INTRODUCTION OF PETROLEUM GEOLOGY

PGT 04101

To identify characteristics of structural traps.

Coverage of discussion Introduction Definition of trap and structural straps Types of structural traps Characteristics of structural traps Conclusion References

INTRODUCTION
Trap refers to an underground rock formation that block further movement of hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbon traps are any combination of physical factors that promote the accumulation and retention of petroleum in one location. Traps can be structural, stratigraphic or a combination of both. Structural trap- caused by tectonic processes Stratigraphic trap- caused by deposition morphology or diagenessis Combination trap- caused by combination of two or more of the above processes

Structural trap These are traps formed as a result of tectonic forces that deform the Earth crust or rock units and yield features like faults and folds.
i. ii.

Types of structural traps Folding trap Anticlinal trap Salt dome trap Faulting trap Fault trap

Categories of structural trap

1. Anticlinal trap / fold trap The rock layers in an anticlinal trap were originally laid down horinzontally then folded upward into an arch or dome. Later, hydrocarbon migrate into porous and permeable reservoir rock. A cap or seal is required to permit the accumulation of the hydrocarbons.

figure 1.0 depicting the anticlinal trap

2.Salt dome trap

A trap created by intrusion of stratified rock layers from below by ductile nonporous salt. Masses of salt are pushed up through the elastic rocks, while upper layer get uplifted creating like dome. Thus prompting hydrocarbons migrate into porous and permeable beds on the sides of this dome of salt.

figure 2.0 shows the penetrating masses of salt across a layered rock

3.Fault trap
This trap is formed when the stratified rock formation is subject to vertical and horizontal tectonic force where by the intensity of these stresses cause the layers to break. Hence produce the movement of permeable and impermeable layer of rock along a fault line.

Figure 3.0 depict fault trap and migration of hydrocarbons

Characteristics of structural traps

1. They formed as a result of tectonic forces to attack the existing rock layer thus yield the deformation of that rock 2. There must be an impermeable and nonporous that hinders or stop further movement of hydrocarbon thus prompting them to settle and accumulate.

Characteristics cont..
3.There must be a layer that holds hydrocarbons, this is very significant in oil and gas or reservoir formation. Because after stress disturbance hydrocarbon will be forced to migrate to another secondary destination. 4. Existence of fissures, joints and cracks the hydrocarbon tend to escape through these features within the rock formation.

Characteristics cont.
5. They are more easily delineated(defined) and more prospective than their stratigraphic counterparts, with the majority of the worlds petroleum reserves being found in structural traps. 6. It can be filled partially or completely with oil, when its filled completely with oil, it is known as spill plane.

Not all trap shapes result in the creation of petroleum reservoirs. If hydrocarbons have not migrate to the traps, or if the timing of formation of structure is later than migration, no reservoir is created.

REFERENCES
Halliburton 2001, Basic petroleum geology and log Analysis. Richard C Selley, Second edition, Elementary of Petroleum Geology. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petroleum_reser voir. Heriot Watt Institute of Petroleum Engineering.