Quantification of variability in laminated sediments: a role for the probe permeameter in improved reservoir characterization

Fluvial and aeolian reservoirs are commonly laminated. Cross-bedding, for example, in these environments comprises foresets of contrasting grain size and sorting resulting from periodic fluctuations in depositional current strengths. These contrasts are commonly associated with variations in permeability. The recent development of a small-scale permeability measurement device (probe permeameter) allows quantification of these contrasts. Laminated sediments can now be described numerically in terms of permeability variability. Such measurements provide an appropriate quantity for comparison of lamination styles and are useful in reservoir characterisation. The paper illustrates the measurement of permeability variability with probe permeameter data from the Etive and Rannoch Formations (Middle Jurassic, lower Brent Group, North Sea). -from Authors