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Sandstone diagenesis: framework of a forward modelling approach by

integrating wireline and other geological data

M. J. C H E S H I R E & B. W. S E L L W O O D
Postgraduate Research Institute for Sedimentology, The University, P.O. Box 227,
Whiteknights, Reading RG6 2AB, UK

Abstract. The integration of wireline log information with other forms of geological data
allows the recognition of certain diagenetic effects in sedimentary rocks. Diagenetic
modification of a sandstone causes changes in the rock properties that will produce subtle
shifts in the wireline log characteristics. Such shifts are often difficult to interpret. However,
by reference to a now extensive diagenetic information base it is possible to construct models
for processes controlling some types of diagenetic change. So it is possible both to model
and predict the spatial distribution of diagenetic effects. To interpret diagenetic effects on
wireline logs it is necessary to integrate existing geological databases with information
derived from wireline logs in a form that can be handled by computer. Interactive modelling
involves the iterative refinement of modelled features. This is done by comparing synthetic
logs with actual logs over intervals from which core-derived information is available
(Rotliegend and Sherwood sandstones provide ideal test-beds for this approach). Predictive
models may then be generated by an interactive process of confirming or denying modelled
features. This approach allows refinement of the interpretations made. Eventually we expect
that a means of directly interpreting certain important diagenetic effects will be possible
from wireline log data.

Diagenesis is an important factor controlling
reservoir rock properties such as porosity and
permeability and thus influences the production
of hydrocarbons. Information about the diage-
netic characteristics of reservoir rocks is conven-
tionally obtained from core samples. However,
cores are usually taken over limited depth ranges
through reservoir intervals, and non-reservoir
intervals are generally cored in only special cir-
cumstances. 'Wireline logs', on the other hand,
are conventionally run throughout boreholes,
not merely through reservoir zones, and may
potentially provide information on rock proper-
ties (including diagenetic parmaters) which is not
accessible from other methods of investigation.
Despite this potential, little progress has been
made on the interpretation of diagenetic features
from wireline data alone, largely because the
subtle variations in log response promoted by
diagenesis are difficult to distinguish from those
generated by other factors (Serra 1984).
The approach that has been used in this study
is to use the results from petrographic and
laboratory analysis of core samples, integrating
these results with wireline log data (which have
been environmentally corrected and depth
matched) over cored intervals, and then extrapo-
late these data in hypothetical (but realistic)
rock models.
The method discussed here provides the
potential to predict more about diagenetic para-
maters in a given succession than can be
obtained from individual data sources alone
(Cheshire & Sellwood 1992; King 1990). Due
to the complexity of this integrated approach,
extensive computing is required. However, the
approach represents a first step towards the
development of a forward modelling program
for diagenetic modelling from downhole logs.
The models are being both generated and
tested against well studied sequences of conti-
nental, redbed siliciclastics: the Permian Rotlie-
gend sandstone of the southern North Sea and
the Triassic Sherwood sandstone of the English
Channel Basin. Extensive literature exists for
these successions (e.g. Burley 1984; Glennie
1978; Nagtegaal 1978; Woodward & Curtis
1987) and research programmes are continuing.
The diagenetic changes suffered by such redbeds
are controlled by processes which are, to some
extent, predictable and are thus amenable to
modelling (e.g. in terms of fluid flow and burial
history; Glennie 1978; Purvis 1989; Wood et al.
1985). They would therefore appear to be ideal
candidates for the type of approach adopted
here. It should be stressed, however, that while
accurate modelling of the responses of some
wireline logs is possible, others cannot be

From HURST, A., GRIFFITHS,C. M. & WORTHINGTON,P. F. (eds), 1992, 389

Geological Applications of Wireline Logs II. Geological Society Special Publication No. 65, pp. 389-394.
 Downloaded from http://sp.lyellcollection.org/ at University of Birmingham on July 15, 2015

390 M. J. CHESHIRE & B. W. SELLWOOD

Database
I Geological I I Core Sample [ Wireline Log
Data Observations Measurements I

\ /
I-~acies
[analysis
I Diaqenetic
i ana,ysis
I
1
/
Knowledge Base
Section A Section C
Sedimentary constraints Rules and formulas
to create synthetic log
SectionB [ responses
ts I

Sedimentary Parameters Wireline logs

Percentage Diagenetic Depositional ~ll
of ~ I
Components ~ ~ ,~ ~~ GR SONIC DEN RES
oE E
o a~
UlU I ~

q~. Synthetic log

- ( Responses
Bed/electro facies J R°,-I I,',,~
Sedimentary unit ~ Respon~ses

defined overcored intervals( II I I I I I

~ s t fit founa ..
/' ~ ~ - ~.~ between Synthetic
\ ~ e , T1ne ) -- ~ Real logs.
Stop iterations

Fig. 1. The elements of a forward-modellingcomputer program for the interpretation of wireline logging data.
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SANDSTONE DIAGENESIS 391

j(75% Q 25% P1

STAGE 1 Calcitecementation
~ ~ Compaction and
STAGE 2
quartz cementation
75% Q 25% C 90% Q 10% P1

~ /~ -x'cementatiOn~
~la-y
75% Q 25% C
90% Q 5% CL 5% P1 90% Q 10% P1
STAGE 3 /

Dolomitization

75% Q 25% C ~ 90% Q 5% C L ~ ~ ' ~

I ~ 5% P1
STAGE 4

j 75% Q 10% C 15% D \ 90% Q 10% P1

~J~f~'~ ~ Secondary porosity

7 5 % ~

75% Q 25% P2 75% Q 10% P2 15% D , , , . . ~ ~

STAGE 5 90% Q lo% P1

~ Q - quartz
P1 - primary porosity
C - calcite
C L - clay
D- dolomite
P2 - Secondary porosity

Fig. 2. A hypothetical diagenetic history for a clean quartz dune sand.

 Downloaded from http://sp.lyellcollection.org/ at University of Birmingham on July 15, 2015
392 M. J. CHESHIRE & B. W. SELLWOOD
modelled. Models are limited at present by the
inaccuracy of many forms of geodata currently
gathered.
Framework of the computer program
Before any modelling can be attempted, a data-
base must be established which contains all the
necessary information (Fig. 1). The database in-
cludes all the wireline log measurements and
observations from available core material. As
has been argued in an earlier work (Cheshire &
Sellwood 1992), wherever possible the petro-
graphic parameters available from core mat-
erials should be quantified, or at least presented
in a numerical form. The data should include
mineralogical information, diagenetic par-
ameters (e.g. degree of quartz cementation on a
scale of I to 10 etc.), grain-size, sorting, compac-
tion (again all semi-quantitatively evaluated).
Observations on core samples may have been
derived from thin-section, SEM, X R D or other
methods (Tucker 1988; Welton 1984). The data-
base also includes other geological data such as
structural maps, maturation and palaeoburial
histories.
After establishing the database the knowledge
base can be constructed (Fig. 1). The knowledge
base contains the data in a form that can be
processed by a computer program. The infor-
mation in the knowledge base comprises three
types of knowledge (knowledge types A, B and
C; Fig. 1).
Sedimentary constraints (knowledge base
Section A)
This part of the knowledge base contains the
constraints that control the variability of the
sedimentary parameters. For example, for a
given rock type, such as a fluvial sandstone from
the Rotliegend, the porosity would be expected
to be in the range of 0% to 20%. However, if
such a sandstone received a carbonate cement its
porosity would be expected to fall in the range of
0% to 10%. Figure 2 shows a possible diagenetic
history for a clean quartzose dune sand. This
simplified version is based upon parageneses
commonly seen in the Rotliegend. As may be
seen, after several phases of diagenetic alteration
(e.g. by Stage 5 in Fig. 2), a range of outcomes is
possible with the parent rock evolving in a
n u m b e r o f potential directions. Each end-mem-
ber represents a rock with different component
compositions. The knowledge base contains
rules that help to constrain the sedimentary
parameters illustrated in Fig. 2.
Process constraints (knowledge base
Section B)
The spatial distribution of diagenetic features in
a sedimentary sequence can be related to pro-
cesses such as fluid flow and palaeoburial. For
example, in the Rotliegend sandstone the influx
of fluids from Zechstein evaporites effects the
distribution of carbonate minerals such as dolo-
mite and siderite. By gaining an understanding
of these processes formulae may be derived to
model the spatial distribution of diagenetic
features.
Rules and empirical formulae to create
synthetic wireline logs (knowledge base
Section C)
For each core sample analysed a synthetic wire-
line log response can be generated by using the
formula: n
L : Z V,L, (1)
i=l
where n
~ _ V i = 1.
i=1
Here L is the wireline log response for a rock
containing n components, Vi is the proportional
volume of component i, and L i the pure log
response for component i. The empirical equa-
tion (1) only gives an approximation to the true
log response. Differences between the true log
response and the synthetic log response (using
equation (1)) may be due to textural factors (e.g.
grain sorting, packing anisotropy and cemen-
tation).
If we consider a two-component rock (Fig. 3),
then using equation (1) a straight line relation-
ship would exist in the predicted log response
(i.e. between L i and Lj in Fig. 3) as the pro-
portion of the two components changes. How-
ever, because of the textural factors referred to
above, it is normally the case that the true
relationship is better modelled by a curved line
(Fig. 3). The curve may also lie below the
straight line. The curved line can be expressed
using the quadratic equation (equation (2))
and the straight line using the linear equation
(equation (3)):
Yq(x)=-4D 2+x 2+(Lj-L i + 4 D ) x + L i (2)
YL (x) = (Lj -- Li) x + Li (3)
L i and Lj are the pure log responses as shown in
 Downloaded from http://sp.lyellcollection.org/ at University of Birmingham on July 15, 2015
SANDSTONE
Y axis .., D
0 I -- X axis
( I00 50
( 0 50
Fig. 3. The determination of a correction factor for a two-component rock.
Fig. 3. The maximum of the curve from the
straight line is expressed as D (Fig. 3). It is
assumed that this maximum deviation (D-factor)
will occur when the two components have a
50:50 ratio. The difference between equations
(2) and (3) is a correction that must be applied to
equation (1) for a two-component rock. The
correction, as a function of x (see Fig. 3), is:
Di~ (x) = Ye (x) + YL (x) (4)
For a system with more than two components,
a more complex correction would be necessary.
However, because of the problem of calculating
a D-factor, it is sufficient to apply a linear
correction (a correction for two components) for
each pair of components within a rock.
The corrected formula is
1 n i 1
L¢=L+(n 1) ~ Z Du(Vi + V1) (5)
j i=
L is the synthetic log response generated by
using equation (1). Dij is the correction for the
pair of components i and j. V i and V~ are the
proportional volumes of components i and j.
Because more than n corrections are applied, the
overall addition of the corrections needs to be
scaled down. Each correction should be pro-
portional to the volume of the two components
to which it applies.
To use equation (5) it is necessary to calculate
D-factors for each pair of components in a rock,
and for each type of wireline logging tool. In
reality it is only worth calculating the D-factors
for those relationships with extreme deviations
from the straight line. Slight modifications to the
formula are necessary if this is done. Data gen-
erated in laboratory and wireline log measure-
ments provide the information necessary for the
calculation of actual D-factors. Because rocks
usually contain more than two components, the
D-factors that are calculated will be summations
of the linear D-factors. Of course, in such cases
it is necessary to use more than one wireline
log measurement, and to solve simultaneous
DIAGENESIS 393
.YL (X)
.../ ...,,..Yo (X)
0 - - Proportional vol. of i )
I00 -- Proportional vol. of j )
equations, in order that linear D-factors may
be calculated. In reality it is often difficult to
establish D-factors in this way and certain
assumptions about them need to be made.
It can sometimes be established that the D-
factors relate to certain sedimentary parameters.
For example, the D-factor between quartz
(grains and quartz cement) and water-filled por-
osity is a function of grain-related parameters
(e.g. size, sorting, alignment, etc.). Where such
relationships exist, or can be established, they
can be used to refine the magnitude of the
D-values. Such information about D-factors is
incorporated in section C of the knowledge base.
The use of a correction factor, as described
earlier, prevents the equation (5) from becoming
unnecessarily complicated and only a relatively
small number of additional parameters (the
D-factors) need to be established.
Once an adequate knowledge base has been
acquired the validity of the empirical relation-
ships, and rules, can be checked by comparing
specific core samples with actual wireline re-
sponses. The knowledge base will need to be
refined until a satisfactory confidence level has
been achieved. In practice, it will take time
before the confidence level becomes commer-
cially acceptable because of practical limitations
on the size of the knowledge base.
Sedimentary parameters
The final step in the processing technique is
illustrated in the lower part of Fig. 1. This
involves, for a given borehole, defining sedimen-
tary parameters for rock units on a bed, or
electro-facies scale. These parameters can be
defined by using the models incorporated into
Section B of the knowledge base. These par-
ameters must satisfy the constraints defined in
Section A of the knowledge base. Synthetic logs
are then generated using the empirical formulae
and rules in Section C of the knowledge base.
The synthetic traces can then be compared with
the actual traces obtained from the borehole.
Then, the sedimentary parameters are modified
 Downloaded from http://sp.lyellcollection.org/ at University of Birmingham on July 15, 2015
394 M. J. CHESHIRE & B. W. SELLWOOD
iteratively until the best fit between the traces is
obtained. This should lead to an accurate and
representative assessment of the true borehole
geology. This m e t h o d does not give a unique
interpretation of the data but it provides an
interpretation which is geologically realistic.
Conclusion
At present, and with only a limited but growing
knowledge base, only major diagenetic effects
can be recognized in the Rotliegend and Sher-
wood sandstone pilot studies. In the Rotliegend
the e m p l a c e m e n t of dense c a r b o n a t e minerals
such as dolomite and siderite can be recognized.
References
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