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^PSISBA: A Methodological Project for Petroleum Systems Evaluation in Complex Areas*

M. Thibaut¹, C. Sulzer¹, A. Jardin¹, and M. Bêche^1,2

Search and Discovery Article #40269 (2007)

Posted December 18, 2007

*Adapted from poster presentation at AAPG and AAPG European Region Conference, Athens, Greece, November 18-21, 2007

¹IFP, Institut Français du Pétrole, 92852 Rueil-Malmaison Cedex France ([email protected]; [email protected])

² University Laval, Quebec

Abstract

Regarding the current context of oil and gas exploration, the development of new prospects will rely on our ability to detect reservoirs in deeper and structurally more complex targets. Petroleum system evaluation and basin modeling tools are then required to improve the knowledge in hydrocarbon potential in mature and under explored areas in all environment (compressive, extensive and salt tectonics). But difficulties are encountered for a reliable application of techniques like seismic imaging, structural restoration, and basin modeling, especially to take into account a realistic geometric description of geological structures at the present day and during the tectonic deformation steps. These play areas stretch the capabilities of currently available 3D basin modeling software based on relatively simple geometrical concepts. To properly handle the kinematics of structural deformation at basin scale coupled with the evaluation of the pressure regime and the temperature history remains a challenge for the next few years.

The pilot project ISBA is a working group with a learning curve which aims at defining coherent workflows, better integrating existing tools, determining quality control steps or criteria for problems in complex environment. It identifies problems and offers solutions.

The project ISBA is carried out in various complex geological contexts: salt tectonics, compressive and extensive settings. The first case study is in a compressive environment on the Gaspe peninsula located in the Quebec part of the Northern Appalachians. This ISBA project is looking for collaboration and data for applying our innovative technology.

uGaspe belt case study

uFigures 3-1, 3-2, 4-1

uGaspe belt case study

uFigures 3-1, 3-2, 4-1

uGaspe belt case study

uFigures 3-1, 3-2, 4-1

uGaspe belt case study

uFigures 3-1, 3-2, 4-1

uConclusions

uReferences

uAcknowledgements

Introduction

The development of new prospects will rely on our ability to detect reservoirs in deeper and structurally more complex targets in all environments: salt tectonics, compressive and extensive settings. But to limit drilling failure and to ensure exploration success, understanding of petroleum system at basin scale is needed.
These play areas stretch the capabilities of currently available 3D basin modeling software based on relatively simple geometrical concepts. Proper handling of the kinematics of structural deformation at basin scale coupled with the evaluation of the pressure regime and the temperature history remains a challenge.
But at the same time, the limiting factors to do more basin studies are the lack of data and experts. Then the technology should bridge the gap in better integrating tools to develop multi-disciplinary environment, in introducing coherency criteria to quantify uncertainties, in smoothing difficulties between steps of the workflow for efficiency requirement.

Figure 1-1. Repartition of 3D basin studies for the next few years (IFP Market Survey, 2005).

Objectives

The ISBA project using real case studies is dedicated to develop innovative workflows and solutions to cope with the methodological difficulties.

Figure 1-2. Innovative workflows and solutions: (1) Integration of all data; (2) Adequate seismic processing for direct structural interpretation of depth images; (3) A coherent 3D model; (4) Structural deformation through time; (5) Regridding step; (6) Forward simulation.

The Gaspe Belt Case Study

Benefits from work performed in advanced depth seismic imaging and structural geology.
Recent 2D seismic acquisition (2001-2006).

Figure 2-1. Simplified geological map of the Gaspe peninsula, located in the Quebec part in the Northern Appalachians, with cross-section.

Two superposed fold and thrust belts from the Taconian and Acadian orogens.
Two tectono-stratigraphic entities: Humber zone (Lower Paleozoic rocks) and the Gaspé Belt (lower to Middle Paleozoic rocks) which is a sedimentary cover over foothills.
Complex setting because of the contractional structure (folds and thrust faults) followed by strike-slip faults.
Extensive phase between two compressive phases.

Input Data

Figure 2-2. Integration of all the data.

Results

Figure 3-1. Structural interpretation of seismic lines.

Better understanding of the relations between Taconian and Acadian orogens ( new image of the décollement level).
Additional results for the interpretation when comparing migrated seismic images.
Improved visibility of the seismic markers.
Necessity to adapt the seismic processing to the environment.

Figure 3-2. Integrated 3D structural model building.

3D coherent model based on various data (seismic, interpretations and MNT) with Kine3D-1.
Better global structural understanding by linking the different 2D seismic interpretations.
Improved fault-horizon contacts with the 2D restoration.
Achievement of the trend evolution of the fault offset through 3D modeling.
Improved static analysis of the current geometry because of the restoration

Figure 4-1. 3D geometrical controls and kinematic modeling.

2D restoration alone is not good enough to remove ambiguity.
Interpretation of the dilatation property as an internal strain when the geometry is not questionable.
Better localization of problems related to geometrical inconsistencies.
Flexural slip as the only method to preserve surface area.

Future and Conclusions

Thorough analysis of the difficulties in term of grid parameterisation for further fluid flow simulation is in progress.
The preliminary results emphasize the necessity of the model consistency in terms of structural geology and of the use of control procedures between phases.
In basin modeling, where evolution of the basin versus time is needed, restoration is the main tool to control the consistency of the proposed geometry through time. Advantage of the integration of the restoration step versus static modeling in 2D as in 3D is the ability to locate problems related to inconsistent geometries.
New forward simulator for complex tectonics with accurate kinematics is under development.
Other case studies in salt tectonics and extensive context are planned to complete the criteria and workflows in 2008.

References

Bêche, M., Kirkwood, D., Jardin, A., Desaulniers, E., Saucier, D., and Roure, F., 2007, 2D depth seismic imaging in the Gaspe belt , a structurally complex fold and thrust belt in the Northern Appalachians, Quebec, Canada, in Thrust belts and foreland basins: Springer, Chapter 4, p. 4-16.

Brisebois, D., and Brun, J., 1994, La plate-forme du Saint-Laurent et les Appalaches: Géologie du Quebec, v. 1, p. 95–120.

Jardin, A., Thibaut, M., Bêche, M., Saucier, D., Kirkwood, D., and Faille, I., 2007, Challenges for 3D basin modeling in complex areas: The Gaspe belt pilot: AAPG Hedberg conference--Basin Modeling Perspectives : Innovative developments and novel applications.

Moretti, I., Lepage, F., BS Guitton, M., 2006, ‘Kine3D: A new restoration method based on a mixed approach linking geometry and geomechanics: Oil&Gas Science and Technology, v. 61, no. 2, p. 277-289.

Acknowledgements

Pétrolia (www.petroliagaz.com)

Earth Decision Suite (www.earthdecision.com)

Pardigm (www.paradigmgeo.com)

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