Method of predicting three-dimensional stratigraphy using inverse optimization techniques
First Claim
1. A method to predict one or more stratigraphic attributes at a plurality of locations within a three-dimensional volume in a sedimentary basin, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) obtaining a set of real stratigraphic data comprising sedimentologic and stratigraphic attributes from at least one location within the volume;
(b) employing a stratigraphic forward model;
(c) employing a numerical inverse optimization technique that, after an initial guess of a group of forward model parameter values is established, iteratively runs the forward model, compares output from the forward model with similar data types from the set of real data, and adjusts the group of forward model parameter values such that successive iterations more closely match the sedimentologic and stratigraphic attributes from the set of real data until an optimal solution comprising a best combination of forward model parameter values is generated that satisfies a predetermined variance threshold;
(d) inputting the best combination of forward model parameter values back into the forward model to output a complete model of stratigraphic attributes a plurality of locations within the three-dimensional volume.
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Abstract
The invention relates generally to the field of quantitative sedimentologic and stratigraphic prediction. Specifically, geological data observed or inferred from core samples, cuttings, geophysical well logs and seismic data from locations within a sedimentary basin, in conjunction with a stratigraphic forward model and an inverse optimization technique, are used to predict sedimentologic and stratigraphic attributes at locations within the basin other than those at which data were collected. The model'"'"'s output consists of a three-dimensional model of the sedimentologic and stratigraphic attributes for the specified basin volume.
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13 Claims
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1. A method to predict one or more stratigraphic attributes at a plurality of locations within a three-dimensional volume in a sedimentary basin, the method comprising the steps of:
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(a) obtaining a set of real stratigraphic data comprising sedimentologic and stratigraphic attributes from at least one location within the volume;
(b) employing a stratigraphic forward model;
(c) employing a numerical inverse optimization technique that, after an initial guess of a group of forward model parameter values is established, iteratively runs the forward model, compares output from the forward model with similar data types from the set of real data, and adjusts the group of forward model parameter values such that successive iterations more closely match the sedimentologic and stratigraphic attributes from the set of real data until an optimal solution comprising a best combination of forward model parameter values is generated that satisfies a predetermined variance threshold;
(d) inputting the best combination of forward model parameter values back into the forward model to output a complete model of stratigraphic attributes a plurality of locations within the three-dimensional volume. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification