Physical processes in continental-scale ground-water flow systems account for the migration and accumulation of oil and gas. Conceptualized discharge areas correlate well with existing fields, and flow-system dynamics offer explanations for discrepancies in physical and chemical properties of hydrocarbons for the observed pressure-temperature regimes.

Quantification of continental-scale ground-water systems demands that we apply Darcy's law and fluid-continuum mechanics to all rocks regardless of geologic and petrologic character. However, difficulties arise in quantifying continental flow systems because data have not been generalized for the purpose. For example, a lot of potentially useful data contain transient components which diminish their utility. In-situ data for rocks with low intrinsic permeabilities are virtually nonexistent.

Slice or slab maps offer a partial solution to overcoming the most difficult problem: how to represent three-dimensional (time-dependent) phenomena adequately using maps and cross sections.

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