Structural domains

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

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.).

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.

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.

Tools to define structural domains

Within a particular tectonic setting, a significant number of markedly different domains may exist. Our ability to define the domains depends on the data available and the scale of observation. The following data sources can help define the boundaries and describe the internal complexity of structural domains:

• Potential fields
• Satellite imagery and/or aerial photography
• Regional surface and subsurface geologic data
• Exploration seismic data
• Deep crustal seismic data
• Reconnaissance outcrop studies

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:

• Fold styles
• Fault–fold relationships
• Fault spacing and interaction
• Fault fabrics
• Fault scaling
• Shortening–uplift ratios

Characterizing the structural domains lets us look at specific domains relative to the hydrocarbon system and thereby identify prospective structural fairways.

See also

• Workflow to find a prospect
• Tectonic setting
• Structural fairway prospectivity
• Lead and prospect delineation
• Location selection
• Thrust belt example

External links

find literature about Structural domains

• Original content in Datapages
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