Influence of Zechstein Salt Rocks on Hydrocarbon Accumulation in North Sea Basin

The study on the Zechstein salt rocks in the North Sea Basin shows that Zechstein salt rocks have significant influence on hydrocarbon accumulation in this area. Firstly, the regional distributing thick salt rocks could provide excellent cap rocks for big-and-middle-sized gas field in the southern North Sea Basin. Secondly, the salt rocks are not only favorable for protection of reservoir porosity, but also favorable for permeability improvement. Thirdly, the tectonic activity of salt rocks has created HC migration pathway. In addition, the salt-related structures are important traps in this basin, and can provide favorable conditions for hydrocarbon accumulation.