Modeling3: Integrating Structural Modeling, Fault Property Analysis, and Petroleum Systems Modeling—An Example from the Brooks Range Foothills of the Alaska North Slope

Abstract

Seismic interpretation and various modeling techniques, including structural modeling, fault-seal analysis, and petroleum systems modeling, have been combined to conduct an integrated study along a tectonically complex compressional cross section in the Brooks Range foothills of the Alaska North Slope. In the first approach, relatively simple models have been developed to show the interaction and codependency of various parameters such as changing geometry over time in a compressional regime, character and timing of faults with respect to sealing or nonsealing quality, thermal and maturity evolution of the study area, as well as petroleum generation, migration, and accumulation over time, with respect to the geometry changes and the fault properties. Modeling results show that a comprehensive understanding of all aspects involved in basin evolution is crucial to understand the petroleum systems, to be able to reproduce what is observed in the field, and to ultimately predict what can be expected from a prospect area. This integrated approach allows a better understanding of the complex petroleum systems of the Brooks Range foothills.