--> 3D Structural Restoration for Palinspastic Reservoir Modelling in the Lower Congo Basin, Angola, Kloppenburg, Armelle; Clausen, Lene F.; Bischke, Richard (Dick); Schleder, Zsolt; Polanco-Ferrar, Rosa, #90100 (2009)

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3D Structural Restoration for Palinspastic Reservoir Modelling in the Lower Congo Basin, Angola

Kloppenburg, Armelle1
 Clausen, Lene F.2
 Bischke, Richard (Dick)3
 Schleder, Zsolt1
 Polanco-Ferrar, Rosa1

1Midland Valley Exploration, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
2
Maersk Olie og Gas AS,
Copenhagen, Denmark.
3
Knowledge Reservoir,
Houston, TX.

Hydrocarbon generation and migration are risk factors in the play for offshore Angola because the source and reservoir rocks, as well as the migration routes, are affected by salt-related vertical and lateral movements of the sedimentary rafts, from as early as first maturation to present day. Structures include extensional faulting, toe-thrust folding, salt withdrawal causing complex block tilting and growth patterns. Hence, basin modelling on present-day geometries is insufficient and requires a sequentially restored 3D model.

The study first developed a clear and consistent concept for the structural development of the area. This was then the basis for a 14-step sequential restoration of 10 key 3D horizons and salt bodies through time, using 2D and 3D kinematic modelling software, on two carefully selected representative sections and a 3D model, respectively. Restoration variables were identified and the sensitivity of the outcome to modelling parameters was tested to specify an optimum modelling scenario. The 3D restoration quantified the geometrical development of key horizons and structures through time.

The structural history is dominated by spatially and temporally intertwined processes that formed complex interference patterns of faulting and topography due to basement reactivation on one hand, and gravity driven sliding (extensional and contractional) on the other.

Key 3D horizons were exported at critical palaeo-times as input for further 3D basin modelling studies.


AAPG Search and Discover Article #90100©2009 AAPG International Conference and Exhibition 15-18 November 2009, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil