Geologic Modeling And Visualization Facilitates The Transition From Exploration To Development
Authors: Krum G.L. , Kompanik G.S. 
Published: October 2008

The development of interactive modeling tools and better integration of seismic and geology allow 3D geologic modeling to play a significant, new role in exploration. Benefits of early modeling include:very positive impact on project economics by decreasing the number of appraisal and development wells,improving the present value profit of the project by reducing the time between discovery and commercialization, andoptimal integration of geologic interpretations, both conceptual facies models and seismic interpretations

Recent advances in key exploration technologies such as lower cost and improved quality of 3D seismic data, seismic attributes calibrated to rock and fluid properties and improved outcrop analogs and geologic facies models, provide important constraints on geologic model building. The geologic model can bethe vehicle for testing the sensitivities of these interpretations and concepts within a 3D volume.

Modeling in the exploration to appraisal stages provides the following short-term and long-term benefits:Early quality control of interpretations and AnalysisIdentification of sensitivities for volumetrics Focus for optimal appraisal and development drillingEarly input to simulation for development planningRepository for interpretationsEnhancement of communication through visualization

Introduction

Traditionally, geologic modeling has been used extensively in production and development projects where significant well control is available for integration into the modeling effort. With the advent of user-friendly, interactive modeling tools and the breakthroughs in the integration of seismic and geology, 3D geologic modeling has a new and significant role in exploration. It may be the most effective tool for:significantly impacting project economics by decreasing the number of appraisal wells necessary for development planning,improving the present value profit of the project by reducing the time between discovery and commercialization, andintegrating all component geologic interpretations, including conceptual facies models and seismic interpretations

Geologic modeling, as used in this paper, is defined as the process of incorporating all geologic, geophysical, petrophysical and interpreted / conceptual information about a project or field area into one 3D volume. This paper will focus on the application of geologic models in the exploration business stage, including prospect identification through appraisal well drilling. It will highlight how geologic modeling and visualization facilitates the transition from exploration to production by providing examples of the benefits of building 3D geologic models early in the life of a project.

Geologic Modeling Process in Exploration

Unlike production scale geologic models, exploration models cannot be constrained by a large population of well data. petrophysical and interpreted / conceptual information about a project or field area into one 3D volume. This paper will focus on the application of geologic models in the exploration business stage, including prospect identification through appraisal well drilling.