--> ABSTRACT: The Importance of Quantitative Stratigraphic Modeling to Basin Modeling, by M. D. Matthews and M. J. Zeitlin; #91021 (2010)

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The Importance of Quantitative Stratigraphic Modeling to Basin Modeling

MATTHEWS, MARTIN D., and MICHAEL J. ZEITLIN

Basin models are typically employed early in the exploration process, when stratigraphy is loosely constrained by seismic interpretation and wells rarely penetrate into, or below, the source rock. These models are usually forced to simulate stratigraphy at the formation level. Rock properties, however, are commonly estimated at, or below, bed level and must be grossed up to the formation level. This process is critical, and usually controls the model's flow properties. Permeability may vary by 10 orders of magnitude within a formation.

Quantitative stratigraphic models are an excellent method of estimating formation properties, because they predict internal geometric relationships between depositional events. The translation of this information into appropriate formation-scale properties is, however, difficult. Non-quantitative techniques such as empiricism and analogues, border on self-fulfilling prophesies. Quantitative techniques such as weighted averages are more objective. Internal geometric relationships of the depositional events are accounted for by the averaging technique (arithmetic, harmonic, or geometric). A more elegant technique is the use of a power law [bulk property = (<sigma>X[i] * P[i]{w}){1/w}, where X is the percentage of each rock type (i), P is the value of a property of each rock type, and w is a geometric dependent variable between plus and minus one].

Quantitative stratigraphic models represent an excellent technique to estimate the most likely end member rock types present, their percentages, internal geometries, and relationships.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91021©1997 AAPG Annual Convention, Dallas, Texas.