Patent ID: 6754588
Filing Date: 2004-06-22
Classification: G01V

Abstract:
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 that includes a conservation of mass constraint; (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 for a plurality of locations within the three-dimensional volume.