The Matera Carbonate Structural High: An Outcrop Analogue For Hydrocarbon Plays In The Mediterranean Region

The vertical and lateral facies variability related to the different depositional environments combined with the distribution of contrasting fracture network have relevant impacts on carbonate reservoir properties. In this study, we examine the impact of these features in a carbonate system composed of vertically-coupled porous-tight carbonates exposed on a structural high around the city of Matera in Southern Italy. The different facies, depositional processes and fracture characteristics that can be expected on similar subsurface settings are here documented from the selected outcrop analogue. The horst shows different lithologies and sedimentary bodies related to the occurrence of different processes linked to the morpho-tectonic configuration of the substratum and to the hydrodynamic conditions. The deformation mechanisms reflect the mechanical stratigraphy variation from tight to porous carbonates and the contrasting F&F networks (i.e., deformation bands vs. fractures) have opposite perturbations on porosity and permeability on these types of reservoirs. The presented case is an excellent outcrop analogue for hydrocarbon plays within porous-tight carbonates localised over structural highs in the Mediterranean region (e.g., Adriatic Sea; Sirte Basin) shedding light on the stratigraphic, sedimentary and structural complexities that can be expected in the subsurface.