Global basin classification and hydrocarbon plays

Conference · Tue Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1986 · Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., Bull.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6962182

Kingston, D R; Dishroon, C P; Williams, P A

A proposed system classifies sedimentary basins worldwide into specific and general categories. The geologic history of each basin may be subdivided into cycles using three parameters: basin-forming tectonics, depositional sequences, and basin-modifying tectonics. Sedimentary basins may be simple, with one or two tectonic/sedimentary cycles, or they may be complex polyhistory basins with many different cycles and events. Eight simple cycle types are used in this classification, covering continental, continental-margin, and oceanic areas. The eight basic cycle types, their depositional fills, and tectonic modifiers have been given letter and number symbols so the specific geologic history of each basin may be written as a formula. These formulas may then be compared, and similarities or differences between basins noted. Prolific hydrocarbon basins are categorized, and the plays are compared to specific tectonic and depositional events. Some plays are controlled by basin-initiating tectonic events, such as interior fracture or interior sag, and the type of sedimentation inherent in each basin type. In more complex polyhistory basins, oil and gas plays are commonly associated with combinations of various cycles, or by basin-modifying tectonics such as episodic wrenching, subsidence, foldbelts, and basin tilt.

• Research Organization: Esso Exploration, Inc., Houston, TX
• OSTI ID: 6962182
• Report Number(s): CONF-8608105-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., Bull.; (United States) Journal Volume: 70:7
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020200* -- Petroleum-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
03 NATURAL GAS
030200 -- Natural Gas-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
CLASSIFICATION
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
MINERAL RESOURCES
NATURAL GAS DEPOSITS
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
RESOURCES
SEDIMENTARY BASINS
TECTONICS