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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 52 (1968)

Issue: 9. (September)

First Page: 1828

Last Page: 1828

Title: Differential Pressures: A Trapping Mechanism in Gulf Coast Oil and Gas Fields: ABSTRACT

Author(s): John D. Myers

Article Type: Meeting abstract

Abstract:

The term "differential pressures" as used in this paper, refers primarily to lateral changes in subsurface fluid pressures. These pressure changes generally take place across faults or across lithologic barriers. The magnitude of these differential pressures can be quite large, and the changes can occur within a very short distance.

A systematic study of the subsurface fluid pressures in several Gulf Coast oil and gas fields indicates that differential pressures strongly influence the accumulation of oil and gas. The influence that fluid pressures were found to have on the accumulations of hydrocarbons in the Gulf Coast seems to conform with the hydrodynamic principles developed and outlined by M. King Hubbert (1953).

More specifically, this paper illustrates some practical examples of fault and stratigraphic entrapment of hydrocarbons under hydrodynamic conditions. The application of the principles demonstrated by these examples to subsurface studies should prove useful in the geological evaluation of oil and gas prospects. Subsurface-pressure studies are recommended as a routine method in exploration geology.

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Copyright 1997 American Association of Petroleum Geologists