The end of the plateau phase of a field is the point where production enters the decline phase. Production profiles of giant fields generally have a long plateau phase, rather than the sharp peak often seen in smaller fields. Higher decline rates must be applied to giant fields that enter decline in the future as prolonged plateau levels and increased depletion made possible by new and improved technology result in a generally higher decline rates. Indeed, although technology can extend the plateau phase, it is at the expense of more pronounced declines in later years. Since a large number of important giants are subject to enhanced production methods, such as waterflooding, gas injection, fracturing or other measures, it is reasonable to expect relatively higher declines after those fields depart their plateau phase