Effects of Clay Content on Porosity Versus Depth Trends

Based on a calibrated model for porosity versus depth in sedimentary basins, the impact of clay content is described. The model is based on rock mechanical principles, and describe porosity as a function of pore compaction and effective stress. The results show that local clay content affect both the initial (sea floor) porosity and the resistance against compaction while the average clay content in the overburden affects the effective stress. Such models may be applicable for pore pressure prediction as well as modelling of hydrocarbon migration, basin modelling and seismic velocity inversion.