Changes

Seals control migration pathways into traps. A trap may be empty not because a fault ''leaked'' once-trapped hydrocarbons but because a fault ''sealed'' and prevented hydrocarbons from migrating into a trap and filling it in the first place. Similarly, top seals can restrict vertical migration into shallow traps and control the vertical and lateral distribution of hydrocarbons within a basin.

Seals control migration pathways into traps. A trap may be empty not because a fault ''leaked'' once-trapped hydrocarbons but because a fault ''sealed'' and prevented hydrocarbons from migrating into a trap and filling it in the first place. Similarly, top seals can restrict vertical migration into shallow traps and control the vertical and lateral distribution of hydrocarbons within a basin.

Hydrocarbons migrate until they encounter the first intact seal. Because of variations in [[Evaluating top seal integrity|seal integrity]] and capacity, drainage areas are four-dimensional. Prospect analysis using drainage areas defined by simple structure-depth maps on the top reservoir can be very misleading. Plays appear and disappear in response to seal behavior.

Hydrocarbons migrate until they encounter the first intact seal. Because of variations in [[Evaluating top seal integrity|seal integrity]] and [[Seal capacity|capacity]], drainage areas are four-dimensional. Prospect analysis using drainage areas defined by simple structure-depth maps on the top reservoir can be very misleading. Plays appear and disappear in response to seal behavior.

Seals also control the movement of hydrocarbons during production. Efficient field development, well placement, [[Reserves estimation|ultimate recovery]], and economic success or failure depend on risking seal.

Seals also control the movement of hydrocarbons during production. Efficient field development, well placement, [[Reserves estimation|ultimate recovery]], and economic success or failure depend on risking seal.