Micro- and nano-pores in intrasalt, microbialite-dominated carbonate reservoirs, Ara Group, South-Oman salt basin

摘要

Dolomitic microbialites form important exploration targets for the oil and gas industry in many parts of the world. It is known that a significant portion of their total porosity and potential storage capacity is formed by micropores. Despite their economic importance few studies attempted to characterize the micro-to nanoporosity in dolomitic microbialites. Recent advances in the field of microscopy now allow to image and analyze their pore systems on a hitherto unprecedented scale. This study evaluates pore systems in Neoproterozoic Ma-Group carbonates forming part of the deeply buried intra-salt A2C hydrocarbon play of the South-Oman Salt-Basin (SOSB). Micro- and nanoporosity there is hosted by aphanocrystalline and, to a minor extent, microcrystalline dolomite.