Shale permeability and its significance in hydrocarbon exploration

A complex, dynamic series of chemical, physical, and geologic processes influence the creation, sediment infilling and fluid quality history of sedimentary basins. Deposits of sands and muds, for example, through progressive burial and compaction become exposed to increased temperatures and pressures. This exposure precipitates a series of interrelated diagenetic and mechanical processes that, in turn, alter the physical and chemical properties of the sediments and their pore fluids. Hydrocarbon generation from kerogens (organic material) is one important consequence of sediment diagenesis. Such processes also control the capacity of a particular sediment to transport and store fluids which, in some cases, results in hydrocarbon-bearing reservoirs.