Inversion of dynamical indicators in quantitative basin analysis models. III. Multiwell information and two-dimensional case histories

Abstract

A dynamical tomography method, which inverts dynamical indicators to evaluate the parameters controlling geological processes as well as those in intrinsic equations of state, was introduced into a 2D fluid flow/compaction model termed GEOPETII (developed at the University of South Carolina), with the assumption of invariance to spatial location of parameters in equations of state, but allowing geologic process parameters to change with well location. Synthetic tests, including sensitivity analysis, are given to illustrate the operation of the system. The nonlinear inverse two-dimensional tomography method, together with a systematic linear search procedure, provides a useful approach to determine and constrain the parameters entering quantitative models of dynamical sedimentary evolution. Applying the method to an interpreted section from a seismic line in the Navarin Basin. Bering Sea. Alaska, the predictions of present-day formation thicknesses, porosity, and fluid pressure with depth are improved at four controlling well locations (Amoco Mishu No. 1, Exxon Redwood 1, Exxon Redwood 2, and Amoco Danielle), relative to previous results which used only a forward model. In this way the geohistory and structural development of the basin can be defined better, which helps in the reconstruction of thermal history, and so of hydrocarbon generation, migration, and accumulation histories in relation to structural and stratigraphic development.