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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

GCAGS Transactions

Abstract


Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies Transactions
Vol. 28 (1978), Pages 323-325

Porosity Loss in Sandstone by Ductile Grain Deformation During Compaction

Earle F. McBride (1)

ABSTRACT

As exploration for hydrocarbons moves to greater depths, attention must be paid to the amount of porosity lost in sandstones by compaction. Deformation of ductile grains is the chief cause of porosity reduction during compaction except in nearly pure quartz sandstones. Shale clasts and micaceous rock fragments (argillite, slate, schist, and phyllite) are the chief ductile grains in sandstone, but glauconite and fecal pellets are locally abundant. The amount of porosity loss by deformation of these grains depends on their abundance and amount of overburden. It is common for sandstones to lose from 5 to 15% porosity this way. Some lithic arenites and glauconitic sands have lost their entire porosity during compaction. Knowledge of sandstone composition is helpful in predicting the amount of porosity lost by ductile-grain deformation.


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