Fractal Sandstone Pores: Implications for Conductivity and Pore Formation

Abstract

We use scanning electron microscopy and optical data to show that the pore spaces of several sandstones are fractal geometries and we use the fractal statistics to predict the correct porosity. Steady-state crystal growth during rock formation is a plausible cause of the self-similar geometry. The fractal-dimension values and a systematic analysis of rock conductivity data both mediate against percolation models as suitable models of rock pore-space geometry.