Critical moment

{
  "id": "MLC-T-OAG-000889",
  "term": "Critical moment",
  "field": "Oil and gas",
  "definition": "The point in geological time when all elements of a petroleum system (source, reservoir, seal, and trap) are correctly positioned and timed to allow for hydrocarbon accumulation. It represents the specific period when a mature source rock expels oil or gas into a migration pathway leading to a sealed, pre-existing trap structure. The timing of trap formation relative to this moment determines whether a prospect is charged with hydrocarbons or remains dry.",
  "subject": "Geology",
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/oil-and-gas/critical-moment/"
}