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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

Oklahoma City Geological Society

Abstract


The Shale Shaker Digest XI, Volumes XXXIII-XXXV (1982-1985)
Pages 120-144

Provenance and Diagenesis of the Cherokee Sandstones, Deep Anadarko Basin, Western Oklahoma

Stephen Douglas Levine

ABSTRACT

Provenance and Diagenesis of the Cherokee Sandstones, Deep Anadarko Basin, Western Oklahoma (May. 1984) Stephen Douglas Levine, B.S., Texas A&M University

The Pennsylvanian Red Fork and Skinner Formations of the Cherokee Group comprise thick clastic sediments which were deposited in the rapidly subsiding basin of southwestern Oklahoma. The sandstones form low porosity and permeability reservoirs (9% and <0.1 md, respectively), but reservoir properties were enhanced by diagenesis at depth.

The Red Fork sandstones are very fine grained, well sorted, feldspathic litharenites. Quartz, feldspars, and volcanic rock fragments are the principal framework constituents. Skinner sandstones are medium grained, poorly to moderately well sorted, litharenites and conglomerates. The framework composition includes granitic and volcanic rock fragments, feldspars, and monocrystalline quartz.

Porosities and permeabilities in these sandstones were destroyed by compaction and pore filling cements, which include calcite, authigenic quartz and clays. Secondary porosity development began with increased burial from dissolution of calcite cement, feldspars, and rock fragments. Dissolution created microporosity, intergranular, and intraconstituent porosity which resulted in some sandstones having over 14% porosity and 1 md permeability.

The diagenetic sequence consists of: (1) early clay coats on grains, (2) calcite cement precipitation, (3) formation of authigenic clay and quartz overgrowths, (4) grain replacement by calcite cement, and (5) dissolution of calcite cement. Fluids expelled from shales, coupled with CO2 from organic alteration, are responsible for dissolution.

Sands and shales contain abundant authigenic kaolinite, illite, and chlorite. Kaolinite appears to be more abundant in the northern part of the study area, while illite is most abundant near the basin axis. Chlorite is found everywhere, though in lesser abundance. Clay distribution is a significant control of reservoir properties.

The Red Fork and Skinner sandstones in the south contain high concentrations of igneous rock fragments and illite, suggesting a source from the nearby Wichita highlands. The northern wells may be derived from multiple source areas.


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