anticlinal trap

A Dictionary of Earth Sciences | 1999 | 501 words | Copyright

anticlinal trap A fold structure with an arch of non-porous rock overlying porous strata (reservoir rock), providing a trap in which oil, gas, or water may accumulate. In Middle East oilfields, large, upright folds occur in thick, competent limestones which extend for many kilometres; fracturing along the crests of the anticlines increases permeability in the reservoir rocks. See PETROLEUM; and NATURAL GAS. Compare FAULT TRAP; REEF TRAP; STRATIGRAPHIC TRAP; STRUCTURAL TRAP; and UNCONFORMITY TRAP.

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AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "anticlinal trap." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-anticlinaltrap.html