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A computer based model which describes a sedimentary environment is used to generate a facies model
Transgressive sedimentary patterns generated using GeoSyntax.

Reservoir modelling with GeoSyntax

GeoSyntax is a formal geological language for describing sedimentary deposits and a method for generating realistic facies models for reservoir characterisation.

Facies modelling with GeoSyntax

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We present a new method for generating facies models which can reproduce the complex shapes and spatial relationships found in channel-related depositional environments.

Facies models of petroleum reservoirs

Petroleum reservoir engineers use a variety of computer-generated statistical modelling techniques to generate the large number of facies models (realisations) required to assess the uncertainty in their understanding of reservoir heterogeneity. However, the resulting models are often not geologically realistic.

A new method for generating facies models can reproduce the complex shapes and spatial relationships found in channel-related depositional environments.

More recently, methods such as marked point processes and models based on training images have been developed in order to incorporate geological patterns into facies models.

These methods are not always good at reproducing the complex shapes of channel fill bodies and the correct spatial relationships between the various sedimentological entities. Furthermore, they tend to be computationally intensive as they are grid-based.

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References

Hill EJ, Griffiths CM. 2009. Describing and generating facies models for reservoir characterisation: 2D map view.  Marine & Petroleum Geology. 26: 1554-1563. DOI:10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2008.09.004.

Hill EJ, Griffiths CM. 2008. Formal Description of Sedimentary Architecture of Analog Models for use in 2D Reservoir Simulation. Marine & Petroleum Geology. 25: 131-141. DOI 10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2007.05.001.

Hill EJ, Griffiths CM. 2007. Simulating Sedimentary Successions Using Syntactic Pattern Recognition Techniques. Mathematical Geology. 39(2): 141-157.  DOI 10.1007/s11004-006-9074-4.

 

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Fast facts

  • GeoSyntax provides a method for documenting analogue models of sedimentary successions in a format that is compact and precise
  • GeoSyntax uses formal language theory to provide a method of capturing complex spatial information as well as statistical parameters
  • A parser can use the information encoded in GeoSyntax to generate multiple conditioned realisations of 3D facies models for reservoir simulation
  • Open source programs are available from www.geosyntax.net [external link]

Contact Information

Dr June Hill (BSc (Hons) MSc PhD MEngSc)
Project Leader
Earth Science and Resource Engineering
Phone: 61 8 6436 8651 
Fax: 61 8 6436 8555 
Dr Cedric Griffiths (BSc PhD)
Research Group Leader
Earth Science and Resource Engineering
Phone: 61 8 6436 8784 
Fax: 61 8 6436 8555 

Location

CSIRO Earth Science and Resource Engineering - ARRC
Australian Resources Research Centre, Technology Park
26 Dick Perry Avenue
Kensington, Perth WA 6151
Australia