ABSTRACT: Quantitative Dynamic Analysis of the Northwest Danish Central Graben: An Application of the GEOPET II, 2-D Simulation Model

R. O. Thomsen, I. Lerche, A.-M. Jepsen

Several seismic lines from the tectonically complex northwest part of the Danish Central graben are used as a basis for a two-dimensional study of the fluid flow, thermal evolution, hydrocarbon generation, and migration through time, using GEOPET II. Four west-southwest-east-northeast seismic lines perpendicular to the main structural trend and one north-northwest-south-southeast seismic line along strike through the Tail end graben comprise the basis for the simulation of the fluid-flow pattern in the basin. The model allows for vertical faults that can be held open or closed with respect to fluid flow at different times. The flow conditions in the basin at the time of hydrocarbon generation and migration are examined by comparing the model predictions of hydrocarbon acc mulation under different flow conditions to present-day observations.

Special emphasis is placed on the model sensitivity to uncertainties in parameters such as heat-flow history, present day heat flow, knowledge of erosion events, amount of erosion, and buildup and release of overpressure in the sedimentary column.

The two-dimensional study is compared to a one-dimensional study, and the question of model scale vs. type of model is addressed.

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