Hydrocarbon systems – adding structural evolution to the equation

Gibbs, Alan, Paul Griffiths, and Serena Jones, Midland Valley Exploration, Glasgow, Scotland UK

Abstracts

The approach outlined in this paper was developed to tackle hydrocarbon system problems in complex structural areas where inversion, salt tectonics, or thrust faulting has lead to complex changes in the 3D fairways through time. The technique provides the ability to identify and assess risk in hydrocarbon system models and to generate multiple scenarios. This provides improved input into 2D and 3D basin modeling and allows the key system components to be integrated through depositional stages, faulting and folding and migration.

Using 3D interpretations a validated back-stripped model provides the basis for modeling sediment pathway and fluid migration fairways. As the model is run forwards in time sediment accommodation space and sediment transfer analysis is carried out. This is then integrated with the depositional model. Sub-basin spillways, stacking and migration of depocenters can be identified. Using input from basin modeling to identify kitchen areas and the timing of migration pathways, fluid focusing and drainage cell analyses can be carried out. Models for sealing and non-sealing faults, fairways through channels and compartmentalization can be investigated. This analysis can be used to develop and condition appropriate detailed 2D or 3D basin models or applied directly to technical and commercial decision making in exploration. This modeling approach has been successfully applied to projects in the North Sea, deep water Gulf of Mexico, Central and South America, North Africa, and the Atlantic margin. In these areas it has demonstrated clear benefit in significantly reducing work cycle times and in providing technical results that are significantly different from the conventional approaches which have not included the effect of lateral displacements during structural evolution.