caprock | Energy Glossary

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caprock

1. n. [Geology]

A relatively impermeable rock, commonly shaleanhydrite, or salt, that forms a barrier or seal above and around reservoir rock so that fluids cannot migrate beyond the reservoir. It is often found atop a salt dome. The permeability of a caprock capable of retaining fluids through geologic time is ~ 10–6–10–8 darcies.

Synonyms: seal

See related terms: halitemigrationpetroleum system

Schematic diagram of caprock over reservoir.