process.