Influence of hydrothermal activity on the mineralogical-petrophysical properties of an atypical doleritic reservoir rock: A case study of the Gabes Gulf (north Africa, Tunisia)

The Gabes Gulf located in the South Mediterranean Sea (Southeastern part of Tunisia) is a prolific petroleum-producing area with several oil and gas fields and it's the subject of significant discoveries. The area is affected by intense tectonic events and several stages of hydrothermal activities . During drilling at the MX area in NE of the Gabes Gulf, a magmatic intrusion has been encountered within a reservoir rock (i.e., Douleb Formation). The objectives of the present study are (1) to investigate the impact of the hydrothermal activities on this magmatic intrusion and (2) to characterize the potential modifications in its mineralogy and petro-physical properties that can affect the migration/accumulation of hydrocarbons. To do so we combine optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, micro-Raman spectroscopy, electron microprobe analyses, and petro-physical measurements. Our results show that the initial magmatic intrusion (dolerite) is composed mainly of plagioclase , clinopyroxene , and olivine. Based on petrographic observations, this intrusion subjected to several stages of hydrothermal fluid alterations that modified the primary texture and mineralogy. Albite , calcite , ankerite , dolomite, pyrite , quartz, anatase , kaolinite, and chlorite are the main secondary mineral products. During this alteration process, carbonates, pyrite, and quartz precipitated in vesicles, forming amygdules structure with enveloped zones indicating a fluctuation of fluid chemistry during their formation. In addition, petrographic observations indicate an interaction between feldspars exsolution and metasomatic processes in the studied area. The dissolution mechanisms, as well as the textural modifications in the dolerite induced by the hydrothermal activity, are underlined by the presence of spherulites , pores, and micropores. Such modifications significantly improved the porosity of the dolerite body. Conversely, the new mineralization that filled the fractures and micro-fractures, have reduced the inter-pore connections, and thus reduced its permeability. The present work demonstrates the important role of hydrothermal activity on the petro-physical properties of magmatic intrusions and how it could facilitate the migration/accumulation of hydrocarbons. Our results open the door for further investigations to check the potential presence of hydrocarbons within this doleritic intrusion.