Quantification of Detrital, Authigenic and Porosity Components of the Fontainebleau Sandstone: A Comparison of Conventional Optical and Combined Scanning Electron Microscope-Based Methods of Modal Analyses

  1. Richard H. Worden5,
  2. Sadoon Morad6
  1. M. R. Cooper1,
  2. J. Evans2,
  3. S. S. Flint3,
  4. A. J. C. Hogg4,
  5. R. H. Hunter3

Published Online: 17 MAR 2009

DOI: 10.1002/9781444304237.ch7

Book Title

Quartz Cementation in Sandstones

Quartz Cementation in Sandstones

Additional Information

How to Cite

Cooper, M. R., Evans, J., Flint, S. S., Hogg, A. J. C. and Hunter, R. H. (2009) Quantification of Detrital, Authigenic and Porosity Components of the Fontainebleau Sandstone: A Comparison of Conventional Optical and Combined Scanning Electron Microscope-Based Methods of Modal Analyses, in Quartz Cementation in Sandstones (eds R. H. Worden and S. Morad), Blackwell Publishing Ltd., Oxford, UK. doi: 10.1002/9781444304237.ch7

Editor Information

  1. 5

    School of Geosciences, The Queen's University, Belfast, BT7 1NN, UK

  2. 6

    Sedimentary Geology Research Group, Institute of Earth Sciences, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18 B, S–75236, Uppsala, Sweden

Author Information

  1. 1

    Geological Survey of Northern Ireland, 20 College Gardens, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT9 6BS, UK

  2. 2

    BP Exploration Operating Co. Ltd, Sherwood House, Holton Heath Trading Park, Poole, Dorset, BH16 6LS, UK

  3. 3

    Department of Earth Sciences, Jane Herdman Laboratories, University of Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK

  4. 4

    BP Kuwait Ltd, PO Box 29335, Safat 13039, Kuwait

Publication History

  1. Published Online: 17 MAR 2009
  2. Published Print: 3 MAR 2000

ISBN Information

Print ISBN: 9780632054824

Online ISBN: 9781444304237

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Keywords:

  • quantification of detrital, authigenic and porosity components of Fontainebleau sandstone;
  • quartz arenites - sandstones containing detrital quartz;
  • Fontainebleau Sandstone forming part of Paris Basin;
  • detrital texture;
  • modal analysis—methods;
  • SEM-based combined BSEM, CL and image analysis;
  • image processing and analysis;
  • measurement of post-cementation intergranular porosity

Summary

Textural and mineralogical maturity make the Fontainebleau Sandstone an ideal quartz arenite in which to investigate porosity reduction which has occurred by compaction and quartz cementation. However, measurement of quartz overgrowth volumes, using optical point counting methods, is problematic due to difficulties in distinguishing between detrital grains and overgrowths.

Optical point counting and scanning electron microscope (SEM)-based modal analysis methods have been undertaken on samples to independently measure the percentages of detrital quartz, quartz overgrowths, porosity and minus-cement porosity. Total core-plug porosity was measured using helium porosimetry. The results of each technique are compared in order to highlight the advantages, possible errors and/or limitations imposed by each method.

Comparison of total porosity measured using point counting with helium porosity shows that point counting results are at fault. Total porosities measured using the SEM and helium porosimetry methods are almost identical. It is proposed that the SEM-based method could be used to correct optical data sets, producing quantitative data at relatively low cost.

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