Diagenesis/Reservoir Quality

Physical and chemical changes in sediments from the depositional environment to deep burial at 5-6 km depth. The primary emphasis is on processes leading to preservation, destruction and regeneration of porosity in possible reservoir rocks for hydrocarbons. Factors that control destruction or preservation of porosity. Siliciclastic sediments and carbonates will be presented. Interpretation of "cases". Compulsory exercises include study of texture and mineralogy of sandstones and limestones by light microscopy, electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, and interpretation of different data to assess the degree of diagenesis and reservoir quality. Some of the exercises will be review and presentations of selected articles.

Knowledge: The student will acquire knowledge of sandstone petrography and diagenesis and obtain an overview of main diagenetic processes and minerals that influence reservoir properties.

Skills: The student will obtain laboratory experience in describing and evaluating reservoir rocks from the continental shelf. The student will gain experience in scientific presentation.

Lectures and obligatory laboratory exercises. Obligatory colloquium where each student gives a presentation of a selected topic. The teaching is in English if international students participate.