--> ABSTRACT: New Methods for Building Stratigraphic Frameworks and Creating Facies Models in Carbonate/Clastic Shoreline Environments Using Conceptual Geologic Models and Functional Form Modeling , by Bachtel, Christine I.; Branets, Larisa V.; Robertson, Gregory; Li, Hongmei ; #90142 (2012)

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New Methods for Building Stratigraphic Frameworks and Creating Facies Models in Carbonate/Clastic Shoreline Environments Using Conceptual Geologic Models and Functional Form Modeling

Bachtel, Christine I.*1; Branets, Larisa V.1; Robertson, Gregory 1; Li, Hongmei 1
(1) SRS - Modeling, ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company, Houston, TX.

The process of building stratigraphic frameworks in current geologic modeling packages can be time consuming, difficult, and often unsatisfying. Users attempting to create complex stacking patterns can be limited to unrealistic representations of stratigraphic concepts and property distributions. Editing a geocellular framework is cumbersome and involves recomputing properties after each framework update. A new approach to constructing stratigraphic framework and facies modeling has been developed in an attempt to address these challenges. This method is based on conceptual stratigraphic models (Concept Models) and uses principles of sequence stratigraphy with functional form modeling to build flexible frameworks. The benefit is the ability to develop and store geologic concepts, then apply these concepts to multiple reservoirs. Additionally, the framework and property models can be coupled in this method, whereby an alteration to the framework results in an update to the properties such that all data are honored.

Two types of input are required to build framework for Carbonate/Clastic Shoreline Concept Models; interpreted interval surfaces and a Growth Surface. A Growth Surface is a series of polylines that define the lateral and vertical shifting of a line of similar depositional water depth or an Environment of Deposition boundary. This surface establishes a frame of reference used to create additional conceptual surfaces between input surfaces. Properties are then populated between all surfaces based on stratigraphic concepts and the established reference frame.

Diagenetic, pore type bodies (if needed) are added to the model as conceptual diagenetic scenarios. These scenarios are linked to aspects of either the input data or conceptual elements within the Concept Model using a series of rules. The combination of facies and diagenetic overprint results in a Reservoir Rock Type. Once these are determined, effective properties are distributed using both depositional and diagenetic trends.

Examples of this technique have been tested using ramp, isolated buildup, and clastic shoreface depositional environments.
 

 

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90142 © 2012 AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition, April 22-25, 2012, Long Beach, California