Petroleum Systems of Deep-Water Basins - Gulf Coast Section SEPM

Hydrocarbon Systems—Adding Structural Evolution
to the Equation
Alan Gibbs
Paul Griffiths
Serena Jones
Midland Valley Exploration
14 Park Circus
Glasgow
KA3 6AR Scotland UK
alan@mve.com
Abstract
This paper outlines new techniques developed to enable the hydrocarbon system to be fully integrated with the
structure model and its evolution through time. The approach was developed to tackle hydrocarbon system problems
in complex structural areas where inversion, salt tectonics, or thrust faulting has lead to complex changes in the 3D
fairways through time. The technique provides the ability to identify and assess risk in hydrocarbon system models
and to generate multiple scenarios. This provides improved input into 2D and 3D basin modeling and allows the key
system components to be integrated through depositional stages, faulting and folding and migration.
Using 3D interpretations, a validated back-stripped model provides the basis for modeling sediment pathway and
fluid migration fairways at each time step. As the model is run forwards in time, sediment accommodation space and
sediment transfer analysis is carried out. This analysis is then integrated with the depositional model. Sub basin spillways,
stacking and migration of depocenters can be identified. Using input from basin modeling to identify kitchen
areas and timing the migration pathways, fluid focusing and drainage cell analysis can be carried out. Models for fault
seal / non-seal, fairways through channels, and compartmentalization can be investigated.
This analysis can then be used to develop and condition appropriate detailed 2 or 3D basin models or applied
directly to technical and commercial decision making in exploration. This approach has been successfully applied to
projects in the North Sea, deep water Gulf of Mexico, Central and South America, North Africa, and the Atlantic margin.
In these areas it has demonstrated clear benefit in significantly reducing work cycle times and in providing
technical results that are significantly different from the conventional approaches which have not included the effect
of lateral displacements through time during structural evolution.
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