28-4 From Pixels to Pores: Advancing Formation Characterization through Deep Learning Analysis

Session: Geoscience and Hydrogeology in the AI Era: From Predictive Models to Real-Time Applications (Posters)

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Abstract:

Precise characterization of rock formation physical properties, such as porosity, permeability, and mechanical strengths, is crucial for assessing reservoir quality and forecasting subsurface fluid flow connecting hydrocarbons or groundwater. These parameters control fluid movement, affect hydraulic conductivity, and are critical for optimizing petroleum extraction and planning environmental cleanup in contaminated aquifers. Their accurate estimation depends on the rocks detailed particle size, shape, and distribution data, which are traditionally obtained through labor‑intensive, time‑consuming, and subjective manual analysis of petrographic images. Existing microscopy image analysis tools (e.g., ImageJ) for sediment particles often lack scalability, require manual input, hinder reproducibility, and reduce efficiency in high-throughput petroleum and environmental geoscience research. This study aimed to develop an AI‑deep learning framework for rapid and accurate sedimentary particles identification, quantification, and morphometric 2-dimensional analysis in petrographic optical microscopy images. We collected petrographic sedimentary samples from Sphagnum Swamp owned by Morehead State University in Kentucky. For this preliminary study, we curated a dataset of more than 100 high-resolution images of heterogeneous sedimentary quartz particles using Leica optical microscopy. We adopted deep learning-based convolutional neural network, U-Net for fully automated grains segmentation. We developed in-house algorithms for particle shape (e.g. size, roundness, and sphericity etc.,) determination using Wentworth’s circle formulae, and finally classified the particles (very angular, angular, sub-angular, sub-rounded, rounded, and well rounded) following Power’s scale of roundness method. Future work includes further improvement of our detection method for heterogeneous particle types, and incorporating multimodal features (e.g., mineralogical, geochemical, and textural information) to enable real-time, scalable petrographic image analysis for better reservoir characterization and supporting decision making in hydrogeological studies.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Program. Vol. 57, No. 6, 2025

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