Projects in Unconventional and conventional reservoir characterization combine
petrophysical and geophysical data with stratigraphy and sedimentology. In the potential
unconventional strata in the Agrio Formation in the Neuquén Basin we will be measuring the
acoustic velocity and resistivity within the context of stratigraphic succession. The assessment
of petrophysical properties of ramp carbonates in Apulia is another project. A study of the
velocity in dolostones is intended to document the importance of pore structure for velocity
variations. Testing and applying a new method for increasing the visualization of lithoclasts,
fractures and faults is an attempt to increase the reliability of seismic interpretation from 3D
cubes.
Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS). Testing the seal capacity of rocks
with experiments run for weeks on end is the main laboratory effort. Although results are
forthcoming, we plan to add more pressure chambers and advanced monitoring of changes in
velocity and chemical composition of the pore fluids that will improve the experimental setup
and output. Long overlooked and thus underestimated is the production of carbonate by fish.
Because this precipitation occurs within the fish, it is removing carbon from the seawater –
permanently if not all is dissolved before it reaches the seafloor. Determining the dissolution
rate of ichthyocarbonates is therefore important and will be studied this year.