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Eocene carbonate microfacies distribution of the Chorgali Formation, Gali Jagir, Khair-e-Murat Range, Potwar Plateau, Pakistan: approach of reservoir potential using outcrop analogue

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Abstract

A detailed study on the microfacies and depositional setting in the context of reservoir assessment of the Eocene Chorgali Formation exposed in the Khair-e-Murat Range, Pakistan, has been conducted. The investigation is based on carbonate rock samples collected from two stratigraphic sections. Five microfacies are identified including (1) non-laminated mudstone, (2) algal laminated mudstone, (3) dolomitized mudstone, (4) wackestone, and (5) siliciclastic mudstone. The Chorgali Formation was deposited in a predominantly tidal environment. The vertical distribution of the facies shows cyclicity that affects reservoir characteristics. All three genetic porosity types (i.e., depositional, diagenetic, and fracture porosity) are observed. The primary porosity types include fenestral and intracrystalline/intraparticle porosity (modified and enhanced by diagenesis, i.e., dissolution), while the secondary pore types identified are intercrystalline, moldic, vuggy, and fracture porosity. The vuggy and fracture porosities are the dominant secondary porosities disclosing that diagenesis and fracturing played a vital role in the development of porosity of the Chorgali Formation.

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Acknowledgments

The authors greatly acknowledge the facilities provided by the National Centre of Excellence in Geology, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan. The authors are also thankful to the Centralized Resource Laboratory (CRL), University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan, for SEM analysis. This work was partially benefited from project # 7888/KPK/NRPU/R&D/HEC/2017 during the review process.

Funding

This study received financial support from the National Centre of Excellence in Geology, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geology, University of Swabi, Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

    Muhammad Awais

  2. National Centre of Excellence in Geology, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

    Muhammad Awais, Muhammad Hanif, Irfan U. Jan, Muhammad Ishaq & Muhammad Younis Khan

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Correspondence to Muhammad Awais.

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Awais, M., Hanif, M., Jan, I.U. et al. Eocene carbonate microfacies distribution of the Chorgali Formation, Gali Jagir, Khair-e-Murat Range, Potwar Plateau, Pakistan: approach of reservoir potential using outcrop analogue. Arab J Geosci 13, 594 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-020-05377-9

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