Vol. 337 No. 10 (2026)
DOI https://doi.org/10.18799/24131830/2026/10/5640
Spatial variation of porosity and permeability as a key factor for hydrocarbon localization in the Lower Kura Depression
Relevance. This study presents an integrated analysis of well log and core data to evaluate the petrophysical properties of reservoir rocks in the Lower Kura Depression, one of the major hydrocarbon provinces of Azerbaijan. Aim. To analyze the spatial distribution of porosity, permeability, and carbonate content within sandy-clayey-aleurolite deposits and their effect on reservoir quality. Metod. Geological and petrophysical maps were used to analyze the lateral variability of these parameters and to identify zones with favorable conditions for hydrocarbon accumulation. Results. The results indicate that porosity values range between 22 and 32%, with the highest values concentrated in the Kurovdagh structure, suggesting strong storage capacity. Permeability shows significant heterogeneity, varying from less than 100 mD to over 200 mD, with maximum values observed in the Mishovdagh structure, indicating enhanced fluid flow potential. The comparative analysis reveals that high porosity does not always correspond to high permeability, emphasizing the importance of pore connectivity. Carbonate content varies from 9 to 26% depending on lithology, with higher values generally associated with increased cementation and reduced reservoir quality. In contrast, lower carbonate content zones preserve better porosity and permeability characteristics. Conclusion. Depth-dependent analysis shows that reservoir quality decreases with increasing depth due to compaction and diagenesis. The most favorable reservoir interval is identified between 2.5 and 3.2 km, where optimal porosity and exceptionally high permeability values occur. Overall, the study highlights the strong effect of lithology, tectonics, and diagenetic processes on reservoir properties and provides valuable insights for hydrocarbon exploration and development in the Lower Kura Depression.
For citation: Ganbarova Sh.A., Nasibova G.J. Spatial variation of porosity and permeability as a key factor for hydrocarbon localization in the Lower Kura Depression. Bulletin of the Tomsk Polytechnic University. Geo Assets Engineering, 2026, vol. 337, no. 10, pp. 188–203. http://doi.org/10.18799/24131830/2026/10/5640
Keywords:
porosity, permeability, optimal porosity zone, Lower Kura Depression, integrated analysis, spatial distribution
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