Changes

  | part    = Critical elements of the petroleum system

  | part    = Critical elements of the petroleum system

  | chapter = Migration of petroleum

  | chapter = Migration of petroleum

  | frompg  = 7-1

  | frompg  = 7-26

  | topg    = 7-38

  | topg    = 7-26

  | author  = Martin D. Matthews

  | author  = Martin D. Matthews

  | link    = http://archives.datapages.com/data/specpubs/beaumont/ch07/ch07.htm

  | link    = http://archives.datapages.com/data/specpubs/beaumont/ch07/ch07.htm

  | isbn    = 0-89181-602-X

  | isbn    = 0-89181-602-X

}}

}}

Distance of migration from [[Source rock|source]] to [[reservoir]] varies greatly. The rule that the first sealed reservoir in a trapping configuration has the highest probability of containing hydrocarbons has been proven over and over again. Lateral migration distances, established by [[Pyrolysis gas chromatography|oil-source geochemical fingerprinting]], reach hundreds of kilometers; vertical distances reach tens of kilometers. Estimation of migration distance is based on geochemical observations and inferences. These include [[Maturation|maturity]] of product, [[geothermal gradient]]s, fingerprint matching between source and reservoir, and geological estimation of the nearest rock unit of source quality.

Distance of [[Hydrocarbon migration|migration]] from [[Source rock|source]] to [[reservoir]] varies greatly. The rule that the first sealed reservoir in a trapping configuration has the highest probability of containing hydrocarbons has been proven over and over again. [[Lateral]] migration distances, established by [[Pyrolysis gas chromatography|oil-source geochemical fingerprinting]], reach hundreds of kilometers; vertical distances reach tens of kilometers. Estimation of migration distance is based on geochemical observations and inferences. These include [[Maturation|maturity]] of product, [[geothermal gradient]]s, fingerprint matching between source and reservoir, and geological estimation of the nearest rock unit of source quality.

==Vertical migration==

==Vertical migration==

A reservoired hydrocarbon is [[Pyrolysis gas chromatography|analyzed geochemically]] to determine the [[Maturation|maturity]] of the [[Source rock|source]] from which it was derived. Using this information and an estimate of the change in maturity, the minimum vertical depth of origin is determined. The change in maturity with depth is estimated from measurement or [[modeling]]. Detailed geochemical studies of [[extract]]s, including [[isotopic analysis]], often show a smoothly increasing gradient of maturity, suggesting local genesis and short migration distances. Superimposed on this gradient are isolated spikes of hydrocarbons with maturities characteristic of much deeper conditions. These represent migrated product.

A reservoired hydrocarbon is [[Pyrolysis gas chromatography|analyzed geochemically]] to determine the [[Maturation|maturity]] of the [[Source rock|source]] from which it was derived. Using this information and an estimate of the change in maturity, the minimum vertical depth of origin is determined. The change in maturity with depth is estimated from measurement or [[modeling]]. Detailed geochemical studies of extracts, including [[Wikipedia:Isotope geochemistry|isotopic analysis]], often show a smoothly increasing gradient of maturity, suggesting local genesis and short [[Hydrocarbon migration|migration]] distances. Superimposed on this gradient are isolated spikes of hydrocarbons with maturities characteristic of much deeper conditions. These represent migrated product.

==Long-distance migration factors==

==Long-distance migration factors==

The factors that influence the distance hydrocarbons may travel are complexly interrelated. Such a detailed knowledge of the [[petroleum system]] and the [[stratigraphy]] of the area is required that prediction of migration distance is next to impossible. It requires source–reservoir correlation, knowledge of the extent of the [[source rock]], and knowledge that there are no other potential sources. The dominant factors favoring long-distance transport of hydrocarbons include the following:

The factors that influence the distance hydrocarbons may travel are complexly interrelated. Such a detailed knowledge of the [[petroleum system]] and the [[stratigraphy]] of the area is required that prediction of [[Hydrocarbon migration|migration]] distance is next to impossible. It requires source–reservoir correlation, knowledge of the extent of the [[source rock]], and knowledge that there are no other potential sources. The dominant factors favoring long-distance transport of hydrocarbons include the following:

* Large volume of hydrocarbons

* Large volume of hydrocarbons

[[Category:Critical elements of the petroleum system]]  

[[Category:Critical elements of the petroleum system]]  

[[Category:Migration of petroleum]]

[[Category:Migration of petroleum]]