Forward stratigraphic simulation modelling reveals a detailed history through the Santos Basin du... more Forward stratigraphic simulation modelling reveals a detailed history through the Santos Basin during Mesozoic and Cenozoic deposition of carbonate, siliciclastic and volcaniclastic sediment. The model was constrained by many geologic observations including: 1) depth-converted seismically defined sequence-boundary geometries, 2) sequence-boundary ages from biostratigraphy calibrated to the geologic time scale of Gradstein et al. 1994 and Berggren et al. 1995, 3) paleowaterdepth profiles derived from biostratigraphy and inferred from depth converted and restored stratal geometries, 4) Lithology distribution defined in well logs. 5) Sand distribution interpreted from seismic character variations.
Balancing of stratigraphic cross sections from offshore New Jersey and the Delaware basin of New ... more Balancing of stratigraphic cross sections from offshore New Jersey and the Delaware basin of New Mexico results in an improved understanding of the stratigraphic and structural elements that controlled their development. Cross section balancing is accomplished in three stages: interpretation of the sequence stratigraphy, backstripping, and simulation of the history of the section with a forward model. Interpretations of lithostratigraphic and biostratigraphic data from outcrops, seismic data, and well-log cross sections define the distribution in time and space of stratal surfaces, slope angles on depositional interfaces, and sediment flux. Backstripping coupled with biostratigraphic data defines the subsidence history in time and space. The simulation incorporates rules governing the behavior of sequences in response to the distribution of accommodation space. The simulation also incorporates rules such as deltaic sediments that prograde basinward filling the available space below a predefined depositional profile, and sediment bypassing that occurs when the coastline falls below the shelf slope break of the previous highstand and relative sea level is falling. The quantitative model constrains the interpretation by limiting process variables to values consistent with observed rates. The two-dimensional model assumes that progradation occurs in the plane of the cross section, and lithospheric flexure can be approximated by the convolution of point loads on an elastic plate. The stratal patterns in the two stratigraphic cross sections can be reproduced by third-order (1.0-3.0 Ma) changes of eustasy. The Delaware basin is characterized by 5-10 Ma flexure loading cycles that are driven by tectonically induced variations in subsidence and clastic sediment delivered to the depocenter. Offshore New Jersey is characterized by exponentially declining thermal subsidence punctuated by a period of volcanism and uplift.
Numeric simulations based on integrated data sets enhance our understanding of depositional geome... more Numeric simulations based on integrated data sets enhance our understanding of depositional geometry and facilitate quantification of depositional processes. Numeric values tested against well-constrained geologic data sets can then be used in iterations testing each variable, and in predicting lithofacies distributions under various depositional scenarios using the principles of sequence stratigraphic analysis. The stratigraphic modeling software provides a broad spectrum
Stratigraphic modeling is one technique to predict a range of values for these parameters that co... more Stratigraphic modeling is one technique to predict a range of values for these parameters that correlate with a viable reservoir and seal. It is used to build a section through the basin that matches present day sequence boundaries and maximum flooding surfaces interpreted from ...
Forward stratigraphic simulation modelling reveals a detailed history through the Santos Basin du... more Forward stratigraphic simulation modelling reveals a detailed history through the Santos Basin during Mesozoic and Cenozoic deposition of carbonate, siliciclastic and volcaniclastic sediment. The model was constrained by many geologic observations including: 1) depth-converted seismically defined sequence-boundary geometries, 2) sequence-boundary ages from biostratigraphy calibrated to the geologic time scale of Gradstein et al. 1994 and Berggren et al. 1995, 3) paleowaterdepth profiles derived from biostratigraphy and inferred from depth converted and restored stratal geometries, 4) Lithology distribution defined in well logs. 5) Sand distribution interpreted from seismic character variations.
Balancing of stratigraphic cross sections from offshore New Jersey and the Delaware basin of New ... more Balancing of stratigraphic cross sections from offshore New Jersey and the Delaware basin of New Mexico results in an improved understanding of the stratigraphic and structural elements that controlled their development. Cross section balancing is accomplished in three stages: interpretation of the sequence stratigraphy, backstripping, and simulation of the history of the section with a forward model. Interpretations of lithostratigraphic and biostratigraphic data from outcrops, seismic data, and well-log cross sections define the distribution in time and space of stratal surfaces, slope angles on depositional interfaces, and sediment flux. Backstripping coupled with biostratigraphic data defines the subsidence history in time and space. The simulation incorporates rules governing the behavior of sequences in response to the distribution of accommodation space. The simulation also incorporates rules such as deltaic sediments that prograde basinward filling the available space below a predefined depositional profile, and sediment bypassing that occurs when the coastline falls below the shelf slope break of the previous highstand and relative sea level is falling. The quantitative model constrains the interpretation by limiting process variables to values consistent with observed rates. The two-dimensional model assumes that progradation occurs in the plane of the cross section, and lithospheric flexure can be approximated by the convolution of point loads on an elastic plate. The stratal patterns in the two stratigraphic cross sections can be reproduced by third-order (1.0-3.0 Ma) changes of eustasy. The Delaware basin is characterized by 5-10 Ma flexure loading cycles that are driven by tectonically induced variations in subsidence and clastic sediment delivered to the depocenter. Offshore New Jersey is characterized by exponentially declining thermal subsidence punctuated by a period of volcanism and uplift.
Numeric simulations based on integrated data sets enhance our understanding of depositional geome... more Numeric simulations based on integrated data sets enhance our understanding of depositional geometry and facilitate quantification of depositional processes. Numeric values tested against well-constrained geologic data sets can then be used in iterations testing each variable, and in predicting lithofacies distributions under various depositional scenarios using the principles of sequence stratigraphic analysis. The stratigraphic modeling software provides a broad spectrum
Stratigraphic modeling is one technique to predict a range of values for these parameters that co... more Stratigraphic modeling is one technique to predict a range of values for these parameters that correlate with a viable reservoir and seal. It is used to build a section through the basin that matches present day sequence boundaries and maximum flooding surfaces interpreted from ...
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