Glossary

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Term Definition
Facies

An association of rock types which share a common trait. In the case of sedimentary rocks, usually used with reference to the environment in which the sediments were deposited (for example, deltaic).

Fault

Any brittle failure of rock layers along which rocks are displaced on one side relative to the other.

Fault trap

A structural trap where at least one of the components of closure is formed by offset of rock layers across a fault.

Fold

Deformation of a rock surface.

Formation

A formal term used to reference a genetically related rock unit (e.g. the Monterey Formation).

Four way dip

A simple structure in which rock surfaces dip in all four directions, thus creating structural closure. Often forms a hydrocarbon trap.

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