Arabian Journal of Geosciences (2020) 13:330

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-020-5241-z

CAJG 2018: TOPIC 10

Clay minerals in fluvial shaley sandstone of upper Triassic reservoir

(TAGS)—Toual field SE Algeria: identification from wireline logs
and core data
El Hadi Mazouz 1 & Messaoud Hamimed 2 & Abdelouahab Yahiaoui 3 & Mohamed Said Benzagouta 1 &
Mohamed Khodja 4 & Nada Achi 1 & Joëlle Duplay 5

Received: 9 July 2019 / Accepted: 24 February 2020

# Saudi Society for Geosciences 2020

Abstract
The present investigation attempts to highlight clay minerals existing in fluvial shaley sandstones belonging to the upper Triassic
(Rhaetian) reservoir using the French abbreviation “TAGS” for Trias argilo-gréseux supérieur. This reservoir is localized in the
Toual field-SE of Algeria. In the absence of core samples, three main types of clay minerals are detected by wireline log analysis
and core laboratory data (porosity and permeability measurements). To differentiate allogenic clay (laminated and structural
clays) from authigenic clay (dispersed clay), Thomas and Stieber petrophysical model (shale volume versus total porosity) was
applied. This model clearly shows that dispersed clay type has a leading presence in the reservoir’s sandstone. The Neasham
petrophysical model (porosity versus permeability) allowed us to find that authigenic illite (a dispersed type of clay) is dominant
in TAGS sandstones. This model also shows that permeability is highly influenced by authigenic illite whereas porosity is less
affected.

Keywords Clay minerals . Sandstone . Upper Triassic . TAGS . Toual field

Introduction (Sonatrach EXPL 2010a). More than 25 wells have been iden-
tified across the reservoir from 1962 until present time
The French abbreviation TAGS for “Trias Argilo-Gréseux (Sonatrach DPGTL 2011; Mazouz 2018) (Fig. 3).
Supérieur” is the upper Triassic (Rhaetian) shaley sandstone Except the presence of illite and halite in TAGS sandstone
reservoir well known in the Saharan platform. The present as authigenic minerals indicated by Mazouz et al. (2017), rare
paper is studying TAGS in the Toual field located in Gassi papers have investigated the diagenesis features of TAGS.
Touil area in the south-east of Algeria (Figs. 1, 2, and 3). Only information about the depositional environment
TAGS reservoir is covering about 5 × 10 km2 in surface (lithofacies, sedimentary structures, and paleocurents) and
general reservoir information (geometry and main
petrophysical properties) are found (Askri et al. 1995;
This paper was selected from the 1st Conference of the Arabian Journal of Echikh 1998; Zeroug et al. 2007; Galeazzi et al. 2010;
Geosciences (CAJG), Tunisia 2018
Sonatrach DPGTL 2011). In order to clear up some diagenetic
aspects, this paper contributes, using some petrophysical
* El Hadi Mazouz
emazouz@yahoo.fr
methods, to clarify the existence of authigenic clays in
TAGS sandstone.
1
University of Larbi Ben M’Hidi, 04000 Oum-El-Bouaghi, Algeria
2
Larbi Tebessi University, 12000 Tebessa, Algeria
3
Mostapha Benboulaid (Batna-2) University, 05000 Batna, Algeria Geological setting
4
Sonatrach Research Department, 16000 Hydra, Algiers, Algeria
5 TAGS structure is represented by a NNE-SSW oriented
LHyGes Strasbourg University, Strasbourg, France
anticline (Figs. 4 and 5) resulting from the Alpine
 330 Page 2 of 17
Fig. 1 Toual field position in the
Algerian Saharan platform
(Modified from Askri et al 1995)
orogeny (Askri et al. 1995). With an average of a hundred
of meters in thickness, TAGS formation is divided into
two members (Fig. 6): lower TAGS (sandy member)
interpreted as fluvial channels deposits with few clay
sheets, and upper TAGS (shaley member) which consist
of sand lenses incorporated in thick muddy interval attrib-
uted to shallow marine sabkha. This model is shown in an
electrofacies cross section with TAGS bottom as reference
(Fig. 7) (Mazouz 2018).
Echikh (1998) has created a paleogeographic model of
the Triassic period around the Berkine basin (Berkine ba-
sin, Algerian part of Ghademes basin). The region of our
study is located (in this model) in the continental margin,
between the El Biod arch and the Berkine Basin (Fig. 8),
with a fluvial network of braided networks. The heteroge-
neity of the Triassic sedimentary deposits is not due solely
to the nature of the deposition medium (fluvial), it is also
related to the topography developed on the Hercynian
unconformity (Benrabah et al. 1991 in Echikh 1998).
Triassic sediments originate from the erosion of El Biod
paleomountains outcrops with a high sand/clay ratio,
which has led to the development of sandstone bodies
with considerable lateral extension and good reservoir
quality (Echikh 1998).
The TAGS reservoir lower seal (Trias Carbonaté) and
upper seal (Lias argileux) (Fig. 7) are both considered as
Arab J Geosci (2020) 13:330
shallow marine deposits—sabkha (Askri et al. 1995;
Zeroug et al. 2007; Galeazzi et al. 2010 and Mazouz
et al. 2017). Silurian black shale with graptolites is con-
sidered the source rock of all Triassic reservoirs.
Reservoir trap system is a mixed type (structural and strat-
igraphic) (Askri et al. 1995).
Methods
Usually, rock minerals are described through microscopic
techniques. In the absence of physical samples, wireline
logs and core data are used for this purpose. This tech-
nique has given good results in many surveys (e.g., Allen
1979; Wendt et al. 1986; Bloch 1991; Yan 2002; Chow
et al. 2005; Lai et al. 2016).
Clay types—state of the art
The distribution of clays in sandstones is an important
factor for the petrophysical analysis of clayey sandstones.
Knowing the modes of occurrence of clays in sandstone,
petrophysical parameters are easily evaluated. However,
we distinguish three types of clays: (1) laminated clay,
(2) structural clay, and (3) dispersed clay (Figs. 9, 10,
and 11) (Heslop 1975; Serra 1979; Bateman 1985;
Arab J Geosci (2020) 13:330
Fig. 2 Stratigraphic position of
TAGS reservoir in Toual field
(Modified from Mazouz et al.
2017)
Bassiouni 1994; Tiab and Donaldson 2004; Barber et al.
2007; Jahn et al. 2008; Darwin and Julian 2008; Hugh-
Skelt 2014).
1) Laminated clay: It corresponds to clays deposited
in fine beds between two reservoir layers. This cat-
egory of clay does not affect the useful porosity
(Fig. 10), the saturation and the permeability of
the reservoir (at least if they do not create lateral
barriers of permeability). Moreover, this clay has
the same petrophysical characteristics as the host
clays; they are in thicker banks, since they undergo
Page 3 of 17 330
the same constraints. In this type of clay, the per-
centage of clay minerals can vary significantly (be-
tween 60 and 100%). When the laminated clay in-
cludes silts, the shale fraction is defined as (Vsh) is
actually the sum of the percent silt and clay (Serra
1979; Serra and Serra 2003).
2) Structural clay: It corresponds to the clays which ap-
pear in grains or nodules playing the same role as the
other grains of the matrix. As a result, we admit that
they are subject to the same constraints and have the
same characteristics as laminated clays (Serra 1979).
 330 Page 4 of 17
Fig. 3 Toual field structural location in a regional geological cross section (Modified from Askri et al. 1995)
3) Dispersed clay: It is a category of clay, which ad-
heres to the matrix grains (for example quartz grains)
or which coats them or which partially occupies the
pores. As a result, they do not resist the same con-
straints as grains and do not have the same charac-
teristics as laminated clays. In terms of permeability,
this type of clay decreases it considerably because,
on the one hand, the pores and canaliculis are
narrowed by the clay and, on the other hand, the
clay generally has wettability with more water great-
er than quartz. All of this helps to increase water
saturation and slow down the flow of hydrocarbons
(Serra 1979).
These different types of clay can be met simultaneously in
the same formation. However, laminated and structural clays
are essentially detrital clay, whereas dispersed clay consists
mainly of authigenic clay (Serra 1979).
Clay types in sandstone: identification from well logs
To recognize clay types in sandstone, we have used Thomas
and Stieber model (Thomas and Stieber 1975) (Fig. 12). This
model consists of a cross-plot of shale volume (Vsh) versus
total porosity (ØT).
Parameters indicated on the cross-plot (Fig. 12) are calcu-
lated (Table 1) or read from logs (Figs. 16 and 17):
– Øs: Clean sandstone porosity is the maximal porosity in
the studied interval; it is read directly from porosity log
ØT.
– 3AL2 Si2 O5 ðOHÞ4 þ 2Kþ → 2KAl3 Si3 O10 ðOHÞ2 þ 2Hþ þ 3H2 O
Øsh: Shale porosity is read from ØT log (in front of the
highest value of Vsh).
Arab J Geosci (2020) 13:330
Clay mineral in sandstone: identification from well
logs
To recognize clay types in sandstone, we used the cross
plot Thorium/Potassium-CP19 (Schlumberger 2000)
(Fig. 13). This cross plot represents an efficient tool for
mineral identification in rocks especially clay minerals.
Thorium and potassium rates are given using spectral
gamma ray tool.
Dispersed clay minerals in sandstone
Neasham model (Neasham 1977) (Fig. 14) is used to distin-
guish between three sub-types of dispersed clays and their
relation with the quality of the reservoir. The used data were
porosity and permeability core laboratory measurements (Ø &
K). Neasham model equivalent is presented using North’s
model (1985) (Fig. 15).
Illitization process
Alteration processes and early diagenesis release cations from
silicate minerals in the solutions. In their roles, the alteration
products attract (H+) to form kaolinite, smectite, and interstrat-
ified clays.
When the sediment depth increases with high temperatures,
these minerals become unstable and the reverse reaction oc-
curs (Bjorlykke 1988).
Kaolinite (a product of alteration of feldspars and detritital
smectite clays) in the presence of potassium between 120 and
150 °C becomes unstable and becomes illite (Hower et al.
1976 in Bjorlykke 1988).
ð1Þ
Kaolinite Illite
Arab J Geosci (2020) 13:330 Page 5 of 17 330

Fig. 4 Isobaths TAGS in Toual field enlarged from the map of isobaths TAGS in Gassi Touil area. (Modified from Sonatrach EXPL 2010b)

The decrease of potassium with depth militates in favor of Based on the available data, we have drawn only a cross
this transformation (Hower 1976 in Bjorlykke 1988). plot constraining potassium (in %) to depth (in meter) to con-
firm illitization of kaolinite.

3KAlSiO8 þ 2Hþ → KAl3 Si3 O10 ðOHÞ2 þ 6SiO2 þ 2Kþ

Potassium Feldspar Illite
ð2Þ Results and discussion

By combining the reactions (1) and (2), we find: Dominance of dispersed clay type in TAGS sandstone

The simple lecture of the composite logs of wells 14 and

AL2 Si2 O5 ðOHÞ4 þ KAlSiO8 → KAl3 Si3 O10 ðOHÞ2 þ 2SiO2 þ H2 O
Kaolinite Potassium Feldspar Illite 15 is shown respectively in Figs. 16 and 17 (Track 4:
Lithology) the abundance of dispersed clay (authigenic)
 330 Page 6 of 17
Fig. 5 Wells position map in SE of Toual field (Mazouz 2018).
(Intentionally presented without geographic coordinates)
in TAGS sandstone. The laminated clay is abundant in
shaley zones but it is rare in sandstone levels. Structural
clay is very rare.
To confirm the above log lecture, we apply Thomas and
Stieber model.
Sandstone and shale porosities (Øs and Øsh) for wells (14
and 15) are taken from logs (Figs. 16 and 17) before proceed-
ing to the model application. The rest of the parameters are
calculated (Table 1). The cutoff used for the shale volume
(Vsh) is 50%.
The Thomas and Stieber model for TAGS sandstones
(Figs. 18 and 19) allows us to conclude that dispersed
clays (authigenic ones) are dominant in this siliciclastic
reservoir.
Clay minerals in TAGS sandstone
Clay minerals distribution in TAGS sandstone based on
thorium/potassium cross-plot was conducted in four wells
(7, 8, 9, and 15) (Fig. 20). It shows the presence of chlorite,
illite, micas, glauconite, and stratified clays with the abun-
dance of illite and stratified clays.
The presence of glauconite in TAGS sandstone in
such conditions (fluvial deposits) let us ask many ques-
tions. If knowing that the precipitation depth of
Arab J Geosci (2020) 13:330
glauconite varies between 150 and 300 m (Biju-Duval
1999) in platform deposits (marine environment), we
can only attribute this mineral only to a detrital origin
where the marin sediments have been reworked.
Dominance of illite in TAGS sandstone
Figure 21 shows the Neasham model (1977). Three zones
representing three minerals of dispersed clays, the most
populated zone is the third one (Illite zone) with a weak
permeability range (K < 0.01 mD). Porosity ranges of the
three zones are relatively closet if compared with perme-
ability ones.
Illitization of kaolinite
The inverse correlation of potassium with the depth recorded
in wells 14 and 15 (Fig. 22) confirms the phenomenon of
transformation of kaolinite in the presence of potassium to
illite as indicated by Bjorlykke 1988.
Conclusions
The investigation of authigenic clay minerals without
physical samples (direct data) is possible but it is not an
easy issue. The present work attempts to extract maxi-
mum information from indirect data (well logs and core
measurements).
Shale volume/total porosity cross-plot (Thomas and
Stieber model 1975) applied for TAGS sandstone indi-
cates that dispersed clays are the main type of clay pres-
ent in this reservoir. Structural clay type is very rare
whereas laminated clay is rare in sandstone but it is
presented in shaley zones by detrital clays sheets which
act as secondary seals in TAGS reservoir.
Potassium/thorium cross-plot (CP19–Schlumberger 2000)
conducted in four wells allow us to identify several clay min-
erals with the preponderance of illite.
Porosity/permeability cross plot (Neasham model 1977)
indicates that dispersed clays are represented mainly by illite
in a weak permeability zone.
The TAGS reservoir quality deterioration by illite
was confirmed. Illite influences greatly reservoir perme-
ability (0.01 < K < 1 md). Porosity (0% < Ø < 21%) is
relatively less influenced by this clay type when it
comes to permeability. Laminated detrital clay sheets
acting as secondary seals inside TAGS reservoir can
reduce vertical permeability.
According to available data, the origin of illite could be the
unstable kaolinite at high temperature transformed in the pres-
ence of potassium. This is confirmed through potassium/depth
cross-plot.
Arab J Geosci (2020) 13:330 Page 7 of 17 330

Fig. 6 TAGS members in shaded

GR log, Lower TAGS and Upper
TAGS (Modifiedfrom Mazouz
2018)
 330 Page 8 of 17 Arab J Geosci (2020) 13:330

Fig. 7 NNE-SSW Electro-cross section in Toual field (Modified from Mazouz 2018)

Fig. 8 Triassic paleogeography around the Berkine basin (Modified from Echikh 1998)

Fig. 9 Model of shaley sandstone with three types of shale (Modified Heslop 1975)
Arab J Geosci (2020) 13:330 Page 9 of 17 330

Fig. 10 Different mode

distribution of clay: volumetric
representation (Modified from
Serra 1979)

Fig. 11 Clay types (Modified from Hugh-Skelt 2014)

 330 Page 10 of 17 Arab J Geosci (2020) 13:330

Fig. 12 Thomas and Stieber original model (1975). (Modified from Juhasz, 1981). a Structural grain replacing. b Structural pore-filling. c Dispersed
pore-filling. d Dispersed grain replacing. e Laminated

Table. 1 Parameters used to build Thomas and Stieber model

Parameters Well 14 Well 15

Øs 0.360 0.280
Øsh 0.084 0.098
1 − Øs 0.640 0.720
Øs + (1 − Øs) × Øsh 0.414 0.350
Øs × Øsh 0.030 0.027

Fig. 13 CP19 Cross-plot

(Modified from Schlumberger
2000)
Arab J Geosci (2020) 13:330 Page 11 of 17 330

Fig. 14 Model of dispersed (authigenic) clays types in sandstone

(modified from Neasham 1977) (left)

Fig. 15 Model of dispersed (authigenic) clays types in sandstone

(modified from North 1985)
 330 Page 12 of 17 Arab J Geosci (2020) 13:330

Fig. 16 a Composite log of clay types of TAGS reservoir—Well14 (black arrow indicates Øsh = 8.44 %). b Total porosity histogram (green arrow
indicates Øs = 36%)
Arab J Geosci (2020) 13:330 Page 13 of 17 330

Fig. 17 a Composite log of clay types of TAGS reservoir—Well15 (black arrow indicates Øsh = 9.8%). b Total porosity histogram (green arrow
indicates Øs = 28%)
 330 Page 14 of 17 Arab J Geosci (2020) 13:330

Fig. 18 Application of Thomas and Stieber model for TAGS sandstones

in well 14

Fig. 19 Application of Thomas and Stieber model for TAGS sandstones

in well 15
Arab J Geosci (2020) 13:330 Page 15 of 17 330

Fig. 20 Mineralogical
distribution in TAGS sandstone
based on Th/K cross-plot (Wells
7, 8, 15, and 9)
 330 Page 16 of 17 Arab J Geosci (2020) 13:330

Fig. 21 Neasham model applied for TAGS sandstones

2904. 2861.
Y=f(x): DEPTH = 2971.2442 - -10.4813 * POTA R2= 0.2256 Y=f(x): DEPTH = 2928.5974 - -10.3370 * POTA R2= 0.1967

2925. 2880.8

2946. 2900.6
DEPTH

DEPTH

2967. 2920.4

2988. 2940.2

3009. 2960.
0. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 0. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
POTA POTA

Fig. 22 Inverse correlation of potassium with the depth in well 14 (left) and 15 (right)
Arab J Geosci (2020) 13:330
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