Development and distribution of bed-parallel compaction bands and pressure solution seams in carbonates (Bolognano Formation, Majella Mountain, Italy)

The Oligo-Miocene carbonates pertaining to the Bolognano Formation, cropping out at the Majella Mountain, Italy, are diffusely crosscut by bed-parallel structural elements such as compaction bands and pressure solution seams. These bed-parallel structural elements formed under a vertical loading, during the progressive burial of the carbonates. The present work focuses on the control exerted on their development and distribution by compositional, sedimentological and pore network characteristics of the studied carbonates. The main results are consistent with the following statements: (i) bed-parallel compaction bands developed only within the poorly cemented, porous grainstones (2D porosity > 10%; 3D porosity > 15%); (ii) distribution of these bands was strongly controlled by both sorting and sphericity of the carbonate grains, as well as by the amount of intergranular macroporosity; (iii) bed-parallel pressure solution seams formed, mainly, within the fine-grained packstones, which are characterized by small amounts of clayish matrix (2–4% of total rock volume), and well-sorted, spherical carbonate grains.Considering the impact that burial-related, bed-parallel structures may have on fluid flow, the results provided in this contribution can help the management of subsurface geofluids, and overall prediction of carbonate reservoir quality, by mapping/simulating/assessing carbonate facies.

► Carbonate reservoir characterization. ► Development of bed-parallel compaction bands and pressure solution seams. ► Influence of host rock characteristics on development of bed-parallel structures. ► Prediction of distribution of bed-parallel structures.