Impact of Subsurface Pressure Conditions on Caprock Structural Integrity and Retention Capacity in Petroleum Systems
Abstract: Pore pressure significantly influences prospect evaluation by driving mechanical top-seal failure under low vertical effective stress, preserving reservoir porosity through overpressure, and increasing drilling costs for high-pressure traps. Hydrocarbons may be preserved in regions with elevated overpressure, provided a protected trap exists with a caprock or upper seal of adequate mechanical strength. Understanding the geology is critical because it defines the subsurface pore and fracture profile and, in turn, helps predict a trap's sealing and retention capacity. As onshore exploration extends to greater depths and offshore exploration moves into deeper waters, understanding seal performance has become essential. The paper discusses a workflow for assessing trap headroom capacity and demonstrates, through a Far East example, how it aids hydrocarbon exploration.
Keywords: Seal integrity, Reservoir seal pair, Top seal, Protected trap, Mohr's envelope, Headroom and Retention Capacity
How to Cite?: Pratap V. Nair, "Impact of Subsurface Pressure Conditions on Caprock Structural Integrity and Retention Capacity in Petroleum Systems", Volume 15 Issue 10, October 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1189-1198, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR261018144155, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR261018144155