Abstract
Summary Hanging-wall traps are successful trapping styles with discoveries made in many sedimentary basins worldwide. Examples of hanging-wall traps are documented in the literature but there are very few case studies that describe the role played by fault-rock seal on trap integrity. This contribution focuses on hanging-wall traps that are dependent upon fault-rock seal. Detailed analysis of hanging-wall traps has revealed that the hydrocarbon column height trapped by fault-rock seal appears to be independent of burial depth and is typically less than 190m in height. A similar observation was observed in footwall traps that are dependent on fault-rock seal. Cross-plots of Shale Gouge Ratio (SGR) and buoyancy pressure from hanging-wall traps have a similar data distribution to published SGR – buoyancy pressure calibration plots. Gas-bearing hanging-wall traps are at or close to seal capacity when burial depths are less than 3500m. In contrast, gas-bearing footwall traps are at seal capacity at burial depths greater than 3500m. Published ‘global’ calibration plots of SGR vs buoyancy pressure can be used to evaluate the sealing or non-sealing risk of hanging-wall traps in the same manner as for footwall traps.
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