Date of Award
12-1987
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Geological and Environmental Sciences
First Advisor
Dr. William B. Harrison III
Second Advisor
Dr. David A. Barnes
Third Advisor
Dr. W. Thomas Straw
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
The Lucas Formation in the West Branch Oil Field contains over 1000 feet of carbonates and evaporites deposited in restricted marine environments. Deposition ranged from a tidal flat environment (Richfield Member) to subaqueous basin central type deposition (Iutzi and Horner Members).
Early diagenesis of the Lucas Formation carbonates included dolomitization and related porosity development in certain depositional facies where physiochemical conditions were favorable. Significant porosity and permeability reduction occurred during burial resulting from anhydrite, celestite, and halite cementation. Calcite pseudopar and microspar (a neomorphic product) also reduced porosity.
Hydrocarbon production from the Lucas Formation in the West Branch Field is apparently restricted to early dolomitized diagenetic facies lacking significant later cements. Variation in reservoir quality is interpreted to be controlled by variations in diagenetic facies.
Recommended Citation
Park, Scott Gregory, "Deposition, Diagenesis, and Porosity Development of the Middle Devonian, Lucas Formation in the West Branch Oil Field, Ogemaw County, Michigan" (1987). Masters Theses. 1249.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/1249