Reservoir quality evaluation of the Asmari Formation in the framework of sequence stratigraphy in one of the Iranian SW oilfield

The Oligo-Miocene Asmari Formation forms the main reservoir rock of many Dezful Embayment fields. Microfacies analysis, diagenetic features, and sequence stratigraphic evaluation of the Asmari Formation were carried out based on the petrographic investigation, petrophysical logs, and core measurement porosity and permeability data. Petrographic analyses led to the identification of twelve microfacies indicating five subenvironments including tidal flat, lagoon, barrier (belonging to inner ramp), middle ramp, and outer ramp, all of which are representing a homoclinal ramp. Tidal flat, lagoonal, and barrier microfacies are mostly present in the upper parts of the Asmari Formation, while middle and outer ramp microfacies were largely developed in the middle part. Cementation, compaction, dolomitization, dissolution, and fracturing are the main diagenetic processes in this formation. Compaction and cementation have negatively affected reservoir quality while fracturing, dolomitization, and dissolution contributed to reservoir quality enhancement. The sequence stratigraphic studies represent three 3rd order sequences of early Aquitanian, late Aquitanian, and early Burdigalian age based on the main features of microfaces, their depositional environments, and shallowing and deepening-upward trends. Microfacies of the Transgressive System Tract (TST) have been affected by compaction, dissolution (moldic), cementation, and slightly dolomitization in the middle to outer ramp parts. The Highstand System Tract in the inner ramp part has been affected by dolomitization, dissolution, and fracturing close to the sequence boundaries, and has a better reservoir quality than the Transgressive System Tract.