Petroleum migration pathways through a basin are determined by the three-dimensional distribution of discontinuous sealing surfaces, which are usually parallel to bedding. The petroleum migrates below the sealing surface taking the structurally most advantageous route. The three-dimensional distribution of migration pathways within the petroleum system can be modelled on a personal computer using a program based on the parameters developed during the research summarised in this thesis. Application of the model to the Paris, Williston, West of Shetlands and Wessex Basins demonstrates that a good correlation can be made between predicted pathways and discovered accumulations using simple models. Migration pathways form a dense network overlying hydrocarbon generating areas in the central parts of basins. Towards the basin margins they commonly become increasingly focused into discrete pathways by the sealing-surface morphologies. The Paris and Williston Basin research showed how relatively minor structuring of geological strata can result in a significant focusing of pathways. Eventually these pathways may reach the surface as shown by seepages. Research in the Wessex Basin revealed that reverse modelling of pathways from seeps assists in the prediction of the location of leaking accumulations. Deflection of the pathways from the structurally most advantageous route below the sealing surface may be caused by lateral sealing barriers due to facies variation in the carrier rock below the seal, fault juxtaposition, or cross-formational seals such as salt intrusions. Deflection of pathways also occurs where there are hydrodynamic conditions in response to topography-driven groundwater flow.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:268260 |
| Date | January 1998 |
| Creators | Hindle, Andrew D. |
| Publisher | Open University |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Source | http://oro.open.ac.uk/57868/ |
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