Influence of pore fluid and frequency on elastic properties of greensand as interpreted using NMR data

The objective of this study was to discuss the influence of pore fluid on elastic properties of greensand. Gassmann’s equations generally work at low frequency and do not take into consideration the fluid related dispersion. In some cases Biot’s theory is used to describe the fluid related dispersion. However, Biot’s theory does not fully explain the frequency dispersion of sedimentary rocks. Greensands are composed of a mixture of quartz and micro-porous glauconite grains. In greensand, it is possible that the contrast between flow in macro-pores and micro-pores within glauconites gives rise to a local stiffening pressure gradient in the fluid. Then fluid flow in greensand could then be described as a kind of squirt flow. Greensand data from the North Nini filed was included in this study. Gassmann’s, Biot’s and squirt models were used to discuss the influence of pore fluid on elastic moduli. Biot’s critical frequency and NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) T2 spectrum were combined to describe the differences in fluid flow within macro-pores and within micro-pores. NMR data show that Biot’s flow should occur only in large pores in the greensand while, Biot’s flow should not occur in micro-pores. Differences of fluid flow in macro-pores and micro-pores pores are described as high frequency squirt flow in greensand.