Temperature anomalies associated with various structures in the Gulf Coast are interpreted to be the result of fluid migrations from depth. Pressure and salinity data are also part of an exploration model where hot, fresh, hydrocarbon-laden waters are believed to be migrating up faults. Traps in the vicinity of these migrations are of special interest to the explorationist because they are more likely to be charged with hydrocarbons.

The part of southeastern Louisiana studied has twelve areas of possible subsurface fluid migrations. Eight hydrocarbon fields are in the vicinity of these migrations. The areas of migration are most likely to occur at areas of structural expansion, i.e., grabens, crests of diapirs, and most importantly, intersections of faults.

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