Geological Model Transformation via Depositional Iso-Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current models face challenges in accurately transforming between current and depositional models of subsurface structures, particularly in correlating horizons and faults, leading to increased complexity and the formation of small 'sliver' cells due to severe erosion and tectonic activity.
Innovation Solution
The transformation of current geological data into a depositional model involves dividing cells along transformed fault and horizon lines, using iso-surfaces to create sub-meshes that approximate planar surfaces, and representing faults as points in the depositional model, thereby reducing complexity and preserving the relative orientation of sub-mesh parts upon inverse transformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current models attempt to accurately represent severe erosion and tectonic activity, then measurement precision of geological structures is improved, but device complexity increases due to formation of small sliver cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the geological model into discrete cells that can be individually processed and managed. By segmenting the complex continuous geological structure into manageable cell units, the system can accurately represent complex erosion and tectonic features without creating an intractably complex overall model structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension by transforming between current time models and depositional time models. This allows the system to represent the evolution of geological structures over time, capturing the effects of erosion and tectonic activity as transitions between states rather than as static complexity in a single time snapshot.
2Loss of information
If current models transform between current and depositional models, then insight into original depositional structures is improved, but loss of information occurs during transformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a bidirectional transformation system where the current model can be transformed to a depositional model and vice versa. This feedback loop allows information to be preserved by being able to transform back and forth, verifying that the transformation maintains the essential geological relationships and structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms geological models by changing the temporal parameter from current time to depositional time. By systematically transforming the time parameter and associated geometric parameters, the system can convert between different temporal states of the same geological structure while preserving the underlying geological relationships.
3Manufacturing precision
If current models use detailed cell representations, then manufacturing precision of geological features is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to computational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the model representation dynamic by allowing transformation between different temporal states (current and depositional models). This dynamic approach enables the system to switch between detailed representations when needed and simplified representations when performing operations that benefit from lower computational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary transformation of the current model into a depositional model before performing certain operations. By pre-processing the model into the depositional state, the system can simplify subsequent operations while maintaining the ability to transform back to the current state for final detailed representation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for modeling a subsurface structure. Data representing a configuration of faults, horizons, and/or unconformities may be transformed to a depositional model comprising cells representing an estimated configuration of subsurface structure at a depositional time period when the subsurface structure was formed. Groups of cells in the depositional model may be divided into sub-meshes using iso-surfaces, where one set of iso-surfaces may represent the horizons at the depositional time period. The sub-meshes may be divided into one or more parts using the transformed geological data representing an estimated depositional configuration of the faults. For each group of cells in each sub-mesh part, the group of cells in the sub-mesh part may be represented by a single polyhedron. The polyhedrons may be transformed to generate a current model to represent the current configuration of the faults and horizons using transformed polyhedrons.