Abstract
Small-scale (mm to m) sedimentary structures (e.g. ripple lamination, cross-bedding) have received a great deal of attention in sedimentary geology. The influence of depositional heterogeneity on subsurface fluid flow is now widely recognized, but incorporating these features in physically-rational bedform models at various scales remains problematic. The current investigation expands the capability of an existing set of open-source codes, allowing generation of high-resolution 3D bedform architecture models. The implemented modifications enable the generation of 3D digital models consisting of laminae and matrix (binary field) with characteristic depositional architecture. The binary model is then populated with petrophysical properties using a textural approach for additional analysis such as statistical characterization, property upscaling, and single and multiphase fluid flow simulation. One example binary model with corresponding threshold capillary pressure field and the scripts used to generate them are provided, but the approach can be used to generate dozens of previously documented common facies models and a variety of property assignments. An application using the example model is presented simulating buoyant fluid (CO2) migration and resulting saturation distribution.
Highlights
Small-scale sedimentary structures have received a great deal of attention in sedimentary geology
There is a long history of study of depositional sedimentary structures at these scales and their influence on fluid flow has been known for decades[3,4,5,6,7]
These types of studies highlight the importance of understanding the influence of depositional heterogeneity at relatively small scales and the challenges involved in adequately representing such heterogeneity for various applications
Summary
Small-scale representations of standard geologic features remains a challenge. The approach here differs from the sedimentary process forward model approach that requires complex computational fluid dynamics, including turbulence[20]. The numerical modification of up to three sine curves simulated the migration and erosion of bedforms, defined by 75 user-definable geometric parameters[26] While this approach does not mimic hydrodynamic processes related to deposition, it does produce readily recognizable features (i.e. similar to outcrop and modern environments) that can be related to depositional processes. This presented an opportunity to modify the animation sequence protocol to produce 3D digital models which can be further manipulated for various computational applications This provides yet another breakthrough related to Rubin’s formative work, by allowing broad application of realistic 3D sedimentologic geocellular models tied to well-documented geologic understanding for exploring a wide range of traditional research topics in sedimentary geology and fluid flow simulation
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