Integrated Multi-Disciplinary Forward Stratigraphic Modelling Workflow In Petroleum Systems Assessment

Abstract

With the continuous acquisition of worldwide multi-disciplinary datasets, geoscientists face the need for more integration. The combination of diverse expertise and multi-scale datasets has lately been supported by a fast rise in technological advances in data acquisition and processing (e.g., well logs, 3D seismic inversion and characterization) as well as by integrated 4D forward stratigraphic and basin modeling approaches. This work discusses the results of innovative methodologies developed in order to tackle rising challenges linked to the exploration of new hydrocarbon resources. The use of geomorphological, geological and geophysical constraints in process-based forward stratigraphic models shed light on the complex driving mechanisms that influence sediment transport and/or production and deposition along continuously evolving landscapes. The impact of subsidence rates, accommodation, climate evolution, drainage systems as well as eustatic variations on sedimentary bodies geometries and associated facies is investigated in various depositional settings (continental, transitional and marine). Lateral and vertical facies variations are consequently modelled taking into account the diversity of impacting environmental parameters. Coupled with petrophysical analysis as well as seismic inversion and characterization, this approach permits a 3D prediction of lithology, TOC and porosity distributions for the generation of integrated structural, facies and kerogen maps used in basin models in order to simulate the impact the architectural and thermal evolution on source rock burial, maturation, hydrocarbon generation, migration and trapping. These workflows set new grounds for the generation of Play Fairway Maps, Common Risk Maps for the different petroleum systems elements (reservoir, seal, trap and charge) as well as Composite Common Risk Maps permitting to produce innovative ideas and reflections around the exploration and production of hydrocarbon resources.