**Lawrence Cathles**

Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA; lmc19@cornell.edu Received: 8 November 2019; Accepted: 13 December 2019; Published: 17 December 2019

**Abstract:** Sedimentary basins are near-planetary scale stratigraphic-structural-thermochemical reactors that produce a cornucopia of organic and inorganic resources. The scale over which fluid movements coordinate in basins and the broad mix of processes involved is remarkable. Easily observed characteristics indicate the style of flow that has operated and sugges<sup>t</sup> what kind of resources the basin has likely produced. The case for this proposition is built by reviewing and interpreting observations. Features that future basin models might include to become more e ffective exploration and development tools are suggested.

**Keywords:** sedimentary basins; fluid flow; capillary seals; chemical alteration; resources; basin modeling
