3D BASIN MODELING AROUND THE WORLD – EXAMPLE PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS

Analysis of 3D petroleum systems requires a good understanding of spatial and temporal variation, of multiple elements. The importance of different elements depends on geographic location and identification and understanding of the critical ones is mandatory. Otherwise, modelers may run into the possible risk of generating incomplete or even scientifically incorrect results. Our presentation will address typical issues associated with salt, rift basins, and structure/tectonics. Several 3D models were selected from different geographic locations to show typical problems and possible solutions. Salt significantly affects thermal conditions in the system, which in turn result in anomalous temperatures in the basins. Salt welds, salt feeders and damage zones associated with moving salt, can serve as highly permeable lateral or vertical migration fairways, and may result in dynamically changing hydrocarbon migration directions. Thermal and migration effects will be demonstrated through our Gulf of Mexico, and Campos/Espirito Santo 3D models. Rift systems raise all sorts of questions including heat flow and effective source rocks. Especially in “young” rifts, calculation of heat flow history based on crustal models and radiogenic heat becomes critical. The effects of different heat flow models on maturation will be demonstrated in the Kutei basin, Gulf of Thailand, and North Malay Basin examples. Also, we will show examples of rifts with salt where both thermal effects result in multiple hydrocarbon generation/migration pulses that might have significant exploration implications. Hydrocarbon occurrence and oil vs. gas questions can not be explained without addressing structural and tectonic issues. Depending on regional and local stress conditions, fault juxtaposition, clay smear, etc., faults might serve as seals and/or conduits. Usually, a good understanding of present day conditions is not sufficient and a more detailed analysis of fault permeability through time should be performed. Kutei basin 2D and 3D examples will demonstrate spatial and temporal effects of fault flow properties on hydrocarbon distribution. The influence of significant erosion associated with tectonic processes on hydrocarbon generation and migration will be demonstrated using our North Slope of Alaska 3D basin model.