Steam drive:

A method of improved recovery in which steam is injected into a reservoir through injection wells and driven toward production wells.

The steam reduces the viscosity of crude off, causing it to flow more freely.

The heat vaporizes lighter hydrocarbons; as they move ahead of the steam, they cool and condense into liquids that dissolve and displace crude oil the steam provides additional gas drive.

This method is used to recover viscous oils.

Also called continuous steam injection or steam flooding.