Geologically-driven pore fluid pressure models and their implications for petroleum exploration. Introduction to thematic set: Geologically-driven pressure models

Abnormal pressure, either low or high, is commonly found in many basins around the world. A clear understanding of these pressure regimes is needed if wells are to be drilled safely. One of the prerequisites for this planning is prediction of pore fluid pressure, in both reservoirs and also in shales and other low-permeability lithologies. To this end, recent advances, captured in this thematic set, have seen the development of geologically derived pressure models, underpinned by an understanding of the multiple mechanisms that cause abnormal pressures. These understandings lead to more accurate pore fluid pressure interpretation in more complex lithological regimes such as carbonate/clastic systems and salt-dominated systems that often contain highly overpressured intra-salt reservoirs. Further, these models are now being used to drive new exploration plays by improving velocity predictions to improve sub-salt pore pressure predictions and identifying hydrodynamic aquifers that provide lateral migration paths for fluids.