The puzzling influence of Ophiomorpha (trace fossil) on reservoir porosity: X-ray microtomography analysis

Bioturbation can influence petrophysical properties (e.g., porosity, permeability) of sedimentary rocks and, in consequence, reservoir quality. The impact be positive, negative, or neutral, requiring detailed ichnological analysis. Ophiomorpha , a branched cylindrical burrow with diagnostic peloidal wall, may present bioturbated reservoirs that exhibit both super-permeability and reduced porosity/permeability. However, no mechanistic understanding how positively negatively impacts has yet been established. This study presents high-resolution X-ray microtomographic analysis the features (i.e., wall vs. fill) porosity distribution deep-water deposits (Neogene Tabernas Basin, SE Spain). results show exhibits lowest (up to six orders magnitude lower than fill host sediment), while surrounding sediment shows variable values. Abrupt changes within material likely relate burrow-associated diagenesis. A refined their associated help constrain diverse on properties.