Reconstruction of fluid migration history in Northwest Ireland using fluidinclusion studies

The Carboniferous rocks of NW Ireland (The North West Carboniferous Basin) on the Atlantic margin display evidence for multiple phases of fluid flow t hrough the sedimentary succession. Fluid inclusion studies of vein and frac ture fills and diagenetic mineral cements have allowed interpretation of pa laeofluid temperatures, salinities, compositions and pressure conditions. H ydrocarbon fluid inclusions are also present, indicating that primary and s econdary oil migration has occurred. A range of analytical techniques have been employed to constrain mechanism and timing of the multiple stages of f luid flow along with potential heat sources, allowing the reconstruction of the fluid flow history of the NW Irish Carboniferous. (C) 2000 Elsevier Sc ience B.V. All rights reserved.