The deliberate search for the stratigraphic trap: an introduction

Abstract

AbstractThis Special Publication draws upon contributions to a similarly titled conference ‘The Deliberate Search for the Stratigraphic Trap — Where Are We Now?’ held at the Geological Society in London during 2004. Observations in this introductory paper have been drawn from the authors’ experience, talks given at the conference and papers within this volume. Specifically it is noted that by analogy to basins which are perceived to be mature for structural traps, stratigraphic traps can have substantial remaining potential. Additionally, current exploration for stratigraphic traps seems rather restricted to areas where seismic data allow the direct assessment of fluid fill and reservoir development. It is argued that the industry is probably not doing enough to learn from established stratigraphic traps to guide future exploration for such traps. Looking forward, it is suggested that the industry faces two key challenges. Firstly, the use of all available data to assess fluid type and reservoir presence in areas of unfavourable rock physics, and secondly, the development of sufficiently sophisticated predictive models of stratigraphic trap development.