Abstract
We introduce a new synthetic marine model for 3D controlled-source electromagnetic method (CSEM) surveys. The proposed model includes relevant features for the electromagnetic geophysical community such as large conductivity contrast with vertical transverse isotropy and a complex bathymetry profile. In this paper, we present the experimental setup and several 3D CSEM simulations in the presence of a resistivity unit denoting a hydrocarbon reservoir. We employ a parallel and high-order vector finite element routine to perform the CSEM simulations. By using tailored meshes, several scenarios are simulated to assess the influence of the reservoir unit presence on the electromagnetic responses. Our numerical assessment confirms that resistivity unit strongly influences the amplitude and phase of the electromagnetic measurements. We investigate the code performance for the solution of fundamental frequencies on high-performance computing architectures. Here, excellent performance ratios are obtained. Our benchmark model and its modeling results are developed under an open-source scheme that promotes easy access to data and reproducible solutions.
Highlights
The Earth’s subsurface holds natural resources which are fundamental for local and regional development
Geophysical imaging allows us to obtain detailed maps of the Earth’s interior. This is achieved by analyzing the deformations and electromagnetic (EM) fields measured at the surface
This paper introduces a new model for 3D controlled-source electromagnetic method (CSEM) surveys
Summary
The Earth’s subsurface holds natural resources which are fundamental for local and regional development. Several 3D modelers have been developed for mapping the subsurface through the study of the electrical conductivity/resistivity as a diagnostic physical property Out of these modeling tools, custEM [22], emg3d [23], PETGEM [24], SimPEG [25], stand out. These modeling routines should be sought for: (a) providing accurate solutions in a feasible runtime; (b) tackling problems efficiently; (c) bringing flexibility to cope with a variety of real-life models. The availability of data (resistivity model, input mesh, electromagnetic responses) for reproductively/verification purposes continues to be a limiting issue in the geophysical EM modeling community To reverse this situation, the proposed model and numerical results are based on an open approach.
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