Pressure-inhibited hydrocarbon charge

An alternative explanation, which we refer to as pressure-inhibited charge, is that downward hydrocarbon migration from sealing source rocks ceases as the pressure of the underlying stratigraphically contiguous reservoir approaches the pore-pressure of the seal. This process is consistent with capillary theory. 

As illustrated in Fig. 14b, pressure-inhibited charge is less likely in cases where hydrocarbons are able to migrate across the boundary of different pressure cells. In these cases the concept of pressure equilibrium does not apply as reservoir pore pressure is unrelated to the migration of hydrocarbons from the overlying seal. Excess reservoir overpressure relative to the seal may therefore induce hydraulic fractures which breach both the seal and the overburden. It follows that closures located near to frequently reactivated boundary faults have a relatively greater... 

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