Plate tectonic studies

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Exploring for Oil and Gas Traps
Series Treatise in Petroleum Geology
Part Predicting the occurrence of oil and gas traps
Chapter Exploring for structural traps
Author R.A. Nelson, T.L. Patton, S. Serra
Link Web page
Store AAPG Store
Global map of tectonic plates. USGS.

Information provided

Plate tectonic studies provide the following kinds of information:

  • Regional geologic framework
  • Types of major structures expected in the play
  • Whether the area may have been affected by more than one deformation event and/or more than one deformational style
  • Age and relative timing of deformation
  • Relation between structural trap development and other hydrocarbon systems events, such as source, seal, and reservoir deposition

When to use it

Always use plate tectonics. Although it is most useful in frontier basins, it is helpful even in mature basins. Knowing how a structural play fits into the regional tectonic picture may yield new ideas and approaches to exploration.

How to use it

This inexpensive technique is applied directly from the following:

  • Regional literature in professional journals
  • Interactive computer programs showing plate positions and configurations during geologic history
  • Independent or “spec” regional studies integrating all aspects of the petroleum geology of a large region

Examples of use

See also

External links

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Plate tectonic studies
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