Changes

  | part    = Predicting the occurrence of oil and gas traps

  | part    = Predicting the occurrence of oil and gas traps

  | chapter = Exploring for structural traps

  | chapter = Exploring for structural traps

  | frompg  = 20-1

  | frompg  = 20-44

  | topg    = 20-70

  | topg    = 20-44

  | author  = R.A. Nelson, T.L. Patton, S. Serra

  | author  = R.A. Nelson, T.L. Patton, S. Serra

  | link    = http://archives.datapages.com/data/specpubs/beaumont/ch20/ch20.htm

  | link    = http://archives.datapages.com/data/specpubs/beaumont/ch20/ch20.htm

==Definition==

==Definition==

A structural domain is an areally distinct region or subregion with similar structural properties (e.g., similar fold vergence or style, shortening, uplift, faulting style, etc.).

A structural domain is an areally distinct region or subregion with similar structural properties (e.g., similar [[fold]] vergence or style, shortening, uplift, faulting style, etc.).

==Identifying structural domains==

==Identifying structural domains==

Once a prospective tectonic setting is identified, we can determine where to focus exploration within that setting. This can be done most effectively by defining the boundaries and internal structural character of the different structural domains within the tectonic setting.

Once a prospective tectonic setting is identified, we can determine where to focus exploration within that setting. This can be done most effectively by defining the boundaries and internal structural character of the different structural domains within the tectonic setting.

Among different tectonic settings, the number and complexity of the structural domains can vary significantly. For example, the number and character of the structural domains defined in a basin forming in the cratonic interior in a relatively quiet but long-lived tectonic setting contrast significantly to those defined in a short-lived but intense rifting event.

Among different tectonic settings, the number and complexity of the structural domains can vary significantly. For example, the number and character of the structural domains defined in a basin forming in the [[Craton|cratonic]] interior in a relatively quiet but long-lived tectonic setting contrast significantly to those defined in a short-lived but intense [[Rift|rifting]] event.

==Tools to define structural domains==

==Tools to define structural domains==

* [[Potential fields]]

* [[Potential fields]]

* Satellite imagery and/or aerial photography

* Satellite imagery and/or aerial photography (See [[Remote sensing]].)

* Regional surface and subsurface geologic data

* Regional surface and subsurface geologic data

* Exploration [[seismic data]]

* Exploration [[seismic data]]

* Deep crustal seismic data

* Deep crustal seismic data

* Reconnaissance outcrop studies

* Reconnaissance [http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outcrop outcrop] studies

==Assessing potential==

==Assessing potential==

Once the structural domain is defined and described, we must assess its potential to satisfy the play concept criteria. Some of the more obvious issues center around structural style:

Once the structural domain is defined and described, we must assess its potential to satisfy the play concept criteria. Some of the more obvious issues center around structural style:

* Fold styles

* [[Fold style]]s

* Fault–fold relationships

* Fault–fold relationships

* Fault spacing and interaction

* Fault spacing and interaction

* Fault fabrics

* [[Fault fabric]]s

* Fault scaling

* Fault scaling

* Shortening–uplift ratios

* Shortening–uplift ratios

==See also==

==See also==

* [[Workflow to find a prospect]]

* [[Structural exploration workflow]]

* [[Tectonic setting]]

* [[Tectonic setting]]

* [[Structural fairway prospectivity]]

* [[Structural fairway prospectivity]]

[[Category:Predicting the occurrence of oil and gas traps]]  

[[Category:Predicting the occurrence of oil and gas traps]]  

[[Category:Exploring for structural traps]]

[[Category:Exploring for structural traps]]