Coupling 2D
Numerical Kinematic and Thermal Maturity Modelling in Fold and Thrust Belt and
Vargas F, Adrián E.1, Asbrúbal
J. Bernal P1 (1) PDVSA - Intevep,
The maturity of source rocks responds to
time an temperature state in the basin, which is controlled by to the interplay
between stratigraphic and tectonic processes in three-dimensions. In structural
complex areas, the majority of current numerical techniques generally employ
one-dimensional modelling or an oversimplification of tectonic processes in two
and three dimensions to investigate the petroleum system processes. In this
study, the modelling of source rock generation and expulsion and fluid flow in
two-dimensional compressional structures is achieved through use of a forward
numerical approach. Structural deformation is described by fault-related
folding and the thermal evolution of the source rock is described by the
Arrhenius equation. This approach is used to investigate the petroleum system
in an area of the
Modelling results highlight the impact of
different kinematic models in the generation and expulsion of hydrocarbons and
suggest that the level of thermal maturity of the source rock can be used to
constrained the kinematic evolution of structures in fold and thrust belts. The
stratigraphic and tectonic evolution in this area comprises periods of sequence
and out-of-sequence deformation, which is supported by seismic data
interpretation. Due this variable basin evolution, various episodes of source
rock generation and expulsion are interpreted. The geometry of the basin at the
time of occurrence of these episodes is interpreted to be responsible for accumulations
showing hydrocarbon mixing. Furthermore, post accumulation processes (e.g.
biodegradation, evaporative fractionation) contribute to modify the physical
and chemical properties of the hydrocarbon in the reservoirs.
AAPG Search and Discover Article #90063©2007 AAPG Annual Convention, Long Beach, California