Kohlenwasserstofflagerstätten

Kohlenwasserstofflagerstätten, also known as hydrocarbon reservoirs, are subsurface accumulations of naturally occurring oil and natural gas. These deposits form over geological timescales when organic matter, typically from ancient marine organisms, is buried under layers of sediment and subjected to heat and pressure. This process, known as maturation, transforms the organic matter into liquid hydrocarbons (oil) and gaseous hydrocarbons (natural gas).

For a reservoir to form, several key elements are required. Source rock, rich in organic material, is essential for generating the hydrocarbons. A migration pathway, usually porous and permeable rock layers, allows the generated oil and gas to move from the source rock. A trap, a geological structure that prevents further migration, is crucial for accumulating the hydrocarbons. Common traps include anticlines, faults, and stratigraphic traps. Finally, reservoir rock, a porous and permeable rock like sandstone or limestone, must be present to store the accumulated hydrocarbons. Impermeable cap rock, such as shale, overlays the reservoir rock, sealing it and preventing the hydrocarbons from escaping to the surface.

The exploration and extraction of hydrocarbons from these deposits are significant global industries. Understanding the geological conditions that lead to the formation and trapping of hydrocarbons is fundamental to successful exploration efforts. Various seismic imaging and drilling techniques are employed to locate and assess the potential of these valuable natural resources.