1887
Volume 3, Issue 1
  • E-ISSN:
PDF

Abstract

The Bunter Sandstone Formation (BSF) is a target reservoir for the storage of CO in the UK Southern North Sea (UKSNS). Previous industry studies highlighted diagenetic features that influence fluid flow in the BSF but failed to identify the controls and patterns of regional diagenesis that are now needed to inform more accurate prediction of porosity distribution and connectivity for CO storage. This study presents a regional diagenetic model from the petrographical analysis of 78 samples from 12 wells in the northern UKSNS. Diagenetic cements (carbonates, sulfates and halite) are common. Most are early and episodic, patchy at local and regional scales, with periods of replacement and dissolution. Consequential fine-scale heterogeneous compaction textures are unrelated to current or maximum burial depths. Calcrete and dolocrete layers, associated with the formation of displacive eodiagenetic carbonate nodules, form discontinuous millimetre- to metre-thick vertical flow barriers. Halite and anhydrite are developed preferentially in coarser-grained sandstones, resulting in the ‘reservoir quality inversion’ noted in previous studies. There is abundant evidence for local, late mobilization and dissolution of halite and anhydrite, observed to preferentially affect samples from depths above .1400 m, restoring some zones to good porosity. Additional high-density sampling and petrography is recommended, however, to provide the predictability required for CO storage.

[open-access]

Loading

Article metrics loading...

/content/journals/10.1144/geoenergy2024-023
2025-02-17
2026-02-07
Loading full text...

Full text loading...

/deliver/fulltext/geoenergy/3/1/geoenergy2024-023.html?itemId=/content/journals/10.1144/geoenergy2024-023&mimeType=html&fmt=ahah

References

  1. Agada, S., Jackson, S. et al..2017. The impact of energy systems demands on pressure limited CO2 storage in the Bunter Sandstone of the UK Southern North Sea. International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control, 65, 128–136, doi: 10.1016/j.ijggc.2017.08.01410.1016/j.ijggc.2017.08.014
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijggc.2017.08.014 [Google Scholar]
  2. Al-Khdheeawi, E.A., Vialle, S., Barifcani, A., Sarmadivaleh, M. and Iglauer, S. 2017. Impact of reservoir wettability and heterogeneity in CO2-plume migration and trapping capacity. International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control, 58, 142–158, doi: 10.1016/j.ijggc.2017.01.01210.1016/j.ijggc.2017.01.012
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijggc.2017.01.012 [Google Scholar]
  3. Bentham, M., Mallows, T., Lowndes, J. and Green, A. 2014. CO2 STORage Evaluation Database (CO2 Stored). The UK's online storage atlas. Energy Procedia, 63, 5103–5113, doi: 10.1016/j.egypro.2014.11.54010.1016/j.egypro.2014.11.540
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egypro.2014.11.540 [Google Scholar]
  4. Bentham, M., Williams, G., Vosper, H., Chadwick, A., Williams, J. and Kirk, K. 2017. Using pressure recovery at a depleted gas field to understand saline aquifer connectivity. Energy Procedia, 114, 2906–2920, doi: 10.1016/j.egypro.2014.11.54010.1016/j.egypro.2014.11.540
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egypro.2014.11.540 [Google Scholar]
  5. Bifani, R.1986. Esmond Gas Complex. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 23, 209–221, doi: 10.1144/GSL.SP.1986.023.01.1310.1144/GSL.SP.1986.023.01.13
    https://doi.org/10.1144/GSL.SP.1986.023.01.13 [Google Scholar]
  6. Blackbourn, G.A. and Robertson, L.F.2014. Sedimentology, Petrography and Burial History of the Cored Triassic Section in the National Grid Carbon Well 42/25d-3, UK North Sea. Blackbourn Geoconsulting, Bo'ness, West Lothian, UK, https://ndr.ogauthority.co.uk/
    [Google Scholar]
  7. BP2021a. Primary Store Geophysical Model & Report. Key Knowledge Document NS051-SS-REP-000-00013, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6294fc4d8fa8f503921c150a/NS051-SS-REP-000-00013-Geophysical_Model___Report.pdf
    [Google Scholar]
  8. BP2021b. Primary Store Dynamic Model & Report. Key Knowledge Document NS051-SS-REP-000-00015, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6294fca0d3bf7f037097bdc7/NS051-SS-REP-000-00015-Dynamic_Model___Report.pdf
    [Google Scholar]
  9. BP2021c. Primary Store Geological Model & Report. Key Knowledge Document NS051-SS-REP-000-00014, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6294fc6cd3bf7f03667c656e/NS051-SS-REP-000-00014-Geological_Model___Report.pdf
    [Google Scholar]
  10. BP2022. Alternative Stores and Notional Development Plan. Key Knowledge Document NS051-SS-REP-000-0002, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6295281be90e070394dbc161/NS051-SS-REP-000-00022-Alt_Stores___Notional_Dev_Plan.pdf
    [Google Scholar]
  11. Bulat, J. and Stoker, S.J.1987. Uplift determination from interval velocity studies, UK southern North Sea. In: Brooks, J. and Glennie, K.W. (eds) Proceedings of the 3rd Conference on Petroleum Geology of North West Europe. Graham & Trotman, London, 293–305.
    [Google Scholar]
  12. Burley, S.D. 1984. Patterns of diagenesis in the Sherwood Sandstone Group (Triassic), United Kingdom. Clay Minerals, 19, 403–440, doi: 10.1180/claymin.1984.019.3.1110.1180/claymin.1984.019.3.11
    https://doi.org/10.1180/claymin.1984.019.3.11 [Google Scholar]
  13. Cameron, T.D.J., Crosby, A., Balson, P.S., Jeffery, D.H., Lott, G.K., Bulat, J. and Harrison, D.J.1992. The Geology of the Southern North Sea. United Kingdom Offshore Regional Report. British Geological Survey and HMSO, London.
    [Google Scholar]
  14. Coles, B. 1998. Doggerland: a speculative survey. Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society, 64, 45–81, doi: 10.1017/S0079497X0000217610.1017/S0079497X00002176
    https://doi.org/10.1017/S0079497X00002176 [Google Scholar]
  15. Day, G.A., Cooper, B.A., Andersen, C., Burgers, W.F.J., Rønnevik, H.C. and Schoneich, H.1981. Regional seismic structure maps of the North Sea. In: Hobson, G.D. and Illing, L.V. (eds) Petroleum Geology of the Continental Shelf of North-West Europe. Institute of Petroleum, London, 76–84.
    [Google Scholar]
  16. Dingwall, S., Furnival, S., Wright, S. and Morrison, D.2013. Integrated subsurface evaluation of a saline aquifer selected for CO2 disposal. In: 75th EAGE Conference & Exhibition incorporating SPE EUROPEC 2013. European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers (EAGE), Houten, The Netherlands, doi: 10.3997/2214-4609.2013082210.3997/2214‑4609.20130822
    https://doi.org/10.3997/2214-4609.20130822 [Google Scholar]
  17. Doornenbal, H. and Stevenson, A. (eds) 2010. Petroleum Geological Atlas of the Southern Permian Basin Area. EAGE, Houten, The Netherlands.
    [Google Scholar]
  18. Fang, X., Lv, Y., Yuan, C., Zhu, X., Guo, J., Liu, W. and Li, H. 2023. Effects of reservoir heterogeneity on CO2 dissolution efficiency in randomly multilayered formations. Energies, 16, 5219, doi: 10.3390/en1613521910.3390/en16135219
    https://doi.org/10.3390/en16135219 [Google Scholar]
  19. Furnival, S., Wright, S., Dingwall, S., Bailey, P., Brown, A., Morrison, D. and De Silva, R. 2014. Subsurface characterisation of a saline aquifer cited for commercial scale CO2 disposal. Energy Procedia, 63, 4926–4936, doi: 10.1016/j.egypro.2014.11.52310.1016/j.egypro.2014.11.523
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egypro.2014.11.523 [Google Scholar]
  20. Gammer, D., Green, A., Holloway, S. and Smith, G.2011. The Energy Technologies Institute's UK CO2 Storage Appraisal Project (UKSAP). Paper SPE-148426 presented at theSPE Offshore Europe Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition, 6–8 September 2011, Aberdeen, UK, doi: 10.2118/148426-MS10.2118/148426‑MS
    https://doi.org/10.2118/148426-MS [Google Scholar]
  21. Geluk, M.C.2005. Stratigraphy and Tectonics of Permo-Triassic Basins in the Netherlands and Surrounding Areas. PhD thesis, Universiteit Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
    [Google Scholar]
  22. Geluk, M.C. and Röhling, H.-G. 1997. High-resolution sequence stratigraphy of the Lower Triassic ‘Buntsandstein’ in the Netherlands and northwestern Germany. Geologie en Mijnbouw, 76, 227–246, doi: 10.1023/A:100306252137310.1023/A:1003062521373
    https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1003062521373 [Google Scholar]
  23. Gluyas, J.G. and Bagudu, U.2020. The Endurance CO2 storage site, Blocks 42/25 and 43/21, UK North Sea. Geological Society, London, Memoirs, 52, 163–171, doi: 10.1144/M52-2019-4710.1144/M52‑2019‑47
    https://doi.org/10.1144/M52-2019-47 [Google Scholar]
  24. Harris, C., Jackson, S.J., Benham, G.P., Krevor, S. and Muggeridge, A.H. 2021. The impact of heterogeneity on the capillary trapping of CO2 in the Captain Sandstone. International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control, 112, doi: 10.1016/j.ijggc.2021.10351110.1016/j.ijggc.2021.103511
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijggc.2021.103511 [Google Scholar]
  25. Hollinsworth, A.D., de Jonge-Anderson, I., Underhill, J.R. and Jamieson, R.J. 2022. Geological evaluation of suprasalt carbon storage opportunities in the Silverpit Basin, United Kingdom Southern North Sea. AAPG Bulletin, 106, 1791–1825, doi: 10.1306/0323222111910.1306/03232221119
    https://doi.org/10.1306/03232221119 [Google Scholar]
  26. Holloway, S., Vincent, C.J., Bentham, M.S. and Kirk, K.L. 2006. Top-down and bottom-up estimates of CO2 storage capacity in the UK sector of the Southern North Sea Basin. Environmental Geoscience, 13, 74–81, doi: 10.1306/eg.1108050501510.1306/eg.11080505015
    https://doi.org/10.1306/eg.11080505015 [Google Scholar]
  27. Jackson, S.J. and Krevor, S. 2020. Small-scale capillary heterogeneity linked to rapid plume migration during CO2 storage. Geophysical Research Letters, 47, e2020GL088616, doi: 10.1029/2020GL08861610.1029/2020GL088616
    https://doi.org/10.1029/2020GL088616 [Google Scholar]
  28. James, A., Baines, S. and McCollough, S.2016. Strategic UK CCS Storage Appraisal – WP5A – Bunter Storage Development Plan. Energy Technologies Institute, Loughborough, UK, doi: 10.5286/UKERC.EDC.00026710.5286/UKERC.EDC.000267
    https://doi.org/10.5286/UKERC.EDC.000267 [Google Scholar]
  29. Japsen, P. 2000. Investigation of multi-phase erosion using reconstructed shale trends based on sonic data. Sole Pit axis, North Sea. Global and Planetary Change, 24, 189–210, doi: 10.1016/S0921-8181(00)00008-410.1016/S0921‑8181(00)00008‑4
    https://doi.org/10.1016/S0921-8181(00)00008-4 [Google Scholar]
  30. Johnson, H., Warrington, G. and Stoker, S.J.1994. Permian and Triassic of the southern North Sea. In: Knox, R.W.O'B. and Cordey, W.G. (eds) Lithostratigraphic Nomenclature of the UK North Sea. British Geological Survey for the UK Offshore Operators Association, Nottingham, UK, 33–51.
    [Google Scholar]
  31. Ketter, F.J.1991. The Esmond, Forbes and Gordon Fields, Blocks 43/8a, 43/13a, 43/15a, 43/20a, UK North Sea. Geological Society, London, Memoirs, 14, 425–432, doi: 10.1144/GSL.MEM.1991.014.01.5310.1144/GSL.MEM.1991.014.01.53
    https://doi.org/10.1144/GSL.MEM.1991.014.01.53 [Google Scholar]
  32. Laier, T. and Nielsen, L.B. 1989. Cementing halite in Triassic Bunter Sandstone (Tønder, southwest Denmark) as a result of hyperfiltration of brines. Chemical Geology, 76, 353–363, doi: 10.1016/0009-2541(89)90103-410.1016/0009‑2541(89)90103‑4
    https://doi.org/10.1016/0009-2541(89)90103-4 [Google Scholar]
  33. McKie, T. and Williams, B. 2009. Triassic palaeogeography and fluvial dispersal across the northwest European Basins. Geological Journal, 44, 711–741, doi: 10.1002/gj.120110.1002/gj.1201
    https://doi.org/10.1002/gj.1201 [Google Scholar]
  34. Milodowski, A.E., Strong, G.E., Wilson, K.S., Holloway, S., Bath, A.H., Branch, C.H. and Spiro, B.1987. Diagenetic Influences in the Aquifer Properties of the Permo-Triassic Sandstones in the East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire Basin. Investigation of the Geothermal Potential of the UK. British Geological Survey, Keyworth, Nottingham, UK.
    [Google Scholar]
  35. Monaghan, A., Ford, J. et al..2012. 3D geological models of aquifer and seal rocks at analogue CO2 storage sites in Lincolnshire and eastern Scotland, UK. Proceedings of the Yorkshire Geological Society, 59, 53–76, doi: 10.1144/pygs.59.1.28910.1144/pygs.59.1.289
    https://doi.org/10.1144/pygs.59.1.289 [Google Scholar]
  36. Muir, R.O., Thirwall, M. and Walsh, J.N.1994. The Upper Buntsandstein in Well 49/6A-4. A Sedimentological and Geochemical Investigation of the Origins of the Cements. Royal Holloway, University of London Report, https://ndr.ogauthority.co.uk/
    [Google Scholar]
  37. Newell, A.J. 2018. Rifts, rivers and climate recovery: a new model for the Triassic of England. Proceedings of the Geologists’ Association, 129, 352–371, doi: 10.1016/j.pgeola.2017.04.00110.1016/j.pgeola.2017.04.001
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pgeola.2017.04.001 [Google Scholar]
  38. Noy, D.J., Holloway, S., Chadwick, R.A., Williams, J.D.O., Hannis, S.D. and Lahann, R.W. 2012. Modelling large-scale carbon dioxide injection into the Bunter Sandstone in the UK Southern North Sea. International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control, 9, 220–233, doi: 10.1016/j.ijggc.2012.03.01110.1016/j.ijggc.2012.03.011
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijggc.2012.03.011 [Google Scholar]
  39. Paxton, S.T., Szabo, J.O., Ajdukiewicz, J.M. and Klimentidis, R.E. 2002. Construction of an intergranular volume compaction curve for evaluating and predicting compaction and porosity loss in rigid-grain sandstone reservoirs. AAPG Bulletin, 86, 2047–2067, doi: 10.1306/61EEDDFA-173E-11D7-8645000102C1865D10.1306/61EEDDFA‑173E‑11D7‑8645000102C1865D
    https://doi.org/10.1306/61EEDDFA-173E-11D7-8645000102C1865D [Google Scholar]
  40. Pettijohn, F.J., Potter, O.E. and Seiver, R.1987. Sand and Sandstone. Springer, New York.
    [Google Scholar]
  41. Plant, J.A., Jones, D.G. and Haslam, H.W. (eds) 1999. The Cheshire Basin: Evolution, Fluid Movement and Mineral Resources in a Permo-Triassic Rift Setting. British Geological Survey, Keyworth, Nottingham, UK.
    [Google Scholar]
  42. Poroperm-Geochem Ltd1987. Sedimentological and Petrological Analysis of Core from Wells 44/23-3 and 44/23-5. CSX Oil and Gas (UK) Corp. Report 1956, https://ndr.ogauthority.co.uk/
    [Google Scholar]
  43. Purvis, K. and Okkerman, J.A.1996. Inversion of reservoir quality by early diagenesis: an example from the Triassic Buntsandstein, offshore the Netherlands. In: Rondeel, H.E., Batjes, D.A.J. and Nieuwenhuijs, W.H. (eds) Geology of Gas and Oil Under the Netherlands. Kluwer Academic, The Hague, The Netherlands, 179–189, doi: 10.1007/978-94-009-0121-6_1610.1007/978‑94‑009‑0121‑6_16
    https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-0121-6_16 [Google Scholar]
  44. Ramm, M. and Bjorlykke, K. 1994. Porosity/depth trends in reservoir sandstones; assessing the quantitative effects of varying pore-pressure, temperature history and mineralogy, Norwegian Shelf data. Clay Minerals, 29, 475–490, doi: 10.1180/claymin.1994.029.4.0710.1180/claymin.1994.029.4.07
    https://doi.org/10.1180/claymin.1994.029.4.07 [Google Scholar]
  45. Reynolds, C.A., Blunt, M.J. and Krevor, S. 2018. Multiphase flow characteristics of heterogeneous rocks from CO2 storage reservoirs in the United Kingdom. Water Resources Research, 54, 729–745, doi: 10.1002/2017WR02165110.1002/2017WR021651
    https://doi.org/10.1002/2017WR021651 [Google Scholar]
  46. Ritchie, J.S. and Pratsides, P.1993. The Caister Fields, Block 44/23a, UK North Sea. Geological Society, London, Petroleum Geology Conference Series, 4, 759–769, doi: 10.1144/004075910.1144/0040759
    https://doi.org/10.1144/0040759 [Google Scholar]
  47. Rosenfeld, M A. 1949. Some aspects of porosity and cementation. Producers Monthly, 13, 39–42.
    [Google Scholar]
  48. Ruffell, A. and Hounslow, M.2006. Triassic: seasonal rivers, dusty deserts and saline lakes. In: Rawson, P F. and Brenchley, P. (eds) The Geology of England & Wales. Geological Society, London, 295–325.
    [Google Scholar]
  49. Rushton, J.C., Hannis, S. and Milodowski, A.E.2023. Petrography and Diagenesis of the Bunter Sandstone Formation in the UK Southern North Sea. British Geological Survey Open Report OR/23/054. British Geological Survey, Keyworth, Nottingham, UK, https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/536777
    [Google Scholar]
  50. Smith, D.J., Noy, D.J., Holloway, S. and Chadwick, R.A. 2011. The impact of boundary conditions on CO2 storage capacity estimation in aquifers. Energy Procedia, 4, 4828–4834, doi: 10.1016/j.egypro.2011.02.44910.1016/j.egypro.2011.02.449
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egypro.2011.02.449 [Google Scholar]
  51. Spain, J.D. and Conrad, C.P. 1997. Quantitative analysis of top-seal capacity: offshore Netherlands, southern North Sea. Geologie en Mijnbouw, 76, 217–226, doi: 10.1023/A:100305660977110.1023/A:1003056609771
    https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1003056609771 [Google Scholar]
  52. Strong, G.E. and Milodowski, A.E.1987. Aspects of the diagenesis of the Sherwood Sandstones of the Wessex Basin and their influence on reservoir characteristics. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 36, 325–337, doi: 10.1144/GSL.SP.1987.036.01.2310.1144/GSL.SP.1987.036.01.23
    https://doi.org/10.1144/GSL.SP.1987.036.01.23 [Google Scholar]
  53. Testa, G. and Lugli, S. 2000. Gypsum-anhydrite transformations in Messinian evaporites of central Tuscany (Italy). Sedimentary Geology, 130, 249–268, doi: 10.1016/S0037-0738(99)00118-910.1016/S0037‑0738(99)00118‑9
    https://doi.org/10.1016/S0037-0738(99)00118-9 [Google Scholar]
  54. Underhill, J.R.2003. The tectonic and stratigraphic framework of the United Kingdom's oil and gas fields. Geological Society, London, Memoirs, 20, 17–59, doi: 10.1144/GSL.MEM.2003.020.01.0410.1144/GSL.MEM.2003.020.01.04
    https://doi.org/10.1144/GSL.MEM.2003.020.01.04 [Google Scholar]
  55. Underhill, J.R. 2009. Role of intrusion-induced salt mobility in controlling the formation of the enigmatic ‘Silverpit Crater’, UK Southern North Sea. Petroleum Geoscience, 15197–216, doi: 10.1144/1354-079309-84310.1144/1354‑079309‑843
    https://doi.org/10.1144/1354-079309-843 [Google Scholar]
  56. Van Bergen, F. and de Leeuw, C.S.2001. Salt cementation of reservoir rocks near salt domes in the Netherlands North Sea area – a new mechanism. In: 63rd EAGE Conference & Exhibition. European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers (EAGE), Houten, The Netherlands, doi: 10.3997/2214-4609-pdb.15.P60710.3997/2214‑4609‑pdb.15.P607
    https://doi.org/10.3997/2214-4609-pdb.15.P607 [Google Scholar]
  57. Van Hoorn, B. 1987. Structural evolution, timing and tectonic style of the Sole Pit inversion. Tectonophysics, 137, 239–284, doi: 10.1016/0040-1951(87)90322-210.1016/0040‑1951(87)90322‑2
    https://doi.org/10.1016/0040-1951(87)90322-2 [Google Scholar]
  58. Walker, J., Gaffney, V., Fitch, S., Muru, M., Fraser, A., Bates, M. and Bates, R. 2020. A great wave: the Storegga tsunami and the end of Doggerland?Antiquity, 94, 1409–1425, doi: 10.15184/aqy.2020.4910.15184/aqy.2020.49
    https://doi.org/10.15184/aqy.2020.49 [Google Scholar]
  59. Walker, T.R., Waugh, B. and Grone, A.J. 1978. Diagenesis in first-cycle desert alluvium of Cenozoic age, southwestern United States and northwest Mexico. Geological Society of America Bulletin, 89, 19–32, doi: 10.1130/0016-7606(1978)89%3C19:DIFDAO%3E2.0.CO;210.1130/0016‑7606(1978)89%3C19:DIFDAO%3E2.0.CO;2
    https://doi.org/10.1130/0016-7606(1978)89%3C19:DIFDAO%3E2.0.CO;2 [Google Scholar]
  60. Warren, J.K.2006. Evaporites. Sediments, Resources and Hydrocarbons. Springer, Berlin.
    [Google Scholar]
  61. Williams, J.D.O., Jin, M., Bentham, M., Pickup, G.E., Hannis, S.D. and Mackay, E.J. 2013. Modelling carbon dioxide storage within closed structures in the UK Bunter Sandstone Formation. International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control, 18, 38–50, doi: 10.1016/j.ijggc.2013.06.01510.1016/j.ijggc.2013.06.015
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijggc.2013.06.015 [Google Scholar]
  62. White Rose Project2016. K40: Subsurface Geoscience and Production Chemistry Reports. Technical: Storage. Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), London, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7f8d2440f0b62305b87d51/K40_Subsurface_Geoscience_and_Production_Chemistry.pdf
    [Google Scholar]
  63. Ziegler, P.A. 1982. Triassic rifts and facies patterns in western and central Europe. Geologische Rundschau, 71, 747–772, doi: 10.1007/BF0182110110.1007/BF01821101
    https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01821101 [Google Scholar]
/content/journals/10.1144/geoenergy2024-023
Loading
/content/journals/10.1144/geoenergy2024-023
Loading

Data & Media loading...

  • Article Type: Research Article
This is a required field
Please enter a valid email address
Approval was a Success
Invalid data
An Error Occurred
Approval was partially successful, following selected items could not be processed due to error