Abstract:
The present invention incorporates the use of geophysical, geological and formation evaluation data to develop synthetic stratigraphic columns based on depositional rules and sedimentary stacking patterns. The present invention utilizes dynamic assignment and matching whereby the synthetic columns can be easily conformed throughout the reservation characterization process as geological data becomes available.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates to the three-dimensional geological modeling and the characterization of subsurface reservoirs of interest. 
   In the on-going search for subsurface hydrocarbons, methods have been developed for evaluating and interpreting the structure and characteristics of the earth&#39;s subsurface. Of particular importance is the ascertainment of formation characteristics consistent with the presence of hydrocarbon deposits. 
   There is an increasing need for reservoir characterization within the oil and gas industry. The need for reservoir characterization is mostly driven by economic realities: if reservoirs can be defined better using available technology then the end result is higher drilling success and fewer development wells. As part of the characterization and development of an oil or gas field, it is often required that a computer model of the subsurface reservoir be built. As the exact characteristics of the earth&#39;s subsurface cannot be clearly defined, multiple computer models which are various examples of the possible facies and their associated properties are developed. 
   Developing accurate reservoir models is a key objective of companies in the oil and gas industry. A properly constrained reservoir model can be used to quantify hydrocarbons in place and to optimize hydrocarbon production. The evaluation of reservoirs is typically achieved using a combination of seismic and well data. Each of these data represents imperfect measurements with a certain level of error. The manner in which these errors are handled affects the integration of the two data types and determines the quality of the final reservoir model. 
   It is common practice to obtain data about a reservoir from well logging instruments moved through existing wells in the reservoir. Such well data obtained from the well through well logs of various types represent data samples from only a small fraction of a reservoir&#39;s volume. For effective evaluation of a reservoir, knowledge of the actual rock formation (lithology or lithofacies) and the contained fluids, as well as the relative presence or volume of pore space (or its porosity), is needed. The fact that a reservoir exhibits certain lithofacies and porosity at a well provide no assurances that other areas of the reservoir have the same characteristics. Geological models of lithofacies and porosity that are based solely on well data thus contain large regions that are not based on actual sampled data; rather, the data must be estimated from the closest existing wells. 
   Three-dimensional seismic surveys provide data samples over most of a reservoir&#39;s volume, including portions unsampled by wells, but at best the seismic data can provide only indirect measurements of lithofacies and porosity. Existing seismic surveying technology does not offer techniques to measure either of these formation characteristics directly. 
   Geological modeling of the subsurface has been performed for many years by geologists, geophysicists, engineers and hydrologists. Many descriptive or static 3-D geological models built for mining or petroleum applications have been in the form of a specified three-dimensional array of individual model units or blocks (also called cells). One particular prior art methodology used to build reservoir property models has been impedance inversion. In this prior art method, the seismic data is inverted directly using a sparseness constraint for acoustic impedance values. One of the stumbling blocks in that method is the need for a low frequency model to compensate for the fact that the seismic data is bandlimited and therefore does not contain low frequencies. The low frequency model is typically generated from well data, in conjunction with seismic interpretation. One issue is that the low frequency model can be inadequate where there is limited well data available. A further issue is that seismic data also does not contain high frequencies, and with the above-described approach, the sparse reflectivity model which attempts to compensate for the lack of high frequencies can be inconsistent with the actual geological setting for which the inversion is being performed. This leads to poor estimates of the missing high frequency components. In addition, since this process is typically performed on a trace by trace basis no attempt is made to conform to the actual spatial statistics that are consistent with the actual well data. 
   In an attempt to include spatial statistics in the impedance inversion approach, stochastic inversion methods have been developed. These methods incorporate spatial statistics in the form of spatial variograms derived from available well data. A starting model is generated by interpolating the real well data using the spatial variograms and any existing seismic interpretation. This model is then iteratively updated until a sufficient match between the observed seismic data and the updated model, which obeys the required spatial constraints, is reached. Major drawbacks in this approach are the problems associated with the sparse well situation where the spatial variogram is poorly determined and the difficulty of getting a good match to the seismic when the starting model is poorly defined. 
   Both of the above-described approaches neglect the advantage offered by utilizing prior knowledge of the possible stratigraphic layering of the sediments over the area of interest. One approach which addresses this issue has been developed by dGB Earth Sciences. That approach utilizes the concept of geologically designed pseudo or synthetic wells to capture the deterministic nature of depositional environments together with probabilistic distributions of lithologies and elastic properties. A paper by de Groot P., Bril A., Florist F. and Campbell A.,  Monte Carlo Simulation of Wells , Geophysics, Vol. 61, No. 3 (May-June 1996); pp. 631-638 describes a methodology where 1-D stratigraphic profiles of pseudo-wells with attached physical properties, but without spatial information, are simulated using a combination of geological knowledge and Monte Carlo statistics. The paper describes the advantages of the described-method as being able to steer the algorithm with rules based on geological reasoning, and that hard constraints for the stochastic variables can be included. 
   While the methodology described by de Groot and Bril is a step in the right direction, there is a need for an improved method which is more closely constrained by actual depositional geology, has the ability to use dynamic pseudo-wells and which expands the functionality of the method. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention overcomes the above-described and other shortcomings of the prior art by providing a novel and improved method of estimating reservoir properties, at both the exploration and production scale. The improved method incorporates the use of geophysical, geological and formation evaluation data to develop labeled synthetic stratigraphic columns based on depositional rules, sedimentary stacking patterns and rock physics. 
   The present invention allows for improved estimates of large scale properties such as Net-to-Gross and detailed properties such as high resolution elastic properties (e.g. velocity, density) and reservoir properties (e.g. porosity, permeability, fault seal uncertainty). The reservoir properties estimated by the present invention will honor geological, stratigraphic and geophysical constraints. The present invention offers the opportunity for initial prospect evaluation as well as detailed well planning and model building. 
   As used herein, the term “geological” includes geological, geophysical, formation evaluation and stratigraphic data 
   The present invention includes a method of modeling a synthetic stratigraphic column for a reservoir model. The method includes dynamically assigning a plurality of labeled stratigraphic units to the synthetic stratigraphic column based upon pre-selected geological patterns. The method also includes dynamically assigning elastic geological properties to each of the stratigraphic units in the synthetic stratigraphic column. The method further includes sampling the synthetic stratigraphic column to provide an elastic property log and converting the elastic property log to a synthetic seismogram. The method includes dynamically matching the synthetic seismogram to a corresponding seismogram in a set of real seismograms to obtain coordinates for the synthetic stratigraphic column with the reservoir model. 
   The methodology used by the present invention allows for synthetic stratigraphic columns to be constrained by various types of sedimentary structures, beds and bedding which are determined by geological depositional rules and sedimentary stacking patterns. The present invention also allows for the assignment of elastic geological properties to the stratigraphic units within the stratigraphic columns based on real well statistics, proprietary rock property databases and related stratigraphic patterns. 
   The present invention utilizes dynamic assignment and matching whereby the labeled synthetic columns can be easily conformed throughout the reservation characterization process as geological data becomes available. As part of the matching process, the present invention enables the simulated well logs to be dynamically updated to conform to interpreted seismic surfaces. Once the vertical constraints have been accounted for then possible horizontal constraints can be considered. 
   The present invention allows for the construction of 3D reservoir volumes by making choices of available 1D labeled synthetic stratigraphic columns at each spatial location of the 3D reservoir volume. The manner in which those choices are made can be either deterministic in nature or governed by geostatistical constraints, such as Multiple-Point Statistics (“MPS”), and variograms and other spatial constraints, such as Facies Distribution Modeling (“FDM”). 
   The present invention enables the estimation of seismic velocities (Vp and Vs) of compressional (p) and shear (s) waves from lithology, density and real finite-offset seismic data. The present invention also enables the estimation of porosity from Vp, Vs and density for each lithofacies using a Bayesian approach. The present invention further enables the transformation of the elastic geological properties (e.g. Vp, Vs, density and porosity) to reservoir properties (e.g. permeability) via a process based on genetic programming and Fuzzy Neural Nets. 
   The present invention provides an improved method of estimating reservoir properties. One embodiment of the present invention uses identified or specific stratigraphic depositional patterns (e.g. fining upwards bell shape) for assigning lithology distributions within the stratigraphic units. Another embodiment of the present invention utilizes elastic properties for each stratigraphic unit which can be assigned based on known stratigraphic patterns. Use of large scale depositional phase diagrams (e.g. the Colorado School of Mine&#39;s Adjustment-Initiation-Growth-and-Retreat method, cast in terms of nested histograms) to build pseudo-wells in essentially data free environments is made possible by the present invention. 
   In yet another embodiment of the present invention, an index map (generated from seismic interpretations or pre-set geologic concepts) is used to dynamically match characteristic of pseudo wells to specific locations. For example, if at coordinates x, y, there are subsurface channels A, B, C, the present invention allows for pseudo-wells at those coordinates to have those channelized features present. 
   In another embodiment, the present invention enables the use of dynamic stretching and squeezing of pseudo-wells to tie pre-existing well markers and horizon pairs. 
   In a further embodiment of the present invention where multiple pseudo-wells can be generated for a specific location, specific criteria are used to choose a pseudo-well using spatial constraints generated from 3D MPS training images or from low-frequency Net-to-Gross property estimates. 
   In a further embodiment of the present invention where multiple pseudo-wells can be generated for a specific location, specific criteria are used to choose a pseudo-well using particular deterministic constraints resulting in a combinatorial approach based on genetic algorithm optimization. 
   The present invention will also allow for Net-to-Gross to be estimated by clustering low-frequency synthetic seismic generated from the pseudo stratigraphic columns, and comparing the synthetic seismic to real seismic data. 
   It should be appreciated that the present invention is intended to be used with a system which includes, in general, an electronic configuration including at least one processor, at least one memory device for storing program code or other data, a video monitor or other display device (i.e., a liquid crystal display) and at least one input device. The processor is preferably a microprocessor or microcontroller-based platform which is capable of displaying images and processing complex mathematical algorithms. The memory device can include random access memory (RAM) for storing event or other data generated or used during a particular process associated with the present invention. The memory device can also include read only memory (ROM) for storing the program code for the controls and processes of the present invention. 
   Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description of the Invention and the Figures. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, pending claims and accompanying drawings where: 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a flowchart of the workflow of one embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a flow chart of the workflow of one embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an example of a deep-water architectural hierarchy utilized by the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a side-view of an example of stratigraphic framework; 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a top-view of an example of an index map illustrating an interpreted subsurface reservoir including geological complex set; 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a side-view of the complex set of the interpreted subsurface reservoir of  FIG. 5 , the reservoir additionally includes one well; 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a well log of a geological complex set of the interpreted subsurface reservoir illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 ; 
       FIG. 8  illustrates an embodiment of a stratigraphic framework utilized by the present invention; 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an example of a distribution of thicknesses at both the unit and lithology levels; 
       FIG. 10  illustrates an example of an interpreted stratigraphic column illustrating successive depositional trends and its related thickness distribution which is utilized by the present invention; 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a portion of a pseudo stratigraphic column and examples of possible geological properties that could be assigned to the units of the column as utilized by the present invention; 
       FIGS. 12A and 12B  illustrate examples of constrained property trends generated by an embodiment of the present invention for a given geological unit. 
       FIGS. 13A and 13B  illustrate an example of correlation cross-plots for geological properties from real well-log data and pseudo well data utilized by the present invention. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates examples of correlation cross-plots of the imposed correlation constraints between the pseudo-log geological properties for each particular lithology unit; 
       FIG. 15  illustrates examples of the final pseudo-logs as generated by the present invention; 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a workflow of one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates an example of interpreted seismic horizons delineating channel boundaries; 
       FIG. 18  illustrates a side view of the interpreted bed correlation of the channel complex illustrated in  FIG. 17 ; 
       FIG. 19  illustrates a map view of each of the channel systems illustrated in  FIG. 17 ; 
       FIG. 20  illustrates a geobody index map of the channel systems illustrated in  FIG. 17 ; 
       FIG. 21  illustrates an example of a plurality of synthetic columns having a vertical combination of channels which has been generated by one embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 22  illustrates dynamic stretching and squeezing to vertically match horizon mark pairs in one embodiment of the present invention; and 
       FIG. 23  illustrates an example of Horizon-Marker Pairs utilized by one embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings, and will herein be described in detail, preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated. 
   The present invention is an improved method of estimating subsurface reservoir properties and characteristics utilizing geological constraints. The improved method includes utilizing deterministic and probabilistic constraints. The method utilizes a stratigraphic framework which provides a complete label system for each pseudo-well, comprehensive stratigraphic rules and constraints from geological interpretation and realistic property distribution rules. 
   The pseudo-wells generated by the improved method can be used in a number of applications. For example, the pseudo-wells can be used in reservoir Net-to-Gross estimation and high resolution seismic inversion. The pseudo-wells can also be used as a direct source to Probabilistic Amplitude versus Offset (“P-AVO”). 
   The present invention provides fully labeled, geologically meaningful pseudo-wells. Even when there are sparse real-world well data, there is still a great deal of information about the depositional environment and what possible range of stratigraphic architectures may in occur in subsurface environments. The present invention utilizes internal markers and reservoir architecture, if known, to create pseudo-wells where internal architecture and stacking patterns are based on real wells. In the absence of detailed knowledge of the internal architecture, the present invention creates likely pseudo-well stacking patterns, sand/shale ratios, bed thicknesses, etc. by utilizing information from the larger scale geological environment, and the typical depositional elements within this environment to create pseudo-wells. The present invention also incorporates any real well data that exists. 
     FIG. 1  illustrates a workflow of one embodiment of the present invention. The present invention includes dynamically assigning a plurality of stratigraphic units to a stratigraphic column  2  based on pre-selected geological patterns  4 . The stratigraphic unit is one dimensional (“1D”) with only a vertical dimension. Unlike a static assignment of a stratigraphic unit where the vertical dimension is set, the present invention includes dynamically assigning the stratigraphic units to the stratigraphic column  2 . The dynamic assignment enables the stratigraphic units in a particular column to be stretched and squeezed vertically to fit an actual vertical geological pattern of interest. 
   The present invention also includes dynamically assigning elastic geological properties to each of the stratigraphic units  6 . The elastic geological properties are based on real well statistics, rock property databases and related stratigraphic patterns  8 . The elastic geological properties are dynamically assigned to the stratigraphic units so that the properties can be adjusted depending on the geological environment that is being characterized. The present invention further includes sampling the synthetic stratigraphic column to provide an elastic property log  10 , and converting the elastic property log to a synthetic seismogram  12 . The present invention includes dynamically stretching and squeezing the synthetic seismogram to match a corresponding seismogram in a set of real seismograms. Once the synthetic seismogram is dynamically matched to a corresponding real seismogram  14 , the corresponding geological properties of the modified synthetic seismogram can then be associated with the corresponding underlying set of pseudo-logs. This process of dynamic matching of synthetic seismograms to real seismic data is used to assign coordinates for the synthetic stratigraphic columns within the reservoir model  14 . 
   It should be understood that because of the non-uniqueness of the seismogram, the present invention can generate multiple matching synthetic seismograms that match a particular real-world seismogram. Thus, the present invention will be able to generate multiple reservoir models that have differing subsurface characteristics. However, each of the reservoir models generated by the present invention will satisfy all of the available stratigraphic, geologic and seismic constraints and therefore these models will be better estimates of subsurface reservoir properties and characteristics than prior art methods. 
     FIG. 2  illustrates one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the first step is the identification of the types of pseudo-well logs that will be generated. For example, what types of lithologic properties  16 , porosity, Vs, Vp, etc. will be required to characterize a particular reservoir model. Once the lithological property logs that are to be generated are established  16 , a geologically conditioned hierarchical stratigraphic framework is built  18 . A lithology fining index table is then defined describing relative textures (finer or coarser) between each applicable lithology component  20 . The next step in this embodiment of the present invention is real well data, if any, is uploaded into the stratigraphic framework  22 . Stratigraphic rules are then constructed, and those stratigraphic rules will be used to build synthetic stratigraphic columns  24 . Once the stratigraphic rules are constructed, the lithology property rules are established with constraints  26  and the pseudo-wells are generated  28 . 
   The present invention builds the hierarchical stratigraphic framework  18  utilizing information about the depositional environment and the range of stratigraphic architectures that can occur in particular subsurface environments. For example if the reservoir to be characterized was a deep-water subsurface reservoir, then the differing types of stratigraphic architecture possible for the deep-water architectural hierarchy would be evaluated.  FIG. 3  provides an example of a deep-water architectural hierarchy. There are three scales or levels of granularity illustrated in  FIG. 3 , an exploration scale  30 , a reservoir delineation scale  32  and a facies modeling scale  34 . Typically, the exploration scale will include “systems” which are depositional packages between major stratigraphic surfaces. The systems included in this example include a submarine canyon system  36 , a toe-set fan system  38 , a slope valley system  40 , a ponded system  42 , a channel levee system  44 , a weakly confined channel system  46 , a weakly confined sheet system  48  and an unconfined sheet system  50 . Moving from the exploration scale  30  to the more detailed reservoir delineation scale, a system can include one or more combinations of elements, complexes and/or complex sets. 
   An “element” is a volume of sediment deposited within a single cycle of deposition prior to construction and avulsion (or abandonment). Elements can be considered the elementary architectural units.  FIG. 3  provides examples which are found in the deep-water architectural hierarchy. Those elements include a channel element  66 , a sheet element  68 , a levee/overbank element  70 , a basin and slope mudstone  72 , injected sand  74  and a mass flow element  76 . A “complex” is a stack of two or more architecturally similar elements with similar stacking patterns or a genetic relationship. Examples of complexes in the deep-water architectural hierarchy include a channel-levee complex system  54 , a basin and slope mudstone  56 , a mass flow complex  58 , a channelized sheet complex (no geometry implied)  60 , an amalgamated channel complex  62  and a layered sheet complex  64 . It is rare that a system would include multiple elements that would not form a complex. A “complex set” is a stack of two or more related complexes or elements. The architectural style of the individual complexes may be similar or different. An example of a complex set is a channel-levee complex set  52 . 
   In the deep-water architectural hierarchy as the scale or granularity moves from the reservoir delineation scale to the more detailed level of the facies modeling scale  34 , there are “sub-elements” which include lithofacies or facies associates within the elements. In the example shown in  FIG. 3 , the sub-elements include channel-axis facies  78 , channel-margin facies  80 , channel-abandonment facies  82 , channel bypass facies  84 , amalgamated sheet facies  86 , layered sheet facies  88 , chaotic mudstone facies  90  and laminated shale facies  92 . 
     FIG. 4  illustrates the relationships of complex sets, complexes and elements from a vertical perspective in a subsurface environment. An element  94  consisting of six storeys  96  is illustrated. A “storey” is a volume of sediment within a channel which is separated by scour surfaces. As the scale increases for this particular geology, a complex  98  is illustrated, and this particular example of a complex  98  includes four elements  94 . Each of those elements  94  contains a different number of storeys. For further illustration of a stratigraphic framework, a geological complex set  104  is also shown in  FIG. 4 . There are three complexes  98 ,  100 ,  102  shown in this complex set  104 . 
   In building the stratigraphic framework, the present invention utilizes existing available seismic data interpretations. The seismic data interpretation provides geological information at an exploration  30  and a reservoir delineation scale  32 , and to some extent at the facies modeling scale  34 . Thus, index maps generated from the available seismic data interpretation are used to constrain the type of system, complex sets, complexes, elements and sub-elements mat may exist at any particular location in the subsurface environment of interest. 
     FIG. 5  illustrates an example of an index map  106 , wherein a top view of a number of channel elements  108  is shown. Each of those channelized elements  108  is vertically stacked on top of each other, and those elements  108  make up a plurality of geological complexes which would be of interest as potential hydrocarbon reservoirs.  FIG. 6  illustrates a side-view of the channelized elements  108  which was generated from available seismic data interpretation. A well  110  has been drilled through the reservoir  108 , and has penetrated three geological complexes  112 ,  114 ,  116 . The first complex  112  penetrated by the well  110  is an amalgamated channel complex. The second complex  114  penetrated by the well  110  is a non-amalgamated channel complex. The third complex  116  penetrated by the well  110  is a vertically aggrading channel complex. It should be appreciated that this is one example of an interpretation of the available seismic and well log data, and that there may be other potential interpretations of the seismic data and well log data. 
   As described-above, well log data is also a source of information for the present invention. This data is used to increase understanding of the subsurface geology and constrain the stratigraphic framework.  FIG. 7  illustrates an example of well log data illustrating a section of data representing what has been interpreted to be a complex set  118  representing several stacked channel complexes in the subsurface reservoir. The well log data in this example has been interpreted as a channel axis dominated complex  120 , a channel off-axis dominated complex  122  and a channel margin dominated complex  124  comprising the complex set. The channel axis dominated complex is comprised primarily of vertical segments that go through the central thicker portion of the channel system. The channel axis dominated complex component  120  of the complex set  118  being highlighted as the geological complex  126  of interest in this well log data. Within that geological complex  126  is a particular pattern  128  of velocity increasing with depth within a massive sandstone element at the base of an interpreted axis dominated complex. The present invention will utilize such patterns to constrain the stratigraphy and other properties of the synthetic columns. 
   The present invention utilizes a stratigraphic framework that is built based upon an understanding of the stratigraphy of the geological volume of interest from all available data sources.  FIG. 8  provides an example of a stratigraphic framework  130  that was generated for a subsurface system.  FIG. 8  illustrates a target interval  132  that was chosen, and within that target interval  132  two complexes, a lobe system  134  and an overbank  136  were identified. The stratigraphic framework  130  includes the lithology of the overbank  136  as being sand and shale  138 . The stratigraphic framework  130  for the lobe system  134  is divided into its components, the axis  140 , off-axis  142 , margin  144  and distal margin  146 . As the scale moves from the geological complex level  148  to the element level  150 , this particular example focused on the lithology of the margin  144  of the lobe system  134 . Three scenarios were generated for the possible lithology of the margin  144 , those possible scenarios were random  152  thickening up,  154  and thinning up  156 . The present invention utilizes available information about the depositional environment and the stratigraphic architectures in that particular system to build a hierarchical stratigraphic framework  130 . For all three scenarios in this embodiment of the present invention, the lithology was sand/shale  158 ,  160 ,  162 . 
   The present invention additionally constructs stratigraphic rules which are used to build the synthetic stratigraphic columns. For example, the present invention accounts for the thickness variations of the lithology or depositional units when constructing the synthetic stratigraphic columns. That information may already be available through seismic data analysis and interpretation and real-world well logs.  FIG. 9  illustrates an example of thickness distributions at both the lithologic and depositional unit scales generated from database examples of different depositional environments. For a given geological unit that is associated in a synthetic stratigraphic column, based on an understanding of the depositional environment,  FIG. 9  illustrates five depositional or lithology units of different thicknesses that could be associated with this particular unit of a synthetic stratigraphic column. The lithology units vary in thickness and type. A massive sand  164 , an interbedded sand and shale  166 , a second interbedded sand and shale  168 , a laminated sand and shale  170  and a massive shale  172  are all represented as potential units of a unit in a synthetic stratigraphic column.  FIG. 9  also includes two graphs, the first graph illustrates the thickness distribution of the lithology units  174  and the second graph illustrates the thickness distributions of the sand  176  with the lithology units. The present invention utilizes such thickness distributions to impose those patterns on the generated synthetic stratigraphic columns. 
   The present invention also utilizes depositional trend information from available real-world well data.  FIG. 10  illustrates a stratigraphic column  178  wherein the successive depositional trends that is observed is that of fining upwards of three vertically stacked channel elements, an upper channel element  180 , a middle channel element  182  and a lower channel element  184 . This means that, in this example, for each of these depositional sequences we observe that the relative amount of shale present statistically increases as we go towards the top of the sequence while the relative amount of sand decreases. 
   A further piece of information noted from this example is that the sand thickness statistically increases downwards while the shale thickness decreases. The invention is able to utilize this information to automatically impose these patterns on the generated synthetic stratigraphic column elements. As one skilled in the art can appreciate, geological properties are not monotonic, but rather, are interrelated.  FIG. 10  also includes a distribution curve  186  that is utilized by the present invention for sand thickness. The distribution curve  186  includes a total distribution curve  188  and within that curve  188  are three subdistribution curves  190 ,  192 ,  194 . Those subdistribution curves  190 ,  192 ,  194  overlap and illustrate that the thickness of the sands can overlap  196  and do not increase linearly. Some thinner sands  190  are interplaced between the medium thickness sands  192  and some medium thickness sands  192  are interplaced between the large thick sands  194 . The present invention incorporates these types of relationships in generating the synthetic columns. 
   In addition to the stratigraphic and geologic elements the present invention has the facility to populate the generated synthetic stratigraphic columns with lithology or lithofacies properties. As mentioned previously, an initial part of the pseudo-well generation process is the identification of the types of pseudo-well logs (porosity, Vs, Vp, etc.) that will be required to characterize a particular reservoir. The present invention includes several methods for assigning these particular lithology property values according to various geological, geophysical and rock physics rules with appropriate constraints. 
   It is clear that lithology property values will vary as the lithology varies in a stratigraphic column. However, it is often the case that the lithologic property values need to vary even within a specific homogeneous lithologic unit. There are several reasons for this such as grain size sorting and compaction of the unit.  FIG. 11  illustrates examples of vertical patterns that can be imposed on any lithology property in any particular unit of a pseudo stratigraphic column  198 . For a given layer of lithology, examples of the elastic properties are Random/Spike  200 , Confined  202 , Bell (increasing downwards)  204 , Funnel (descreasing downwards)  206 , Bow (symmetric, increasing middle)  208 , Bow-Tie (decreasing middle)  210  and Mixed (excluding Random/Blocking). Those patterns not only apply to elastic properties (velocity, density etc.) but can also be applied to any property of a geological interval including the proportion of any particular lithology. Clearly, these trends are not necessarily monotonic, and so the implementation of this functionality is probabilistic in nature. 
   In  FIGS. 12A and 12B , there are a number of actual examples of property trends generated by the present invention for a given interval. The first illustration in  FIG. 12A  is for a sand axis interval  214  which shows various well log patterns for Volume of Shale (“Vshale”) generated by the present invention wherein, in general, the Vshale is increasing upwards (Funnel-Shaped). The second illustration in  FIG. 12B  is for sand off axis interval  216  which again shows various well log patterns for Vshale by the present invention wherein, in general, the Vshale is increasing middlewards (Bow-Shape). As one can appreciate, although multiple Vshale patterns were generated by the present invention, they are constrained by a generalized pattern, in these cases Funnel-Shape and Bow-Shape. Thus the present invention utilizes existing geological information of the region of interest to constrain the various properties that will be associated with the units within a given synthetic stratigraphic column. 
   In the real world, lithologic properties are not just random numbers. In actual rocks there are often relationships and dependencies between the properties associated with these rocks. This invention contains a tool to determine these relationships for real well data. The tool analyses correlations between all the required rock properties, for each lithology and at all levels of the stratigrahic framework hierarchy.  FIGS. 13A and 13B  illustrates the cross plots utilized by the present invention to analyze the correlations between the geological properties. In this example, the present invention utilizes real well data that is available for a particular region of interest. Two wells  220 , and  222  are identified for a unit  218  within a stratigraphic framework. Known properties and their relationships with each other are correlated using a cross plot  224  illustrated in  FIG. 13B . In this particular example, the properties chosen for the plot  224  were sonic and sonic shear. Using the identified correlations, the present invention utilizes the real-world correlations to constrain the properties associated with the units of the synthetic columns. Thus, the properties associated with the units of the synthetic column will be similar to that of real wells.  FIG. 13A  illustrates a cross plot  228  of sonic and sonic shear for a unit  226  in a similar synthetic column as the real world unit  218  from the well log data. 
   Once we have determined the correlation relations between the various rock properties of interest these act as a constraint when these properties get assigned as part of the pseudo-well building process. The invention has the facility to impose these correlation constraints subject to actual physical limitations on what these properties can be for real world geology.  FIG. 14  illustrates additional examples of cross plots  232 ,  234 ,  236  used to constrain the properties which are assigned to a particular unit  230  in a synthetic column including sonic, sonic shear, density and porosity. 
   It should also be understood that the use of real well data will be used where the depositional environment is similar to the environment sampled by the well. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, well log data at times can be very localized and decisions as to how representative of an area the well log data is must be done on a case by case basis. 
   When all the geological, geophysical and petrophysical constraints have been taken info account then the invention can build the synthetic stratigraphic columns from which can be generated the pseudo-well logs for the properties of interest.  FIG. 15  illustrates examples of synthetic or pseudo-well logs  238 . The pseudo-stratigraphic columns and pseudo-logs generated by this invention have all the characteristics of real well data except actual spatial locations. In other words these stratigraphic columns are possible descriptions of the actual reservoir intervals but the locations of where those columns exist are unknown. 
   Thus, referring to  FIG. 16 , the present invention generates geologically-designed pseudo-wells  240  utilizing stratigraphic rules and constraints from geological interpretation  242 , stratigraphic framework  244 , property distribution rules with relationship constraints  246 , and deterministic and probabilistic constrains  248 . 
   In order to determine the actual locations at which these pseudo-wells might represent the actual real world reservoir interval we need to compare these synthetic columns to real world data that does have spatial coordinates. In this embodiment of the present invention, the real world data that is used is the actual recorded seismic data. Since we can generate pseudo-logs of the elastic properties, velocity and density, it is possible to make impedance pseudo-logs. The invention includes a method for using these synthetic impedance logs to model synthetic seismic traces which can then be compared on a location by location basis with the actual real seismic data traces. 
   The final product of this particular embodiment of the invention is a set of actual reservoir models at actual log resolution. One of the major problems inherent in a seismic trace comparison approach is that seismic data is band-limited and hence the pseudo-stratigraphic column frequencies outside the seismic pass-band are not constrained by the seismic waveform. Therefore a standard unconstrained seismic comparison would result in many pseudo-stratigraphic columns that would match the actual seismic waveform but would not be a good solution from a geologic or stratigraphic perspective. 
   The present invention mitigates this problem by allowing the previously generated pseudo-wells to be modified dynamically in response to additional information in the form of interpreted boundaries  250  ( FIG. 17 ), of actual geologic features  262  ( FIG. 18 ), related to geologic channels or units  252 ,  254 ,  256 ,  258  and  260 , in the real seismic volume. This user provided interpretational information is utilized by the invention in several important ways. 
   In the first instance it provides a geologic existence constraint. The information concerning individually interpreted geologic units,  252 ,  254 ,  256 ,  258  and  260  ( FIG. 19 ) is incorporated into a geobody index map.  FIG. 20  illustrates an index map  264  depicting which combination of these interpreted units  252 ,  254 ,  256 ,  258  and  260  is present at any particular trace location. This existence constraint plays an important role in tire comparison process between synthetic and actual real seismic trace data. By interrogating the geobody index map, the only pseudo-wells that actually undergo the seismic comparison test at any particular location are the ones that satisfy the existence constraints with respect to interpreted features. Thus, for example, if channel one  252  and channel two  254  are interpreted to exist at a particular location then the allowed pseudo-wells must also contain these features.  FIG. 21  illustrates ten pseudo wells  266  which have been generated by the present invention, each pseudo well includes the channels  252 ,  254 ,  256 ,  258  and  260  which have been interpreted to exist at the spatial location represented by the pseudo well. 
   In addition to the existence constraint, seismic interpretation also provides information concerning the temporal position and time thickness of the interpreted geologic features. The dynamic nature of the generated pseudo-wells allows us to utilize this information by modifying the velocity and thickness of the particular stratigraphic units to dynamically stretch or squeeze the synthetic seismogram in order to improve the match to the actual real world seismogram at that particular location.  FIG. 22  illustrates an initial synthetic column  270  generated by the present invention which includes channel four  258  and channel two  254 . However, both channel four  258  and channel two  254  in the initial synthetic column  270  do not match the interpreted horizons or boundaries of the channels in the real world seismogram  274 . The present invention dynamically stretches channel four  258  and moves it downwards on the synthetic seismogram  270  while dynamically squeezing channel two  254  and moves it upwards on foe synthetic seismogram  270  so that the synthetic seismogram  270  so that it matches the interpreted horizons  270 . The result is a final synthetic seismogram  272  that more closely matches the interpreted real world seismogram  274 . In order to be able to utilize this facility, the present invention establishes a link between the interpreted seismic horizons and the associated reference markers in the pseudo-stratigraphic columns. In one embodiment of the present invention, that link is provided by a user generated table of pre-determined marker-horizon pairs such as the table  276  illustrated in  FIG. 23 . 
   The result of this process is a volume where each seismic trace location is occupied by a set of log resolution labeled stratigraphic columns that satisfy all the available stratigraphic, rock physics and seismic constraints. 
   This volume can now be interrogated to provide various types of information about the reservoir interval under investigation. The range of possible outcomes at each trace location provides an estimate of the residual uncertainty still associated with the process after all available constraints have been utilized. 
   In order to generate an actual 3D reservoir model, selections need to made from within this volume for actual stratigraphic columns at each trace location. Since the pseudo stratigraphic columns are fully labeled it is possible to generate reservoir models with very specific characteristics. For example one could ask for a model in which a specific stratigraphic unit had maximum volume. This is simply a question of choosing the maximum thickness, for this unit, at each location. However, if the question was choosing the model in which a specific stratigraphic unit had maximum possible continuity then the solution is quite different. This type of constraint is very difficult to impose in other reservoir modeling methodologies. To generate this particular reservoir model, the problem requires a global optimization solution. The approach employed by the present invention for that particular embodiment is a combinatorial solution implemented by a genetic algorithm. 
   It is also possible to make realizations of 3D reservoir models based on a statistical approach. The problem that is presented there is different from the usual geostatistical application. In geostatistical simulation, one is trying to fill a volume that starts from being empty. In this case, the initial volume is full (many times over) and the problem is one of making choices between the pre-existing labeled stratigraphic columns at each trace location. One approach employed by the present invention is based on developing a 3D variogram from a 3D MPS training image. A random path is generated that visits each trace location in turn. At each location, the measure of correlation is calculated between the actual wells and each pseudo-well consistent with the 3D variogram. The pseudo-wells are retained with correlation similar to the variogram reference. 
   The pseudo-wells generated by the present invention can be used to estimate elastic geological properties such as Vp and Vs, porosity and density. The present invention further enables the transformation of the elastic geological properties to reservoir properties (e.g. permeability) via a process based on genetic programming and Fuzzy Neural Nets. 
   The present invention also allows for reservoir Net-to-Gross to be estimated by clustering low-frequency synthetic seismograms generated from the pseudo stratigraphic columns, and comparing the synthetic seismic data to real seismic data. Net-to-Gross is estimated by generating a number of pseudo-wells and computing Net-to-Gross for those pseudo-wells. A low-frequency band is then chosen, and a seismically interpreted horizon and a time window of interest are selected. Synthetic seismic traces with the particular low-frequency band are created from the pseudo-wells. The low frequency synthetic seismic traces are then clustered into similarity groups. Each of these groups is then represented by a prototype trace shape. This results in groups of pseudo stratigraphic columns being associated with each of these cluster prototypes. Further, the chosen low-frequency band is then applied to the real seismic data traces. The processed seismic data is then compared to the cluster prototype seismic traces. As a result, the pseudo stratigraphic column clusters are assigned to actual seismic data trace locations. Now, at each trace location, the clustered labeled synthetic stratigraphic can be interrogated to provide Net-to-Gross, distribution ranges and other related maps. 
   While in the foregoing specification this invention has been described in relation to certain preferred embodiments thereof, and many details have been set forth for purpose of illustration, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is susceptible to alteration and that certain other details described herein can vary considerably without departing from the basic principles of the invention.