Zechstein Carbonates Research Articles

Widespread dolomite recrystallization and porosity modification of upper Permian Zechstein carbonates, Symra discovery, Utsira High, Norwegian North Sea

The Utsira High is a prominent intrabasinal basement structure in which the eroded remnants of a widespread, Late Permian, Zechstein carbonate shelf are preserved locally. The western margin of the central Utsira High is mainly characterized by weathered basement rocks with a thin Mesozoic cover. However, the recently discovered Symra Field forms an isolated sedimentary inlier basin of the area, where deeply eroded Zechstein shelf carbonates are preserved within a half-graben. The Zechstein carbonates consist of mainly ZS2 marginal marine carbonate facies and are similar to those described elsewhere from the Zechstein Basin. They are unconformably overlain by Paleogene chalks. Based on detailed facies analysis of two recently drilled cores combined with detailed petrographic and stable isotopic analysis and supplemented by age dating of selected carbonate phases using U-Pb geochronology, we show that the Zechstein carbonates have been subjected to several phases of near-surface diagenetic alterations. Volumetrically the most dominant diagenetic product comprises nonplanar dolomites interpreted to have formed by recrystallization of a precursor reflux-type dolomite phase. The recrystallized dolomites retain enhanced reservoir quality in comparison to stratigraphic equivalent ZS2 reflux-type dolomites found elsewhere on the Utsira High. Based on U-Pb-derived age constraints, the recrystallization took place during a long-lived Late Triassic exposure event of the Utsira High, and a near-surface origin for the recrystallized dolomites is proposed. The porosity enhancement occurred contemporaneously with the dolomite recrystallization process and was facies controlled. Reservoir modifications associated with the exposure led to the dissolution of CaSO4 cement, and metastable dolomite phases, in addition to the enlargement of existing pores which had created zones of weakness prone to further dissolution. Overall, the Zechstein carbonates preserved on the Utsira High illustrate the complexity of the diagenetic alterations resulting from the uplift of a carbonate shelf, and its importance for reservoir quality.

Quantitative characterisation of fracture connectivity from high-resolution borehole image logs

Fractures are fundamental structural elements in brittle rocks. They have a primary role in transporting geofluids, particularly in basement and carbonate rocks, where they have been the focus of reservoir characterisation and modelling for decades. Fracture networks are often described by statistical analysis of their geometrical attributes such as orientation, length and aperture. However, the spatial arrangement (topology) of fractures/fracture sets and its temporal evolution is equally important to better understand physical attributes of rocks. How much is a fracture network connected? Can this be quantified? Does connectivity change in different locations, if yes what is the reason for it? What is the brittle strain distribution in a fracture network? How much are fracture density and connectivity influenced by mechanical stratigraphy?This paper attempts to address these relevant questions and test quantitative fracture connectivity analysis on high resolution electrical and ultra-sonic borehole image logs in an appraisal well (Total depth, TD: 2195.36 mMD), drilled into the Utsira High basement, in the extensional Norwegian North Sea rift basin. Fracture connectivity and fracture size attributes were investigated in Permian Zechstein carbonates and Ordovician-Silurian granitic basement and separately for defined fracture zones at the interval of 2050–2195 mMD. The average degree of fracture/fault connection is good (D = 2.6) for the sediments and excellent (D = 3.5) for the basement. Accordingly, the block intensity (R22) is 0.4 for sediments and 0.2 for basement, which imply a moderately and strongly disintegrated host rock, respectively. There is a large fracture connectivity variation in different fracture zones, i.e. completely isolated fractures (Zone 1) vs highly interconnected and strongly disintegrated basement (Zones 9–10). The connectivity variation is governed by lithology, mechanical properties (stiffness), strain distribution and presence of weakness zones (faults). The study also highlights some possible applications of fracture connectivity results to reservoir modelling and future follow-up trends in quantitative spatial characterisation of fracture networks.

ORIGIN OF OIL IN UPPER PERMIAN (ZECHSTEIN) CARBONATE RESERVOIR ROCKS AT THE JARVIS STRUCTURE UNDERLYING THE ETTRICK FIELD, OUTER MORAY FIRTH, UK NORTH SEA

Oil in the Jarvis structure underlying the main Upper Jurassic reservoir at the Ettrick oilfield (Outer Moray Firth, UK northern North Sea) is present in Upper Permian (Zechstein) carbonates. The origin of this “Jarvis oil” is investigated in this paper using a multidisciplinary approach based on data from well‐logs and cores from wells 20/02‐2 and 20/02‐3. Reservoirs at the Jarvis structure consist of carbonates in the upper part of the Halibut Carbonate Formation (Ca2) and in the Carbonate Member of the Turbot Anhydrite Formation (Ca3). These carbonates are typical Zechstein dolomites composed of a range of facies from mudpackstones with storm beds deposited at moderate water depths to shoreface bioclastic‐oolitic packstones to shallow‐subtidal and intertidal microbial laminites. Interbedded anhydrites replace sabkha and lagoonal selenitic gypsum. Several shallowing‐upward units are recognised. Molecular analysis of the Jarvis oil, and comparisons with biomarker and other geochemical data from extracts of Zechstein cores and published data from different source rocks from the North Sea area, suggest that the oil was generated by marine, OM‐rich shales in the Upper Jurassic Kimmeridge Clay Formation. The oil was generated at peak oil window maturity and is characterised by high Pr/Ph, BNH/H and DBT/P ratios, and abundant C28 steranes and C28+29 monoaromatic and C26R + C27S triaromatic steroids. The molecular composition of organic material in extracts of core samples of Zechstein carbonates from wells in the Jarvis structure differs significantly from that of the Jarvis oil. Biomarkers such as BNH are absent in the core extracts, and there are different distributions and abundances of saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons, likely controlled by thermal maturity.

A REGIONAL GEOLOGICAL OVERVIEW OF THE UPPER PERMIAN ZECHSTEIN SUPERGROUP (Z1 TO Z3) IN THE SW MARGIN OF THE SOUTHERN NORTH SEA AND ONSHORE EASTERN ENGLAND

The Upper Permian Zechstein Supergroup has the potential to play an important role in the UK's future energy production and energy transition. However the Supergroup is comparatively poorly understood in the UK, particularly the link between the onshore and offshore geology. In this paper we re‐evaluate available data in order to present a consistent regional interpretation of the Z1 to Z3 Zechstein Supergroup cycles. This review is based on an interpretation and re‐evaluation of 620 offshore wells located in the UK portion of the SW Southern North Sea and 83 onshore wells located in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire (eastern England). The Zechstein Supergroup was interpreted in each well, and the data was used to compile seven SW‐NE oriented correlation panels which show the development of the Supergroup in the study region. Five isopach maps for key formations in the Zechstein Supergroup were created, together with depositional environment maps for each of the main Zechstein carbonate formations. In combination, these regional‐scale maps and diagrams have resulted in a consistent interpretation of the Zechstein Supergroup over an area which extends from the onshore outcrop in the west to the UKCS boundary in the Southern North Sea in the east.

Metal budget and origin of aqueous brines depositing deep-seated Zn-Pb mineralization linked to hydrocarbon reservoirs, North German Basin

The origin, evolution, and interplay of brine and hydrocarbon fluid systems play a crucial role in the formation of deep sediment-hosted base metal ore deposits. Here we investigate ratios of halogens, noble gases, stable C and S isotopes, and metal budgets of aqueous brines, which deposited deep-seated and near-surface hydrothermal Zn-Pb mineralization hosted by Zechstein carbonates in the Lower Saxony Basin (North German Basin), by studies of fluid inclusions in sphalerite and quartz. Major and trace element geochemistry and noble gas isotopic signatures of brine inclusions revealed that the ore-forming fluids were highly reactive and experienced prolonged interactions with host rocks in the constricted, over-pressured metal source regions and consequently evolved from near-neutral, oxidized brines towards more reduced, acidic high-salinity brines. Quartz-hosted halite-saturated fluid inclusions with Th <200°C contain Zn and Pb concentrations up to ca. 9400 μg g-1 and 5200 μg g-1, respectively, and indicate the efficiency of metal scavenging processes. The interactions with Westphalian coals and Corg-rich shales influenced the redox state as well as the trace and critical element budget of the sphalerite-hosted fluid inclusions, with enrichment in Ge, Pd, Sb, Tl, Bi, and Ag. The salinities of metalliferous fluids originated primarily from seawater evaporation, however in addition a significant halite-dissolution component is present in the southern part of the Lower Saxony Basin. High concentrations of radiogenic noble gases and potassium in the sphalerite-hosted fluid inclusions are ascribed to strong interactions with the Paleozoic siliciclastic sedimentary pile and crystalline basement rocks. Reflux of the strongly modified, sulfur-poor, Zn-Pb-bearing acidic brines, proceeded via re-activated structurally controlled pathways into sour gas or gas-saturated brine pools in the Zechstein Ca2 carbonate unit. Here, mixing of the ascending metal-rich brines with H2S derived from thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR), resulted in the deposition of deep-seated Zn-Pb ores in the Lower Saxony Basin. The overall timing of the Zn-Pb ore formation can be constrained to the Upper Cretaceous basin inversion.

Source rock evaluation and fluid inclusion reconnaissance study of Carboniferous and Zechstein rocks in the northern margin of the Southern Permian Basin, onshore Denmark

Hydrocarbon exploration onshore Denmark has been unsuccessful with no commercial discoveries. Several potential plays have been identified of which the Zechstein carbonate play relying on organic-rich Zechstein (Z2) carbonates as source rock is considered the most promising. Additional source rocks might be lower Carboniferous calcareous and carbonaceous units. This study aims at documenting Palaeozoic source rock(s) in the Upper Mississippian/Lower Pennsylvanian and Zechstein Z2 cored sections in wells drilled in the northern margin of the Southern Permian Basin in the Danish Baltic Sea area. The source rock potential, organic matter composition, and thermal maturity was examined using Rock-Eval pyrolysis, vitrinite reflectance measurements, and organic petrography of cuttings and core samples from two wells. In addition, a fluid inclusion reconnaissance study was conducted on samples from four wells. The examined Upper Mississippian/Lower Pennsylvanian marine calcareous mudstones are thermally immature to marginally mature with a generally low TOC content consisting of minor amounts of dispersed vitrinite and inertinite and scattered yellowish fluorescing mainly terrigenous liptinite macerals. The source rock potential is nil to poor. The analysed Zechstein Z2 section is also thermally immature and consists of resedimented carbonate mudstones deposited in a marine environment on a slope. The mudstones are organic-lean with identifiable tiny vitrinite particles and some telalginite. The source rock quality is poor with a potential for some gas generation. Thus, identification of rich source rocks failed, but the occurrence of solid bitumen in the Zechstein Z2 suggests the presence of restricted source rock levels in the mudstones or migration from deeper richer source rock sections. Further, hydrocarbon fluid inclusions are direct evidence for petroleum generation and migration. The dark appearance, high vapour/liquid ratio at room temperature and their homogenisation behaviour clearly indicate a mixed hydrocarbon composition with methane and higher hydrocarbons, like gas condensate. This demonstrates the presence of a working petroleum system in the northern margin of the Southern Permian Basin in southern Denmark.

Exploration play statistics in the Southern North Sea region of The Netherlands and UK

Abstract This paper presents the historical results of onshore and offshore petroleum exploration in the Anglo-Dutch Basin of the Southern North Sea. A total recoverable resource of 220 Tcfe has been discovered within a contiguous area of 85 000 km 2 . 73% of the resource occurs in The Netherlands. The resource is predominantly gas (207 Tcf), sourced from Upper Carboniferous coals, although the youngest play is oil, sourced from Lower Jurassic shales. There are five plays, partitioned by late Permian-age (Zechstein) salt. In terms of discovered resource they are ranked: (1) Rotliegend aeolian–fluvial sandstones (443 gas discoveries, 417 Bcfe average size); (2) Triassic fluvial sandstones (101 gas discoveries, 140 Bcfe average); (3) Lower Cretaceous paralic–shallow-marine sandstones (61 oil discoveries, 29 MMboe average); (4) Westphalian fluvial sandstones (70 gas discoveries, 88 Bcfe average); and (5) Zechstein carbonates (51 gas discoveries, 83 Bcfe average). Although the main Rotliegend fairway is mature, there are probably discoveries yet to be made in the Westphalian and Zechstein plays, and possibly within the Triassic and Lower Cretaceous plays. There is also potential to extend the Rotliegend play beyond where it is proven: for example, along the northern margin of the basin and towards its centre.

Foraminiferal micro-buildups (“reefs”) in the Wuchiapingian basin facies of the basal Zechstein carbonates in western Poland

Encrusting foraminifers locally can play an essential reef-forming role such as in the Carnian fossiliferous Hallstatt Limestones of Austria where a dense succession of hardgrounds occurs with numerous small buildups (up to 2 cm high) composed of sessile foraminifers. Similar foraminiferal micro-buildups occur in a 10-cm-thick bed in the basinal facies in the basal Zechstein (Upper Permian) strata in the Radlin 60 borehole, in western Poland. Foraminiferal micro-buildups of presumably columnar habit account for up to a half of the volume. The growth of columns was interrupted by hiatal surfaces, although usually the growth of columns was restored afterwards. In the upper part of the bed with foraminiferal micro-buildups, the foraminiferal encrustations become visibly less abundant, and in most cases, they have a shape of less regular masses. The bed with foraminiferal micro-buildups abounds in closely spaced discontinuity (hiatal) surfaces, occasionally encrusted by foraminifers. Tubular foraminifers in the bed with foraminiferal micro-buildups are accompanied by various encrusting organisms, possibly microbes; they are grouped under the name Palaeonubecularia. In the intercolumnar spaces, common Midiella sp. occur. During deposition, the conditions were mostly suboxic, and various types of ferruginous morphs, common in the lower part of the bed, suggest that dysoxic–anoxic interfaces produced various microaerophilic environments for iron-bacteria. The environmental conditions during the deposition of the upper part of the bed were very similar to those characterizing the starved basin environment in which the bioclastic-peloidal and oncoidal sediments in the Zechstein Limestone have been formed. In turn, the lower part of the bed registers the transition from normal (= not starved) marine conditions, with a clear chemocline, to the starved basin conditions. The deposition of the bed was coeval with the Kupferschiefer deposition based on the correlation of δ13C curves, which implies that the previous stratigraphical concept of basal Zechstein strata has to be re-evaluated.

Nature and origin of collapse breccias in the Zechstein of NE England: local observations with cross-border petroleum exploration and production significance, across the North Sea

Abstract Hydrocarbon reservoirs hosted in Permian strata were some of the first to have been discovered in Europe. With discoveries in the Zechstein carbonates of Norway in recent years, and with exploration of Zechstein prospects both onshore and offshore UK, as well as in Dutch, Danish and Norwegian offshore sectors, understanding the architecture of the Zechstein carbonates remains very relevant. Here we study outcrops of Roker Formation carbonates (Z2, Ca2) in NE England to better understand geological processes associated with deformation following evaporite dissolution, with implications for exploration and production. Collapse of Z2 Roker Formation strata in NE England, following the dissolution of c. 100 m or more of the Z1 Hartlepool Anhydrite, resulted in fundamental changes to the architecture of the succession. Complete dissolution of the anhydrite removed an effective regional seal and dramatically enhanced matrix and fracture permeability of the overlying Roker Formation. The collapsed Roker Formation can be vertically divided into three zones, based upon the degree of deformation. The lower zone and vertical collapse-breccia pipes that can extend across all zones have the highest permeabilities. The process of collapse was gradual, with local variations in the degree of brecciation. We derive a schematic sequence of collapse, recognizing the impact of mechanical barriers within the succession in retarding deformation up-section and it is this that ultimately leads to the vertical zonation. Timing of evaporite dissolution is poorly constrained: it could have occurred soon after deposition, at the end of the Permian or during Tertiary uplift. It is known that evaporite dissolution has occurred offshore, with the oil fields Auk and Argyll (UK Central North Sea) given as examples of dissolution collapse-brecciated reservoirs. Reservoir quality is typically improved, with both matrix and fracture porosity and permeability enhanced. Complete evaporite dissolution could in some cases lead to the potential breach of the seal.

Fluid inclusion evidence for low-temperature thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR) of dry coal gas in Upper Permian carbonate reservoirs (Zechstein, Ca2) in the North German Basin

Upper Permian Zechstein carbonate Ca2 gas reservoirs in the southern part of the Pompeckj Block in the North German Basin locally contain up to 36 vol% hydrogen sulfide (H2S) produced by thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR). TSR was triggered by migration of dry to extremely dry coal gas from Upper Carboniferous into the Zechstein carbonate reservoirs. Methane reacted with dissolved sulfate at temperatures of <150 °C, as inferred from fluid inclusions hosted in fracture-filling minerals and cements in the carbonate reservoir rocks. Such low temperatures for methane-dominated TSR are unique and were not observed so far, as it was widely believed that alteration of super dry methane requires much higher temperatures. Here we present detailed compositional and carbon isotope data of reservoir gases as well as those of gases trapped in fluid inclusions hosted in cements and fracture-filling minerals in Zechstein Ca2 carbonate reservoir rocks. We constrained the P-T conditions of gas entrapment, hydrocarbon reactivity and the lower temperature limit for TSR.The results of this study decipher three major stages of gas migration in the Pompeckj Block. Stage I commenced in the Late Triassic during burial when Zechstein Ca2 reservoirs were charged with dry CH4-CO2 ± N2 gas sourced from mature Upper Carboniferous coals. Burial continued through the Jurassic and caused alteration of Ca2 reservoir gas by sulfate reduction reactions due to increasing temperatures. Entrapment of CH4-H2S-CO2-N2 gases in fluid inclusions, hosted in cements and fracture-filling minerals, occurred at temperatures between 100 and 152 °C and was related to Stage II uplift in the Early Lower Cretaceous. In the Late Cretaceous (Stage III) deep burial of the Pompeckj Block led to charge of the Zechstein Ca2 carbonate reservoirs with Upper Carboniferous-derived CH4-CO2 ± N2 ± C2+ coal gas and/or dilution of existing reservoir gas at temperatures of 144–167 °C. Highly variable δ13CCH4 values from −18.7 to −8.7‰ and very negative δ13CCO2 values (−22.4 to −18.9‰) of H2S-rich fluid inclusion gases as well as negative δ13C values (−10.4 to −4.6‰) of host calcites reveal compelling evidence for participation of methane in TSR. Fluid inclusions imply that CH4-dominated TSR proceeded at Tmin of 135 °C in the presence of catalyzers such as H2S and dissolved Mg2+.This study demonstrates that fluid inclusions serve as an excellent and accurate tool for tracing H2S concentrations in hydrocarbon gases through time and space, which is not possible using the present-day compositions of natural reservoir gases. It also contributes to the understanding of carbonate reservoir-hosted hydrocarbon-bearing fluid systems and processes that significantly control the quality of reservoir gases.

Review of hydrocarbon potential in East Denmark following 30 years of exploration activities

Between 1993 and 2017, Denmark was one of the largest oil exporting countries in Europe having gained this position from its share in the highly prolific Danish Central Graben. However, outside the Central Graben few prospects have been adequately mapped, due to a lack of data in these socalled ‘white areas.’ As such, their potential for hydrocarbon accumulation remains uncertain. This paper presents an update of the prospect and play types in this area outside the Danish Central Graben, east of 6°15´E longitude (Fig. 1), based on results from the last 30 years of exploration activities. The paper is part of a resource assessment made by the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS) to the Danish Energy Agency (Schovsbo &amp; Jakobsen 2017) and is an update of a former review of the area made in 1987 (Thomsen et al. 1987). The succeeding exploration efforts have not changed the overall low expectation for the play types in the area. Here, we show that an uncertain resource is associated with both the Zechstein carbonate play in the North German Basin and the Upper Triassic – Lower Jurassic sandstone and lower Palaeozoic shale gas plays in northern Jylland. However, questions remain as to the source of hydrocarbons in the western offshore area. Specifically, we are unable to confirm (or refute) whether these structures are sourced via long-distance migration of hydrocarbons from the Danish Central Graben.&#x0D;

The role of palaeorelief in the control of Permian facies distribution over the Mid North Sea High, UK Continental Shelf

Abstract The Mid North Sea High (MNSH) consists of a ridge of Paleozoic strata located in the centre of the North Sea between 55° N and 56° N. In 2010, interest in the Permian of the MNSH was revived by the discovery in Quadrant 44 of the Cygnus gas field. This study focuses on the Zechstein carbonates of the MNSH and uses play concepts that draw an analogy with the Zechstein oil and gas fields discovered in Denmark and Poland, and also with the Wissey gas field in Quadrant 53. New 2D seismic establishes the presence of a significant Zechstein reef that blocks the southern entrance of the Jenyon Gap onto the MNSH. Seismic data show that the reef developed in stages and its presence can be inferred from the occurrence of isolated lagoons within the centre of the build-up. The barrier reef's existence explains both the presence of the rare hygroscopic mineral tachyhydrite in the centre of the MNSH and also the observed isopach difference in the Zechstein cycles over the MNSH, as the barrier restricted marine-water ingress onto the MNSH and allowed the creation of a ‘crystal-starved basin’, the evaporitic equivalent of a sediment-starved basin.

Diagenetic and geochemical studies of the Buchan Formation (Upper Devonian) in the Central North Sea

The Upper Devonian Buchan Formation reservoirs in the UK Central North Sea are litharenite/sublitharenite and were deposited in fluvial–aeolian settings. The grain-coating clays in the aeolian sandstones have effectively inhibited quartz overgrowth. Hence, the reduction of reservoir quality is mainly due to mechanical compaction and early dolomite precipitation in both fluvial and aeolian sandstones; quartz overgrowth and kaolinite illitization in fluvial sandstones; and limited smectite illitization in aeolian sandstones. The carbon/oxygen stable isotopes of dolomite cements suggest a predominantly marine carbon source and precipitation temperatures between 25 and 58 °C indicating a shallow burial depth during dolomite precipitation. The temperatures and the dolomite distribution indicate that the cements originated from the overlying Upper Permian Zechstein carbonates. Extensive quartz overgrowths formed at 80 and 120 °C in the late and deep diagenetic burial history. The most probable silica source was from feldspar kaolinitization and pressure dissolution of quartz grains. Through detailed petrography and geochemical analyses, the burial–paragenesis–thermal history of the Buchan Formation has been constructed. Similar diagenetic processes are likely to have occurred in the Buchan Formation in other parts of the Central and Northern North Sea. This study may allow new petroleum plays to be considered in areas previously thought to have poor hydrocarbon potential.

The history of hydrocarbon exploration and development in North Yorkshire

Abstract Hydrocarbon exploration in North Yorkshire began in 1937, targeting Triassic and Permian reservoirs below the surface expression of the Cleveland Anticline. D’Arcy drilled the successful well Eskdale-2, marking the first gas discovery in the Zechstein carbonates in the UK. Since then approximately 100 wells have been drilled in the basin with exploration success relatively high. Out of the 25 pure exploration wells in the region, 13 have found hydrocarbon accumulations (flowed gas) and eight of the discoveries have been developed to date. The primary reservoir is the Permian-aged Zechstein carbonate sequence and, more specifically, the Z2, Kirkham Abbey Formation (KAF), which is a tight carbonate reservoir overprinted by a high permeability fracture system. Despite considerable investment and effort over the years, the historical development story of these fields has been very much one of repeated technical and investment failure, with approximately 39 Bcf (billion cubic feet) of the mapped gas initial in-place (GIIP) of c . 326 Bcf produced to date, an estimated recovery factor of 12%. Historical production data show that all the Zechstein reservoirs have experienced early water breakthrough, leading to impaired gas rates and low recoveries. The water influx is due to a highly mobile, but finite aquifer, which under field production conditions preferentially flows through the high permeability fracture system, bypassing the gas stored in the tighter matrix. Third Energy is aiming to resolve the issue of water influx by using artificial lift to encourage the gas to flow. A trial is currently being undertaken at the Pickering gas field and, if this programme is successful, this will provide sufficient confidence for a phased redevelopment programme of surrounding fields. Whilst North Yorkshire has experienced only limited exploration and production (E&amp;P) activity in the last decade, solving the issue of premature water influx in the KAF fields, combined with the search for unconventional resources in the Bowland section of the Mid and Lower Carboniferous strata will herald a new and exciting phase of E&amp;P activities for this province.

Upper Permian carbonates at the northern edge of the Zechstein basin, Utsira High, Norwegian North Sea

The first detailed description of Zechstein carbonates and their diagenesis along the northern margin of the northern Zechstein basin is based on core material from four wells on Utsira High in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea. It provides a generic link to the better known southern Zechstein basin, and northwards to the Late Permian East Greenland basin. The Zechstein succession consists of shale-carbonate cycles, and anhydrite only occurs in the uppermost preserved cycle, believed to correlate to Zechstein 4. The eleven carbonate facies reflect deposition in shallow shelf and arid shoreline environments, and resemble Zechstein-2 and -3 carbonate facies from the southern Zechstein basin. The carbonates are pervasively dolomitized by an early texture-preserving dolomite characterized by δ18O values between −6‰ and +2.4‰ similar to dolomites in the southern Zechstein basin, and δ13C values between −0.7‰ and +5‰ which is significantly lower than time-equivalent dolomites from the southern Zechstein basin. Later, subaerial exposure and fresh water infiltration during the late Permian or early Triassic caused replacement of the upper part of the dolomite by crystalline, fabric destructive calcite (dedolomite). The dedolomitized zone is up to 23 m thick and calcite crystals are characterized by moderately negative δ18O values in the range −8‰ to −5.5‰, characteristic for meteoric water. The Utsira High carbonates thus share a depositional history with the classical Zechstein carbonates whereas their diagenesis seems to have more in common with the time equivalent succession in East Greenland. Early leaching and dolomitization enhanced porosity whereas subsequent late Permian – early Triassic subaerial exposure and widespread dedolomitization had profound negative impact on reservoir properties of the Zechstein carbonates.

Acoustic Full Waveforms as a Bridge between Seismic Data and Laboratory Results in Petrophysical Interpretation

Mutual relationships between geological and geophysical data obtained by using methods of different scale are presented for the Miocene sandy-shaly thin-bedded formation and for the Zechstein carbonate formation. The common basis of laboratory results, well logging and seismic data was a recognition of elastic and reservoir properties of rocks. The common basis of laboratory results, well logging and seismic data were elastic and reservoir properties of rocks. Seismic attributes calculated from acoustic full waveforms were a link between the considered data. Seismic attributes strongly depend on small changes observed in rock formation related to lithology variations, facies changes, structural events and petrophysical properties variability. The observed trends and relationships of high correlation coefficients in the analysed data proved the assumption made at the beginning of research that common physical basis is a platform for data scaling. Proper scaling enables expanding the relationships determined from laboratory and well logging of petrophysical parameters to a seismic scale.

Characteristic biomarkers in organic matter from three Zechstein (Late Permian) carbonate units

Characteristic biomarkers in organic matter from three Zechstein (Late Permian) carbonate units

Fluid inclusion and microfabric studies on Zechstein carbonates (Ca2) and related fracture mineralizations – New insights on gas migration in the Lower Saxony Basin (Germany)

New petrographic and fluid inclusion data from core samples of Upper Permian dolomitic limestone (Hauptdolomit, Zechstein group, Stassfurt carbonate sequence) from a gas field located at the northern border of the Lower Saxony Basin (LSB) essentially improve the understanding of the basin development. The gas production at the locality is characterized by very high CO2 concentrations of 75–100% (with CH4 and N2).Samples consist of fine grained, mostly laminated and sometimes brecciated dolomitic limestone (mudstone/wackestone) from the transition zone between the shallow water zone (platform) and the upper slope. The study focuses on migration fluids, entrapped as fluid inclusions in diagenetic anhydrite, calcite, and fluorite, and in syn-diagenetic microfractures, as well as on the geochemistry of fluorite fracture mineralizations, obtained by LA-ICP-MS analysis. Fluid inclusion studies show that the diagenetic fluid was rich in H2ONaClCaCl2. Recrystallized anhydrite contains aqueous inclusions with homogenization temperatures (Th) of ca. 123 °C, but somewhat higher Th of ca. 142 °C was found for calcite cement followed by early Fluorite A with Th of 147 °C. A later Fluorite B preserves gas inclusions and brines with maximum Th of 156 °C. Fluorite B crystallized in fractures during the mobilization of CO2-bearing brines. Crossing isochores for co-genetic aqueous-carbonic and carbonic inclusions indicate fluid trapping conditions of 180–200 °C and 900–1000 bars. δ13C-isotopic ratios of gas trapped in fluid inclusions suggest an organic origin for CH4, while the CO2 is likely of inorganic origin.Basin modelling (1D) shows that the fault block structure of the respective reservoir has experienced an uplift of >1000 m since Late Cretaceous times.The fluid inclusion study allows us to, 1) model the evolution of the LSB and fluid evolution by distinguishing different fluid systems, 2) determine the appearance of CO2 in the geological record and, 3) more accurately estimate burial and uplift events in individual parts of the LSB.

Fluid evolution and mineralogy of Mn-Fe-barite-fluorite mineralizations at the contact of the Thuringian Basin, Thüringer Wald and Thüringer Schiefergebirge in Germany

Abstract Numerous small deposits and occurrences of Mn-Fe-fluorite-barite mineralization have developed at the contact of the Thuringian Basin, Thüringer Wald and Thüringer Schiefergebirge in central Germany. The studied mineralizations comprise the assemblages siderite+ankerite-calcite-fluorite-barite and hematite-Mn oxides-calcite-barite, with the precipitation sequence in that order within each assemblage. A structural geological analysis places the origin of the barite veins between the Middle Jurassic and Early Cretaceous. Primary fluid inclusions contain water vapour and an aqueous phase with NaCl and CaCl2 as the main solutes, with salinities mostly between 24–27 mass. % CaCl2 eq. Th measurements range between 85 °C and 160 °C in barite, between 139 °C and 163 °C in siderite, and between 80 °C and 130 °C in fluorite and calcite. Stable isotopes (S, O) point to the evaporitic source of sulphur in the observed mineralizations. The S,C,O isotopic compositions suggest that barite and calcite could not have precipitated from the same fluid. The isotopic composition of the fluid that precipitated barite is close to the sea water in the entire Permo–Mesozoic time span whereas calcite is isotopically distinctly heavier, as if the fluids were affected by evaporation. The fluid evolution in the siliciclastic/volcanic Rotliegend sediments (as determined by a number of earlier petrological and geochemical studies) can be correlated with the deposition sequence of the ore minerals. In particular, the bleaching of the sediments by reduced Rotliegend fluids (basinal brines) could be the event that mobilized Fe and Mn. These elements were deposited as siderite+ankerite within the Zechstein carbonate rocks and as hematite+Mn oxides within the oxidizing environment of the Permian volcanic and volcanoclastic rocks. A Middle-Jurassic illitization event delivered Ca, Na, Ba, and Pb from the feldspars into the basinal brines. Of these elements, Ba was deposited as massive barite veins.

Climatic control on the Late Permian Main Dolomite (Ca2) deposition in northern margin of the Southern Permian Basin and implications to its internal cyclicity

Abstract During the Late Permian (Zechstein), the Southern Permian Basin (SPB) of Europe was a shallow epicontinental and evaporitic sea surrounded by large continental masses. It has been assumed that both the cyclic Zechstein deposition and internal cyclicity of the lower Zechstein carbonate units resulted from glacio-eustatic fluxes of marine waters and evaporation in the stable arid climatic conditions. The Main Dolomite (Ca2) is the carbonate unit of the second Zechstein cycle. The Main Dolomite (MD) deposits formed the Kamień Pomorski carbonate platform, which was attached to land at the northern margin of the SPB (NW Poland). Study of stable carbon and oxygen isotopic composition and major and minor elements distribution reveal palaeoclimatic instability induced by a relative rise in precipitation during MD deposition. A tendency towards increased climatic humidity towards the end of the unit reflected by an increased fluvial contribution argues for either a local- and/or regional-scale of temporal flow of wet humid air masses. Chemical weathering and erosion on the nearby Fennoscandian High caused dilution of carbonate accumulation by very fine siliciclastics in the proximal part of the platform. A lack of internal cycles of a regional extent in the investigated platform implies that it was not global glacio-eustatic influxes but a combination of events, such as local relative sea-level fluctuations induced by climate impact and variation of the palaeoenvironmental parameters, that determined the development of the platform. Future research should investigate the effects of the climate and local tectonics to reveal the basinal dynamics and depositional history of the MD carbonate platforms.