The Role of Moldic Porosity in Paleozoic Kansas Reservoirs and the Association of Original Depositional Facies and Early Diagenesis With Reservoir Properties

Kansas Geological Survey Open-file Report 2003-32

Karst and Porosity

Top of Arbuckle showing Cockpit karst structure (Cansler & Carr, 2001).

Arbuckle and equivalent Midcontinent reservoirs are generally considered to have favorable reservoir qualities directly related to structural highs that resulted from regional uplifts and prolonged subaerial exposure and development of karstic features in the upper 30 to 50 feet of the Arbuckle. Examination of core indicates that karstic processes variously destroyed or enhanced porosity. In some areas karstification significantly enhanced porosity and permeability in a pattern similar to modern karst systems (Figure above) where dissolution follows fracture systems.

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Last updated June 2003
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