Changes

A play is one or more prospects that may define a profitable accumulation of undiscovered petroleum. Traditionally, a play is developed and evaluated without any particular petroleum system in mind. For example, if a prospect (play) is identified near a series of oil fields in anticlinal traps, it could be argued—using geophysics and geochemistry—that the prospect is an anticlinal trap charged with the same oil.

A play is one or more prospects that may define a profitable accumulation of undiscovered petroleum. Traditionally, a play is developed and evaluated without any particular petroleum system in mind. For example, if a prospect (play) is identified near a series of oil fields in anticlinal traps, it could be argued—using geophysics and geochemistry—that the prospect is an anticlinal trap charged with the same oil.

Three independent variables—petroleum charge (fluids), trap (sedimentary rocks), and timing (time)—are usually evaluated. '''Petroleum charge''' is the volume and characteristics of the oil and gas available to the trap, if it exists. The '''trap''' includes the reservoir and seal rocks and the trapping geometry formed by the reservoir–seal interface. '''Timing''' is whether the trap formed before the petroleum charge entered the trap.

Three independent variables—petroleum charge (fluids), trap (sedimentary rocks), and timing (time)—are usually evaluated. '''[[Calculating charge volume|Petroleum charge]]''' is the volume and characteristics of the oil and gas available to the trap, if it exists. The '''trap''' includes the reservoir and seal rocks and the trapping geometry formed by the reservoir–seal interface. '''Timing''' is whether the trap formed before the petroleum charge entered the trap.

Each independent variable has equal weight because if any variable is absent (0), the prospect is a failure; if all variables are present (1.0), the prospect is a commercial success. Therefore, each independent variable can be evaluated on a scale of zero to one (0–1.0). Exploration risk is determined by multiplying the three variables: charge, trap, and timing.

Each independent variable has equal weight because if any variable is absent (0), the prospect is a failure; if all variables are present (1.0), the prospect is a commercial success. Therefore, each independent variable can be evaluated on a scale of zero to one (0–1.0). Exploration risk is determined by multiplying the three variables: charge, trap, and timing.