Challenges for 3D Basin Modeling in Complex Areas: the GASPE Belt Pilot Project

A. Jardin¹, M. Thibaut¹, M. Beche¹, D. Saucier², D. Kirkwood², and I. Faille^1
1IFP, Paris, France
²Université Laval, Québec, Canada

The development of new prospects for oil and gas exploration will rely on our ability to detect reservoirs in complex settings. In extensive and compressive tectonics, a lot of difficulties are encountered for a reliable application of techniques like 3D seismic imaging, structural restoration, and basin modeling. Even if solutions are proposed by different providers, the efficient and practical use of basin modeling software still remains a challenge. The main obstacles obviously come from the building of a current and past structural model. Its numerical description must be consistent with the basin simulator and must also simulate the complexity of the subsurface. The use of seismic data requires an efficient time to depth conversion to limit the propagation of geometrical uncertainties into the structural modeling and kinematics restoration steps. Then to take into account lateral and vertical geological variations in 3D basin modeling studies, new developments are required which could be assessed on a methodological pilot project.

This project is carried out on the real case study of the Gaspé Belt, located in the Québec part of the Northern Appalachians. Its present geometry is constituted by two imbricate fold and thrust belt and 2D seismic profiles recently acquired provide new subsurface images. Even if the geological context seems to be not in favor of hydrocarbon reservoirs, recent gas reservoirs have been discovered indicating the presence of an active petroleum system. The feasibility study is aimed at proposing innovative ways of going from seismic imaging to petroleum system evaluation steps by the integration of the geophysical and geological techniques.

Integrated depth seismic imaging study was conducted and resulted in 2D reliable depth structural section. Using 2D balanced cross-section, geological field work and structural studies, the 3D structural model can be built using Kine3D software, an IFP-Gocad plug-in, allowing the control of the 3D geometrical inconsistencies.

Based on the case study, the pilot project will analyze the difficulties in term of grid parameterization from the restoration to the simulation steps. It will propose a list of quality control criteria to check the model updates through the whole study.

 

AAPG Search and Discover Article #90066©2007 AAPG Hedberg Conference, The Hague, The Netherlands