Principles of Designing Worldwide Petroleum Basin Data Bases for Potential Resource Estimation and Location: ABSTRACT

Abstract

A hierarchic information system covering worldwide petroleum basin statistics is made to provide reliable oil and gas potential assessments from global and basinal level to plays and prospects. The system uses a parametric approach instead of tectonic images in order to allow modeling of hydrocarbon generation, migration, and accumulation processes, depending on the basin framework and evolution. That leads to a spatial computer simulation of those processes within any given basin. In aligning uneven data from different sources, there are many blunt and subtle problems ranging from controversial basin concepts and national resource accounting differences to choosing adequate statistical parameters and models. Those most important are discussed here along with newly developed classifications of exploration targets and tasks as well as approaches to petroleum resource assessment coupled with variable data processing techniques. Analysis of the issues is aimed at finding an optimal data processing technique corresponding to any given case, exploration stage, etc. Independent ways to check an outcome are indicated as well. One of the system advantages is ranged probabilistic petroleum resource assessment based on variability of geological parameters in worldwide basin sampling rather than on experts' feeling coupled with the Monte Carlo technique. Proceeding reflects assessment uncertainty decliningmore » along with exploration and development. The paper demonstrates sample models derived from the information system, while it is still under development on the play and prospect level.« less