Chapter 9 - Mathematical Models in Petroleum Geology

Abstract

The chapter discusses the process of mathematical modeling used to find oil and gas bearing areas. The progress in the oil and gas producing industry is related closely to the acceleration of discovery rates, exploration, and production of hydrocarbon resources. Exploration and development of hydrocarbon resources must be based on scientific information, which helps to predict subsurface conditions and properties of oil and gas bearing formations. It requires the application of a set of mathematical models to process geological and geophysical data to aid exploration, and the estimation and evaluation of oil and gas resources. Scientific bases, simulation techniques, and constructed mathematical models of both static and dynamic geological systems are developed. This is necessary to study and predict the structure and properties of geologic systems during all phases of exploration and development of oil and gas fields. The chapter also defines basic theoretical and methodological principles of simulation and prediction of geologic systems by postulates or principles. The chapter presents four main principles: the principle of consideration of system's nature, the principle of system's development, the principle of consideration of comparative size and complexity of geologic and experimental systems, and the principle of consideration of the information growth. The definition of these principles provides a systems approach both in the development of scientific foundations and in the simulation technology of geologic systems.