The [[ductility]] of a shale top seal is a function of compaction state. Uncompacted, low-density shales are extremely ductile and can thus accommodate large amounts of strain without undergoing [[Brittleness|brittle failure]] and loss of top seal integrity. Highly compacted, dense shales are extremely brittle and undergo brittle failure and loss of top seal integrity with very small amounts of strain. | The [[ductility]] of a shale top seal is a function of compaction state. Uncompacted, low-density shales are extremely ductile and can thus accommodate large amounts of strain without undergoing [[Brittleness|brittle failure]] and loss of top seal integrity. Highly compacted, dense shales are extremely brittle and undergo brittle failure and loss of top seal integrity with very small amounts of strain. |