Abstract - Recent progress in understanding the internal architecture of deep-water lobes has benefited from high resolution seismic data and detailed outcrop studies, and has identified a 4-fold hierarchical geometrical arrangement involving beds, lobe elements, lobes and lobe complexes. Quantitative modelling of the hierarchy is important since understanding different scales of heterogeneity is one of the most critical factors influencing oil production from lobe reservoirs. A novel object-based numerical approach (vbFIFT) is developed aiming not only to reproduce the detailed architecture within lobe complexes, but also to investigate the connectivity of sandstones within and between different hierarchical components. Input parameters include the dimensions, shapes, and sedimentary properties (NTG, Amalgamation Ratios) at each hierarchical level, and are based on published datasets. The model successfully captures the 4-fold hierarchy and many of the characteristic features of deep-water lobes such-as the distal pitchout geometry, thickening-upward cycles and compensation stacking. The influence of unknown properties such as the boundary transmissibility at each hierarchical level can be tested by varying the input parameters, and analysis of models can help refine the underlying sedimentary parameterisation. Future work will include analysing the connectivity and exploring what are the key depositional factors controlling reservoir performance.
Abstract of talk given to:
Irish Geological Research Meeting, University College Cork, February 2012.