Correlation between Sedimentological and Petrophysical Facies in the Upper Sarvak Formation at an Oilfield in the Abadan Plain, Southwestern Iran

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

2 Research Institute of Petroleum Industry (RIPI), Tehran, Iran

Abstract

In this study, the upper part of the Sarvak Formation (Upper Albian–Cenomanian) in a well from the Abadan Plain oilfields has been analyzed through petrographic and petrophysical methods. Based on thin-section studies of core samples, the Sarvak Formation contains 8 microfacies related to four sub-environments: tidal flat, lagoon, shoal, and open marine, which were deposited within a homoclinal carbonate ramp. In addition, diagenetic processes such as cementation, dissolution, dolomitization, and fracturing during various stages of marine, burial, and partially meteoric diagenesis have affected the reservoir quality of these deposits. Moreover, dissolution of matrix and grains with aragonitic shells has improved reservoir quality, whereas pore-lining cementation is identified as the main factor in reservoir quality reduction. Furthermore, petrophysical evidence indicates the presence of reservoir zones in skeletal grainstone to packstone facies deposited in the high-energy shoal and inner ramp settings. In contrast, mudstone and fine-grained packstones from lagoon and tidal flat environments exhibit the poorest reservoir quality. In addition, SEM images confirm the presence of mainly intergranular and dissolution porosity in reservoir zones, while non-reservoir intervals are characterized by isolated, mostly intragranular pores. Additionally, seven electrofacies were identified based on well-log data. Moreover, the studied interval was divided into five flow units using the modified Lorenz method based on porosity and permeability derived from well logs. Furthermore, core-measured porosity and permeability place the studied rock sequence within Lucia’s Class 2 and Class 3 classifications. Ultimately, pore size estimations using the Winland and Pittman methods indicate that the existing pores are predominantly in the microscopic to mesoscopic range.

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Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Petroleum Research
Volume 35, 1404-4 - Serial Number 143
November and December 2025
Pages 51-69

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