--> Abstract: Progressive Loss of Permeability with Depth in Cenozoic Limestones of West-Central Florida, by D. A. Budd and K. A. Dumont; #90928 (1999).

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BUDD, DAVID A. and KEVIN A. DUMONT
Dept. Geological Sciences, Univeristy of Colorado, Boulder, CO

Abstract: Progressive Loss of Permeability with Depth in Cenozoic Limestones of West-Central Florida

Summary

This study focuses on defining matrix permeability with depth relations in shallow buried (0-1600 ft) Cenozoic limestones of Florida. The goal is to develop an understanding of matrix permeability trends in these rocks so as to compliment published porosity trends. Mini-permeameter measurements on 4,000+ ft of slim-hole core distributed along a regional dip line form the data base. The distribution of permeability with depth was found to be complex with facies being the primary control. However, once sorted by facies, the data reveal that grain-supported facies do exhibit a systematic depth-dependent decrease in permeability maxima, minima, and means. Petrographic analyses indicate that scatter at any one depth is due to early cementation, but the depth signal results from mechanical compaction. Extrapolation of the grainstone data suggests that matrix permeability “basements” of 10 md and 1 md would be reached at 3100 ft and 4600 ft, respectively, which is well above the porosity basement of 6800 ft (for 8% porosity) that can be inferred from published porosity data. We believe our data indicate that limestone permeability is much more sensitive to burial compaction than limestone porosity, and that the preservation of reservoir quality rock will be more dependent on matrix permeability preservation than porosity preservation.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90928©1999 AAPG Annual Convention, San Antonio, Texas