Geology of Petroleum Systems

Rovshan Valiyev

Subject: Petroleum Systems

Teacher: Inayat Mammadov
Date: 12.12.2023
 Introduction
Welcome to the exploration of Geology of Petroleum Systems, where we delve into the
foundations of hydrocarbon formation and accumulation. This presentation will provide a
comprehensive overview of the key elements and processes that shape petroleum systems.
 Sedimentary Basins
Sedimentary basins form through various geological processes, including tectonic activity, subsidence, and erosion. Tectonic
forces can create depressions in the Earth's crust, providing a space for sediments to accumulate. Subsidence, either due to
tectonic forces or the cooling of the Earth's lithosphere, can deepen and enlarge these basins.

Types of Sedimentary Basins:

1.Rift Basins: Formed at divergent plate boundaries where the Earth's crust is stretched and thinned, creating a depression for
sediment accumulation.
2.Foreland Basins: Develop adjacent to mountain ranges as a result of the flexure of the lithosphere in response to the weight of
the mountains.
3.Intracontinental Basins: Found within continents and often result from subsidence or tectonic activity within the interior of a
tectonic plate.
4.Passive Margin Basins: Located along the edges of continents where they meet the ocean. These basins form as a result of the
gradual transition from continental to oceanic crust. Sediments accumulate on the continental shelf and slope, creating a basin.
 Source Rocks
Key Characteristics:
•Organic-rich: Contains high levels of organic material, often
derived from the remains of marine or terrestrial plants and
microorganisms contain 4 macro elements.
•Fine-grained: Typically shale, providing an ideal environment
for the preservation of organic matter.
Formation Process:

1.Accumulation of Organic Material:

1. Deposition of organic-rich material in ancient seas,
lakes, or swamps.
2. Preservation of organic matter in anoxic (low oxygen)
conditions to prevent decay.
2. Kerogen changing process:
1. Burial of the organic-rich sediment over millions of
years.
2. Compaction and transformation of organic material
into kerogen.
3. Increase in temperature and pressure as the sediment
is buried deeper.
4. Conversion of kerogen into hydrocarbons through
thermal processes, such as catagenesis.
 Migration Pathways

Primary Migration:
1. Initial movement of hydrocarbons from the source
rock to the reservoir rock.
2. Controlled by pore (capillary) pressure.

Secondary Migration:
3. Further movement of hydrocarbons within reservoir
rock toward potential trap or surface.
4. Controlled by bouncy pressure.

Tertiary Migration:
5. Further movement of hydrocarbons within trap or
toward to surface.
 Reservoir rocks
Reservoir rocks are crucial components of petroleum
systems, serving as natural containers for
hydrocarbons. These rocks store and provide a
conduit for the movement of oil and gas within the
subsurface.

Characteristics of Reservoir Rocks:

1.Porosity: The percentage of open spaces or voids in
the rock. Determines the storage capacity for
hydrocarbons.
2.Permeability: The ability of a rock to transmit fluids
through its pore spaces. Influences the flow of oil and
gas within the reservoir.
3.Saturation: The proportion of pore space filled with
hydrocarbons.

Types of Reservoir Rocks: Sandstone, limestone, and

dolomite.
 Traps

Traps:
1.Structural Traps: Salt dome
1. Formed by tectonic forces that deform the Earth's crust.
2. Examples include anticlines, fault traps, and salt domes.
2.Stratigraphic Traps:
1. Result from variations in rock types and sedimentary layers.
2. Common types include pinch-outs, reefs, and unconformity
traps.
3.Combination Traps:
1. Occur when structural and stratigraphic elements
contribute to hydrocarbon accumulation.
2. Provides a more complex but potentially larger reservoir for
oil and gas.
 Seals
Seals are impermeable rock formations or barriers that cap and contain the hydrocarbons in a reservoir. They are often
composed of shales, mudstones, or other low-permeability rocks that act as effective barriers to fluid flow. Seals confine
hydrocarbon, maintain pressure and prevent water ingress

•Cap Rock Seals: These are horizontal or inclined seals that cap the top of a reservoir, preventing the upward migration of
hydrocarbons.
•Fault Seals: Seals can also occur along fault lines, where juxtapositions of impermeable and permeable rocks create
barriers to fluid flow.
•Stratigraphic Seals: These are lateral seals formed by changes in lithology, porosity, or permeability within the reservoir
rock.
 Conclusion

In summary, understanding the geology of petroleum systems is crucial for successful hydrocarbon
exploration. Technological advancements, like seismic imaging and well logging, deepen our grasp of
the intricate interplay among source rocks, reservoirs, traps, and seals. This knowledge is essential for
informed decision-making in locating and extracting valuable hydrocarbon resources.

In the petroleum industry, success depends on understanding how different geological elements work
together. As we explore energy options, ongoing innovation and a solid grasp of petroleum geology help
us use resources responsibly and care for the environment in today's changing energy landscape.
Thanks for attention