Modeling Channel Forms and Related Sedimentary Objects Using a Boundary Representation Based on Non-uniform Rational B-Splines

Abstract

In this paper, we aim at providing a flexible and compact volumetric object model capable of representing many sedimentary structures at different scales. Geo-bodies are defined by a boundary representation; each bounding surface is constructed as a parametric deformable surface. We propose a three-dimensional sedimentary object with a compact parametrization which allows for representing various geometries and provides a curvilinear framework for modeling internal heterogeneities. This representation is based on Non Uniform Rational B-Splines (NURBS) smoothly interpolate between a set of points. The three-dimensional models of geobodies are generated using a small number of parameters, and hence can be easily modified. This can be done by a point and click user interactions for manual editing or by a Monte-Carlo sampling for stochastic simulation. Each elementary shape is controlled by deformation rules and has connection constraints with associated objects, in order to maintain the geometry and the consistency through editing. The boundary representations of the different sedimentary structures are used to construct hexahedral conformal grids in order to perform petrophysical property simulations following the particular three-dimensional parametric space of each object. Finally these properties can be upscaled, according to erosion rules, to a global grid that represents the global depositional environment.