Preliminary Classification of Matrix Pores in Mudrocks

Robert G. Loucks, Robert M. Reed, Stephen C. Ruppel, and Ursula Hammes

Bureau of Economic Geology, The University of Texas at Austin,

University Station, Box X, Austin, Texas 78713-8924

ABSTRACT

Investigation of pore networks in mudrocks is important because shale gas has be-
come a major exploration target and understanding pore networks of these very fine

grained rocks is essential to an understanding of production rates and reserves. How-

ever, identifying and characterizing mudrock pores are difficult because of their nano-
meter to micron scale. With development of argon-milling surface-preparation tech-
niques and use of field-emission scanning-electron microscopes, we can now image pores

as small as 5 nanometers (nm). A number of different pore types have been identified,

and combinations of pore types that constitute pore networks in different mudrock

suites are variable. Basic pore types are divided into those associated with organic mat-
ter and those that are not. Pores within organic matter appear to be related to thermal

maturation of organic matter. Nonorganic-matter pores can be divided into interparti-

cle and intraparticle types and are strongly affected by mechanical and chemical

diagenesis. Interparticle pores occur between grains and crystals, whereas intraparticle

pores are found within the boundaries of grains. The latter include dissolution molds in

fossils and particles, intercrystalline pores within framboids of pyrite, fluid inclusions in

crystals, and pores within phosphate grains. Pore types vary in variety and abundance

within differing shale-gas reservoir systems. Mississippian Barnett mudrock pores are

dominantly associated with organic matter, Jurassic Haynesville/Bossier mudrocks con-

tain mostly interparticle pores, and Cretaceous Pearsall mudrocks contain primarily

intraparticle pores. Mudrock pore networks can be overprinted by fractures, producing

a dual pore system.

INTRODUCTION

A major challenge in mudrock research is to define the spectrum of pore types that occurs in these very fine
grained rocks. Knowledge of these nanopore to micropore types can lead to an understanding of flow and the
storage of free gas in shale-gas systems. Recently a concerted effort has been made toward an understanding of
these shale-gas–system pore networks (e.g., Ruppel and Loucks, 2008; Loucks et al., 2009; Ambrose et al., 2010;
Sondergeld et al., 2010). Other studies have looked at pores in shales in nonshale-gas systems, and these results
have added to the general knowledge of nanopores and micropores (e.g., Kwon et al., 2004; Desbois et al., 2009).
The major aim of this investigation is to present a survey of general pore types as observed in several shale-
gas systems and to show that pore networks in mudrocks are variable. Specific objectives are to (1) describe
major pore types and present examples of them and (2) present a ternary diagram that can be used as a classifica-
tion of relative abundances of nanopore and micropore types in mudrocks. This classification would allow a sim-
ple comparison of pore networks in different mudrock shale-gas systems.

Loucks, R. G., R. M. Reed, S. C. Ruppel, and U. Hammes, 2010, Preliminary classification of matrix pores in mudrocks:
Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies Transactions, v. 60, p. 435-441.

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