Characteristics of reservoirs related to salt structure and its experimental simulation in the southern margin of Precaspian Basin

Based on the interpretation of seismic profiles and hydrocarbon accumulation simulation, the characteristics of salt-related structures and reservoirs in the southern margin of Precaspian Basin are analyzed. Salt diapirs and salt walls are the main structure types in the study area, with welds, rolls or bedded layers of salt playing a connecting role between them. There are two hydrocarbon accumulation mode types, one associated with salt welds in the postsalt formations and the one with heterogeneous reservoirs in the presalt formations, divided by the salt layer. The 2D experimental modeling of oil migration and accumulation indicates that salt welding is the key of oil accumulation in the postsalt formations, while faults and interlayer heterogeneity control the distribution of oil in the presalt formations. The result is significant for understanding the oil migration and accumulation in salt-related structures and guiding oil exploration and development of salt-bearing basins.