Abnormal hydrostatic pressure
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It has been suggested that this article be merged with [[::Normal hydrostatic pressure|Normal hydrostatic pressure]]. (Discuss) |
| Exploring for Oil and Gas Traps | |
| |
| Series | Treatise in Petroleum Geology |
|---|---|
| Part | Critical elements of the petroleum system |
| Chapter | Formation fluid pressure and its application |
| Author | Edward A. Beaumont, Forrest Fiedler |
| Link | Web page |
| Store | AAPG Store |
Abnormal hydrostatic pressure is a departure from normal fluid pressure that is caused by geologic factors. The term “geopressure” was introduced originally by Shell Oil Company to refer to overpressured intervals in the U.S. Gulf Coast. “Geopressure” is gradually being replaced by the more descriptive terms “overpressure” and “underpressure.”
Causes
Abnormal fluid pressures may be caused by any of the following:
- Uplift
- Burial
- Rock compaction or dilation
- Abnormal heat flow
Abnormal pressures develop when fluid is unable to move into or out of the local pore system fast enough to accommodate to the new environment. Such a pore system must be isolated from the surrounding system by impermeable barriers for abnormal pressure to exist.
The table below shows the generally accepted major causes of abnormal fluid pressure.
| Overpressure | Underpressure |
|---|---|
| Uplift | Burial |
| Heat increase | Heat decrease |
| Compaction, Generation of hydrocarbons | Dilation of pores |
Multiple simultaneous causes
More than one mechanism may operate simultaneously or sequentially to create abnormal pressure. For example, burial of a sealed compartment carries a trapped fluid pressure into a deeper environment. The pressure in the compartment compared with the surrounding environment would be abnormally low. The higher temperature at depth would slowly raise the pressure in the compartment to normal.
It may not be possible to predict the existing condition of the pressure system in examples like this because the combined effects of all the variables are often not well known in advance.
See also
- Normal hydrostatic pressure
- Geostatic and lithostatic pressure
- Normal hydrostatic pressure gradients
- Causes of overpressure
- Causes of underpressure
External links
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