Abstract: Diagenetic Pathways for Sandstones: The Role of Initial Composition

Nicholas B. Harris

The initial composition of a clastic section is critical in determining the diagenetic reactions that a sandstone will undergo during burial, reactions which strongly influence its reservoir properties. The role of initial composition is illustrated for Middle Jurassic sandstones of northwest Europe (including the Brent sandstone of the North Sea) and Tertiary sandstones of the Gulf of Mexico. The composition of the former evolves from arkose to quartz arenite, with massive dissolution first of plagioclase and subsequently K-feldspar. As the bulk composition changes, the suite of clay minerals changes from kaolinite-dominated to illite-dominated, typically accompanied by a pronounced decrease in permeability. The Gulf of Mexico sandstones are also initially arkoses. Their composition, however, evolves toward a mixture of quartz and compositionally pure albite. Kaolinite remains the dominant authigenic clay within the sandstones; however detrital clays change from a Na-rich, smectitic mixed layer clay to a K-rich, illitic mixed layer clay.

The contrasting diagenetic pathways result from differing mineralogy in the clastic section. The smectite-rich mudstones in the Gulf of Mexico provide a powerful sink for potassium and source of sodium. The resulting low potassium activity results in K-feldspar dissolution; it also prevents illite formation, while high sodium activity stabilizes albite. The Middle Jurassic clastic section in northwest Europe contains relatively little smectite, thus lacks the potassium sink and sodium source. Sodium activity is low, so plagioclases preferentially dissolve. K-feldspars also dissolve, but the potassium here is available for illite formation.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90954©1995 AAPG Eastern Section, Schenectady, New York