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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 66 (1982)

Issue: 5. (May)

First Page: 637

Last Page: 638

Title: Hydrocarbon Migration and Accumulation as Influenced by Growth-Fault Building Mechanism: ABSTRACT

Author(s): Emenike O. Ukazim, D. A. Fahlquist

Article Type: Meeting abstract

Abstract:

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It is generally believed that growth faults act as primary conduit to the migration of hydrocarbon from the source to the reservoir rock. These faults and their associated structures often provide closures for hydrocarbon traps as exemplified in the Niger delta and Gulf Coast region. However, the relation of the growth-fault building mechanism to the migration and entrapment of hydrocarbon has not been fully understood.

A model of the influence of growth-fault building mechanism on the distribution and accumulation of hydrocarbon is presented. Fundamental to the model is a quantitative analysis of the criteria for failure. This failure is shown to occur in the so-called "plane of weakness" of the rock. When sliding accompanies the failure, the plane is commonly referred to as the slip plane. The criteria for failure in the presence of pore pressure and cracks have been studied and used to model the source rock. Hydrocarbon, which is "squeezed" out from the source rock as a result of the failure criteria, follows the plane of weakness in migrating to the reservoir region.

Therefore, an understanding of these directions and a knowledge of the geology of the reservoir region will be helpful in identifying new possible targets within a growth-fault zone and in reexamining areas within the zone that were thought to be barren.

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Copyright 1997 American Association of Petroleum Geologists