1. n. [Geology, Shale Gas]

A depression in the crust of the Earth, caused by plate tectonic activity and subsidence, in which sediments accumulate. Sedimentary basins vary from bowl-shaped to elongated troughs. Basins can be bounded by faults. Rift basins are commonly symmetrical; basins along continental margins tend to be asymmetrical. If rich hydrocarbon source rocks occur in combination with appropriate depth and duration of burial, then a petroleum system can develop within the basin. Most basins contain some amount of shale, thus providing opportunities for shale gas exploration and production.

Synonyms: sedimentary basin

See related terms: depocenter,  migration,  plate tectonics,  play,  prospect,  regression,  sequence stratigraphy,  source rock,  subsidence