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AAPG Bulletin

Abstract

DOI: 10.1306/10021414026

Continental carbonates as a hydrocarbon reservoir, an analog case study from the travertine of Saturnia, Italy

Paola Ronchi1 and Francesco Cruciani2

1 Eni SpA Upstream and Technical Services, Via Emilia 1, 20097, San Donato Milanese, Milano, Italy; [email protected]
2University of Perugia, Via Giorgio Amendola 59, Acquasparta, Terni, 05021, Italy; [email protected]

ABSTRACT

The Pleistocene Saturnia travertine (central Italy) represents a possible analog of the pre-salt continental carbonate reservoirs discovered in the Santos and other basins in the South Atlantic margin of Brazil. Two subhorizontal travertine tabular bodies, several tens of meters thick and extending over an area of BLTN14026eq1 (BLTN14026eq2), have been studied in two quarries. Facies variations and associated petrophysical properties were reconstructed applying a multidisciplinary approach. The Saturnia travertine, formed from a warm water spring, is composed of various stacked carbonate banks, separated by subaerial erosive phases and paleosols. The lacustrine tabular bodies, terraces, and sills are made of crystalline crust, shrub, pisoid, paper-thin raft, coated bubble, reed, and lithoclast-breccia facies. The BLTN14026eq3 (from +4‰ to +8‰) supports an interpreted BLTN14026eq4 volcanic mantle source, whereas, the BLTN14026eq5 (from −9‰ to −5‰) is in agreement with warm meteoric waters. The BLTN14026eq6 ratio isotopic signature indicates a carbonate from dissolution of deep-seated carbonates. The facies reservoir properties were studied via porosity and permeability analysis of plugs, three-dimensional x-ray computer tomography, as well as image analysis on microscale under thin section and macroscale on large rock slabs to define various porosity indices. A strong heterogeneity of the petrophysical properties and variable connectivity were observed (porosity from 4% to 30% and permeability up to hundreds of md), but no compartmentalization of the carbonate bodies is present.

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