Much of the sedimentary
record comprises mudstone, and recent interest is driven by recognition of
hydrocarbon sources, reservoirs, and seals in deposits of mudstone. Beyond this
importance, they also influence groundwater dynamics and provide important
perspectives on the global carbon cycle and climate and oceanography through
geologic time. Yet, traditional mudstone descriptors neither capture the
variability in their physical, biogenic, and chemical attributes, nor
facilitate appropriate characterization and interpretation of controlling
processes on their formation. Here, Lazar et al. discuss the utility of
existing mudstone nomenclature, provide context for the information required to
fully characterize mudstone, and recommend guidelines that facilitate
consistent, repeatable, and efficient capture of key attributes to evaluate and
compare fine-grained rocks. The application of their simple, integrated
descriptive scheme to the Cretaceous Eagle Ford Shale demonstrates the utility
of the technique for assessing and predicting rock properties.
Capturing keyattributes of fine-grained sedimentary rocks in outcrops, cores, and thinsections: nomenclature and description guidelines by O. Remus Lazar, Kevin M. Bohacs, Joe H.S. Macquaker,
Juergen Schieber, and Timothy M. Demko
