Chapter 13: Rock Properties

Rock and fluid properties provide the common denominator around which we build the models, interpretations, and predictions of petroleum engineering, as well as geology and geophysics. We consider here the properties of sedimentary rocks, particularly those that make up hydrocarbon reservoirs. Usually, these consist of sandstones, limestones, and dolomites. We must be more inclusive, and consider rocks such as shales, evaporates, and diatomites because these provide the seals, bounding materials, or source rocks to our reservoirs. It is important to note that shales and claystones make up the most abundant rock type in the typical sedimentary column. Features such as seismic signature depend as much on the enclosing shale as on the reservoir sands.