Page 19 - Geology of Carbonate Reservoirs

xvi ABOUT THIS BOOK

Logs are only briefly mentioned because an extensive literature on logs and log
interpretation already exists. Today ’ s digital technology and sophisticated computer
software have expanded the need for petrophysicists who specialize in computer -
assisted log interpretation. Even with the modern computer - assisted log evaluation
software available in almost every company and university laboratories, the working
geoscientists still must be familiar with the types of logs that are useful in studying
carbonate reservoirs.
Seismic methods for exploration and development are mentioned only briefl y
because a satisfactory treatment of seismological methods in exploration and res-
ervoir analysis is beyond the scope of this book. Selected references are given at

the end of each chapter to help the reader find more information.
Following the discussions on the hierarchical order of rock properties and the
different reservoir characteristics, basic sedimentological and stratigraphic princi-
ples are reviewed to explain carbonate platform characteristics, stratigraphic rela-
tionships, and depositional facies. This background is intended to guide the reader
into depositional models and greatly simplified, “ standard depositional successions ”

that characterize different platform types. The standard depositional successions will
become models for depositional reservoirs — reservoir rock bodies with depositional
porosity. Following the discussions of depositional models and depositional reser-
voir types, diagenetic environments and diagenetic processes are introduced to
illustrate how carbonate reservoir porosity is enhanced, reduced, or created by the
chemical and mechanical processes that typify each diagenetic environment. Finally,
fractured reservoirs are reviewed after the reader has a thorough grasp of rock and
reservoir properties, along with of depositional and diagenetic processes and attri-
butes. Checklists for the diagnosis and interpretation of depositional, diagenetic, and
fractured reservoirs are given at the end of each of the respective chapters. A

summary of the topics covered in the book and selected field examples of deposi-
tional, diagenetic, and fractured reservoirs round out the fi nal chapter.
W. M. A.