ABSTRACT
In addition to these autochthonous hydrocarbons, most salt formations also contain hydrocarbons, which originated from the calcareous-argillaceous sediments in the underlying rocks. Because of the low permeability of halitic rocks under lithostatic pressure, hydrocarbons can only migrate into and inside evaporites if open fractures are present. Such (temporarily) open fractures may result from halotectonic processes during the salt rise. These hydrocarbons are then trapped within the salt rocks as a result of deformation-related and healing processes. Subsequently the hydrocarbons are dragged along or relocated within the salt structure during the further upward salt movement and salt creep.
