--> ABSTRACT: A Quantitative Basin Analysis System and its Application, by Song Cao, Stefan Bachu, Andre Lytviak; #91003 (1990).

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ABSTRACT: A Quantitative Basin Analysis System and its Application

Song Cao, Stefan Bachu, Andre Lytviak

A computer-based quantitative basin analysis system (QBAS) has been developed for the study of sedimentary basins. The QBAS consists of three major components: database, data processing, and modeling. Commonly available data in a sedimentary basin, such as stratigraphic picks, core analyses, drill-stem tests, analyses of organic matter, bottom-hole temperatures, and analyses of formation waters, are stored and manipulated in a relational well database. The data are processed and synthesized to higher levels using different graphical and mathematical techniques. The data processing also provides the regional and local scale information of geological, geochemical, geophysical, geothermal, and hydrogeological parameters, which are prerequisites for basin modeling. In the mod ling module, both one- and two-dimensional models are used for the simulation of sediment compaction and fluid flow, and for the reconstruction of burial history; a thermal inversion method is used for the reconstruction of thermal history; and a kinetic approach is used for the simulation of hydrocarbon generation from organic matter. Hubbert's method is used for the evaluation of hydro dynamic entrapment of hydrocarbons. The QBAS provides the explorationists with the past and present-day conditions in a sedimentary basin in terms of geology, geothermics, hydrogeology, and hydrocarbon generation, migration, and accumulation.

The QBAS was applied to the Peace River arch area (approximately 64,000 mi2) in the Western Canada sedimentary basin. Data from some 27,000 wells drilled in the area were processed and synthesized at basin scale. The extensive data control allowed reliable parameter characterization and model calibrations. The results obtained show that the QBAS can be a useful tool to target the exploration for hydrocarbons in sedimentary basins.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91003©1990 AAPG Annual Convention, San Francisco, California, June 3-6, 1990