Localized Hydrocarbon Fluid Flows: Origin and Regularities of Oil and Gas Accumulation Distribution

Boris M. Valyaev
Oil and Gas Research Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia

Extremly uneven distribution of oil and gas accumulations in the global aspect and within the areas of different basins haven't obtained satisfactory explanation up to now. The solution of this theoretical and practical important problem at present can be found on the basis of the research of the role of localized hydrocarbon fluid flows in the formation of oil and gas anomalies and pools. Sedimentary covers of oil and gas basins turned out to be pierced with localized flows (LF) of hydrocarbon very irregular. Channels of hydrocarbon flows in the sedimentary cover are controlled by different dislocations including injection structures (diapers, chimneys). Lately LF roots under gigantic oil and gas pools have been revealed in the basement of West Siberia and other regions. These roots associated with fault zones amount to some kilometers in diameter. Structural – tectonic control of hydrocarbon LF and oil and gas pools is common; the same factor controls mainly unevenness of the distribution of resources. The formation not only of oil and gas pools but also of a collection of lithologic geochemical and geophysical anomalies are connected with deep geodynamic activities and hydrocarbon LF. These pools and anomalies together with hydrocarbon fluid LF show in full measure the secondary character of deep hydrocarbon injections with respect not only to some sedimentary groups but also to the sedimentary basin covers on the whole. The investigation and reconstruction of hydrocarbon fluid LF in sedimentary cover are of great importance for improving methods of estimating oil and gas prospects and the forecast and recognaissance of oil and gas accumulations including their new types.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90072 © 2007 AAPG and AAPG European Region Conference, Athens, Greece