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Outcrop Analogue of Subsurface Carbonate Slope Depositional Systems, Aptian, Maestrat Basin, Spain
- Publisher: European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers
- Source: Conference Proceedings, 74th EAGE Conference and Exhibition incorporating EUROPEC 2012, Jun 2012, cp-293-00512
- ISBN: 978-90-73834-27-9
Abstract
The Aptian carbonate slope successions of the western Maestrat Basin (Spain) exhibit excellent two-dimensional exposures and seismic-scale geometries. Thus, they constitute good outcrop analogues for Aptian subsurface reservoirs developed in slope settings. These sedimentary successions are characterized by an alternation of limestones, marly limestones and marl intervals. Basinwards, the slope deposits pass laterally to basin marls with ammonites. Towards the platform top, the slope marl intervals pinch out, whereas the limestone and marly limestone layers become amalgamated into thicker beds. The limestones and marly limestones exhibit floatstone and rudstone textures with fragments of corals, rudist bivalves, and gastropods. The generally coarse and badly sorted fabric of the limestones offers a good potential for primary porosity, while dissolution of aragonitic skeletons (corals, rudists, gastropods) leads to secondary porosity. The slope marl intervals contain isolated autochthonous scleractinian colonies, but nevertheless have the potential to become a seal.