Simulation of stratigraphic architecture from statistical and geometrical characterizations

Stratigraphic modeling based on physical and geologic principles has been i mproved by more sophisticated process models and increased computer power. However, such efforts may reach a limit in their predictive power because o f the stochastic, multiscaled nature of the physical processes involved. Bu ilding on techniques from the geostatistical literature, a conditional simu lation method, dubbed "SimStrat," has been developed to improve predictions of stratigraphic architecture from limited ata. No physical processes are invoked. Rather, the prediction is based solely on geometric and statistica l principals. The method takes as input sonar bathymetry, seismically defin ed stratigraphic horizons, and core-defined horizons. Each stratigraphic ho rizon is characterized using spectral modelling and coherence modeling for adjacent horizons. Predictions of subsurface horizons are improved where se afloor bathymetry conforms with the underlying strata. Conditional simulati ons can then be generated that conform to available data constraints and st atistical characterization. Tests with synthetic data in one and two dimens ions for differing spectral models confirm the reliability of the method.