Characterizing scales of sedimentary heterogeneity in a fluvial-estuarine reservoir analog: An example from the Mulichinco Formation, Neuquén Basin, Argentina

An integrated stratigraphic, sedimentological and petrophysical analysis is presented to document the variety of sedimentary heterogeneities scales that can occur in a fluvial–estuarine reservoir analog. In this context, outcrops of the Mulichinco Formation (Neuquén Basin, Argentina) were investigated combining architectural analysis, vertical and lateral facies organization, and reservoir properties distributions in different channel-body types. Six main facies associations have been defined: gravelly–sandy to sandy braided channels, meandering channels, floodplain deposits, tidally influenced terminal channels, and subtidal to intertidal plains deposits, which we interpret the deposition in a proximal to distal fluvial and inner estuarine systems. Sequence stratigraphic analysis suggest the fluvial–estuarine succession evolved from a lower to an upper interval representative of low to high accommodation versus sediment supply ratios, respectively. Variations in accommodation and spatial changes from on-to off-axis locations within the fluvial system might performed as large-scale controls in stratigraphic and spatial variations of channel-deposits proportions and connectedness, which decreases vertically and horizontally towards the N and SE. Moreover, these trends could be overprinted by the avulsion influence. Distribution and preservation-style of fines within the channels define different intra-channel-body compartments controlled by distinct allogenic and autogenic processes. Cross-bedded sandstones represent the facies with the greatest reservoir quality, but they record the widest range in petrophysical values and textural variations, which represent unfavourable potential facies-scale reservoir compartments and barriers. Finally, variations in cement mineralogy would be the first-order control for permeability distribution and reservoir quality separation throughout the different channel units, since clay-rich cements contain the highest values of microporosity and permeability. Therefore, primary depositional processes followed by diagenesis strongly controlled the sandstone properties as reservoir. This work provides a characterization for stratigraphic-to pore-scale sedimentary heterogeneities and may contribute to the improvement of predictive models for exploration and development strategy of fluvial–inner estuarine reservoirs.Fil: Olivo, Mariana Soledad. Haifa University; Israel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Geociencias Básicas, Aplicadas y Ambientales de Buenos Aires. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Geociencias Básicas, Aplicadas y Ambientales de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Kietzmann, Diego Alejandro. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Geociencias Básicas, Aplicadas y Ambientales de Buenos Aires. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Geociencias Básicas, Aplicadas y Ambientales de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Schencman, Laura Jazmín. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Geociencias Básicas, Aplicadas y Ambientales de Buenos Aires. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Geociencias Básicas, Aplicadas y Ambientales de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Minisini, Daniel. Shell Technology Center; Estados UnidosFil: Espínola, Julián. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo; ArgentinaFil: Waldman, Nicolás. Haifa University; Israe

Direct and simultaneous observation of transcription and chromosome architecture in single cells with Hi-M

Simultaneous observation of 3D chromatin organization and transcription at the single cell level and with high spatial resolution may hold the key to unveil the mechanisms regulating embryonic development, cell differentiation and even disease. We have recently developed Hi-M, a technology that allows for the sequential labelling, 3D imaging and localization of multiple genomic DNA loci together with RNA expression in single cells within whole, intact Drosophila embryos. Importantly, Hi-M enables simultaneous detection of RNA expression and chromosome organization without requiring sample unmounting and primary probe re-hybridization. Here, we provide a step-by-step protocol describing the design of probes, the preparation of samples, the stable immobilization of embryos into microfluidics chambers, and the complete procedure for image acquisition. The combined RNA/DNA fluorescence in situ hybridization procedure takes 4-5 days including embryo collection. In addition, we describe image analysis software to segment nuclei, detect genomic spots, correct for drift and produce Hi-M matrices. A typical Hi-M experiment takes 1-2 days to complete all rounds of labelling and imaging and 4 additional days for image analysis. This technology can be easily expanded to investigate cell differentiation in cultured cells, or organization of chromatin within complex tissues.Fil: Cardozo Gizzi, Andres Mauricio. Université Montpellier II; Francia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Espínola, Sergio Martín. Université Montpellier II; FranciaFil: Gurgo, Julián Roberto. Université Montpellier II; FranciaFil: Houbron, Christophe. Université Montpellier II; FranciaFil: Fiche, Jean-Bernard. Université Montpellier II; FranciaFil: Cattoni, Diego I.. Université Montpellier II; FranciaFil: Nollmann, Marcelo. Université Montpellier II; Franci