Allan, Jack1, S. Qing Sun2
(1) C&C Reservoirs Inc, Fullerton, CA
(2) C&C Reservoirs Inc, Houston, TX
ABSTRACT: Seal Integrity, Trapping Mechanism, and the Retention of Large Hydrocarbon Columns in Stratigraphic/Subtle Traps
Closure in stratigraphic traps and subtle combination traps is created by
stratigraphic, lithologic or hydrodynamic variations in the sedimentary section. Both tend
to be poly-seal traps, which rely on low horizontal permeability in updip seals for
entrapment. High-permeability interbeds can compromise seals. Closure in structural traps
is created by folding and faulting. Many are one-seal traps, in which top seals with low
vertical permeability control entrapment. Hence, it has often been claimed that structural
traps are capable of supporting larger hydrocarbon columns than stratigraphic/subtle traps
and that large stratigraphic/subtle traps must be located in areas with gentle dip, where
small hydrocarbon columns can produce areally extensive accumulations. Although these
concepts are entrenched in the literature, they have never been rigorously tested.
To test these hypotheses, key geologic parameters for 116 stratigraphic/subtle traps were
compared to those for 460 structural traps. Although this evaluation confirmed that
stratigraphic/subtle traps tend to occur in areas with gentler structural dip and have
lower net pay and larger productive areas than structural traps, there was little
discernible difference in the size distribution of hydrocarbon columns between the two
trap types. The stratigraphic/subtle traps were then subdivided into two groups, those
with small hydrocarbon columns (<500 ft) and those with large hydrocarbon columns
(>500 ft). The two groups were evaluated to determine the key factors controlling
hydrocarbon column height. Differences in seal lithology and thickness, main trapping
mechanism, and structural setting account for the differences in hydrocarbon column height
between the two groups.
AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90026©2004 AAPG Annual Meeting, Dallas, Texas, April 18-21, 2004