The complex interaction between salt and surrounding sediments makes risk assessment of a prospect or play concept a challenge. Geopressure compartmentalization in the Gulf of Mexico Tertiary-Quaternary salt basins is created mainly by the principle stresses resulting from interaction between the sediment load and tectonic movement of salt.

The unique petrophysical properties of salt contribute to changes in the structural setting and affect the sealing capacity and hydrocarbon retention capability of traps. The low density of salt may retard the sealing capacity in subsalt sediments, while enhancing the seal capacity in supra-salt sediments. Because salt is relatively impermeable, its...