Using Stratigraphic Forward Modeling to Model the Brookian Sequence of the Alaska North Slope

Abstract

Basin and petroleum system modeling allows geoscientists to examine the dynamics of sedimentary basins and their associated fluids to determine if past conditions were suitable for hydrocarbons to fill potential reservoirs and be preserved there. Commonly geological models are created using simple assumptions about the superposition of sedimentary layers during deposition. However, for prograding sequences foreland basin and passive margin settings in particular, this results in simplistic models with limited geological validation of thicknesses or facies distribution. Stratigraphic forward modeling is a quantitative approach to create a geological model by simulating dynamic sedimentary processes, such as erosion, sediment transport, and deposition, while maintaining mass balance. By suitably varying parameters that represent paleogeographic conditions (such as sea level, sediment input, and major tectonic events) stratigraphic forward modeling can generate a realistic three-dimensional model and predict the distribution of sediments and their properties.