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Some petroleum accumulations are likely to persist for hundreds of millions of years with relatively little alteration or dilution. Other accumulations, however, may be destroyed. Several processes deplete or destroy hydrocarbon accumulations. In many prospects it is not enough just to know that a trap is present in a basin where hydrocarbons were generated and migrated. We also must know that the trap was preserved over time. It is imperative that explorationists know destructive processes and how to determine the age of an accumulation.

Some petroleum accumulations are likely to persist for hundreds of millions of years with relatively little alteration or dilution. Other accumulations, however, may be destroyed. Several processes deplete or destroy hydrocarbon accumulations. In many prospects it is not enough just to know that a trap is present in a basin where hydrocarbons were [[Petroleum generation|generated]] and migrated. We also must know that the trap was preserved over time. It is imperative that explorationists know destructive processes and how to determine the age of an accumulation.

==The problem==

==The problem==