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Study of Stylolites Using Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy
- Publisher: European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers
- Source: Conference Proceedings, 80th EAGE Conference and Exhibition 2018, Jun 2018, Volume 2018, p.1 - 5
Abstract
Stylolites are the product of intergranular pressure-solution and are common in sedimentary rocks. Knowledge of their impact on fluid flow in reservoir rocks is an important consideration in many facets of geoscience. Experimental studies to date showed that stylolites are not barrier for fluid flow but could in some cases increase the permeability of sedimentary formations. To discuss the impact of stylolite on fluid flow in carbonates, some systematic chemical mapping in and in the vicinity of stylolites were performed in samples of a limestone of Dogger age using Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS). With this technique, chemical analysis was easier and significantly faster than using standard techniques involving Scanning Electron microscopes. LIBS also presented the advantage of potentially revealing light elements. Our data indeed revealed the presence of lithium in the stylolite, while this element was not found in the host rock. Together with petrophysical measurements, this suggested that the stylolites in the Dogger limestone could act as conduit for fluid flow.