In the worldwide exploration for hydrocarbon resources both onshore and offshore, abnormal formation pressures have been encountered in all continents. Such abnormal formation pressures are defined as any departure from the normal hydrostatic pressure at any given depth.

Abnormal subsurface pressure environments occur as shallow as only a few hundred feet below the surface or at depths exceeding 25,000 ft (7,620 m). These abnormal pressures can be present in clastic sequences or massive evaporite and carbonate sections on a regional or very limited, localized basis. Sediments of Pleistocene age to as old as Cambrian age contain abnormal pressures.

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