Exploring the geological features and processes that control the shape and internal fabrics of late diagenetic dolomite bodies (Lower Khuff equivalent–Central Oman Mountains)

The Lower Permian carbonate rock succession of the Oman Mountains represents a stratigraphical surface analogue for Middle Eastern Lower Khuff hydrocarbon reservoirs. The characteristics of the carbonate rocks are highly variable both laterally and vertically due to the superposition of several episodes of dolomitization. A stratabound early dolomitization event affected the well-bedded limestones during Triassic times. Subsequently, a later burial dolomitization led to the emplacement of several hundreds of meter wide and tens of meter thick dolomite bodies. The goal of our study is to understand the distribution and genetic controls on the formation of late diagenetic dolomite bodies.