3-D Visualisation on a Plate Scale Model Over the Middle East and North Africa

Adam Finn*, David M. Casey, D. Macgregor, and Peter R. Sharland
Neftex Ltd., UK
*[email protected]

With continuing improvements in technology, it is now possible to develop plate-scale regional 3-D subsurface models. We present a new 3-D approach towards understanding stratigraphic development at plate-scale rather than the more traditional field- or play-scale approach. This development requires consistent stratigraphic picks across continents – we have developed a global sequence stratigraphic model that allows us to achieve this. Regional depth maps have been constructed from public sources and then constrained to stratigraphic picks in many hundreds of published wells. Importing these surfaces into an RMS Cube on a grid of 1,000 m x 1,000 m, with dimensions of 3,000 km by 8,000 km, provides a striking plate-scale visualisation tool. Stratigraphic Modelling functionality allows the generation of intermediate surfaces - whilst following set rules, i.e. tie to wells, truncate above/below. Multi-angle cross-sections and views of the regional depth maps enable rapid assessment of adjoining basin stratigraphies, from which potential seals, reservoirs and sources rocks can be examined. Once the regional depth maps have been constrained first, second and third-order isopach maps can be generated, identifying areas of sediment accumulation and subsidence. 2-D Gross Depositional Environment maps can be draped over corresponding 3-D horizons providing a powerful visual prediction tool for the locations of possible reservoirs. This also enables basin-scale datasets to be potentially extracted from the plate-scale model and developed into 3-D flow simulation grids, allowing petrophysical cell properties and transmissiblities to be entered. All of this offers the opportunity to undertake detailed regional analysis of petroleum systems.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90077©2008 GEO 2008 Middle East Conference and Exhibition, Manama, Bahrain