3. Carbonate sedimentology/3
• Interpretation techniques applied to clastic
reservoirs can also be applied to carbonate
depositional systems.
• Carbonates however, differ from clastics due to
the importance of biogenic processes and their
susceptibility to diagenetic modifications.
Carbonates versus clastics
4. Carbonate sedimentology/5
• All primary sedimentary structures recognised in
siliciclastic rocks can occur in carbonates
(e.g. cross-bedding in ooid shoals, slumps etc.)
• In addition there may be:
– Biogenic structures (reefs etc.)
– Diagenetic structures unique to carbonates
Sedimentary structures
6. Carbonate sedimentology/7
Carbonate lithofacies – core calibration
Vertical well
Boundary between FMI facies FMI7 and FMI4. The
burrowed surface is clearly visible (arrowed) as are the
packstone-filled burrows below.
Burrowed contact (dashed line)
between FMIF7 and FMIF4. Burrows
(squares) are filled with packstone.
Possible hardground.
FMIF7
FMIF4
Static image Dynamic image Slabbed core