CONSTRUCTION OF THE TRAP THEORY

Abstract

The article provides a comprehensive review of modern ideas about the nature, classification and modeling of hydrocarbon traps, which are of key importance for the effective exploration and development of oil and gas fields. In the context of the depletion of traditional deposits and the need to search for new resources in difficult geological conditions, the formation of a single theoretical basis that allows systematizing existing approaches to the study of trap formation is of particular relevance. The purpose of the study is to generalize existing approaches to the classification of traps, analyze genetic, morphological and stratigraphic factors, as well as substantiate the conceptual model of a trap as a dynamic object within the oil and gas system. Considerable attention is paid to the analysis of the scientific contribution of the leading Ukrainian geologist I. V. Vysochansky, who in his works proposed a number of fundamental clarifications to the classification scheme of traps, in particular, emphasized the need to take into account geodynamic conditions, the evolution of sedimentary basins, fluid dynamics and morphostructural features. His approach expands the traditional understanding of the trap, treating it as the result of a multifactorial geological process, and not only as a geometric structure. In particular, the concept of intraformational, metamorphogenic and regeneration traps, which are often not taken into account in classical schemes, is considered. In a comparative aspect, the studies of American scientists (R. C. Selley, A. D. Miall, M. T. Halbouty, etc.) are also analyzed, which focus mainly on stratigraphic and lithological types of traps characteristic of deltaic, fluvial and shelf environments. The high level of practicality of such studies is indicated, but it is also emphasized that these approaches sometimes neglect the complex geodynamics that are characteristic, for example, of the territory of Ukraine. The article covers a detailed description of the main types of traps: structural (anticlinal, dome, fault), stratigraphic (unconformities, wedging, facies transitions), lithological (lenses, paleochannels), hydrodynamic, as well as combined types that combine different formation mechanisms. It is emphasized that real systems often have a mixed nature, and only a combination of seismic, geochemical and stratigraphic data allows for the correct identification of such objects. The paper also considers the concept of the trap filling factor as one of the key parameters for assessing the efficiency of its functioning, and the critical direction of the trap, which determines the potential loss of hydrocarbons due to hermetic violations. The authors emphasize that the dynamics of the tectonic regime can both destroy and restore the tightness of traps, forming secondary accumulations. The article highlights the importance of implementing modern digital technologies in trap modeling – in particular, 3D visualizations, machine learning, digital seismic analysis, which are actively used by American companies such as Chevron, ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips. It is noted that the combination of these methods with the geological school of Professor Vysochansky in Ukraine can give a new impetus to the oil and gas industry. In general, the article offers a generalized theoretical model of a trap as an element of an oil and gas system, which is formed under the influence of morphological, stratigraphic, tectonic and hydrodynamic factors. It is concluded that further development of the theory of hydrocarbon traps should be based on an interdisciplinary approach with the integration of traditional geology and modern digital tools, taking into account the regional specifics of the geological structure.