Implicit Function Basin Modeling for Fault Accuracy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for modeling sedimentary basins struggle to accurately represent complex geological features like faults and unconformities, leading to inefficiencies in numerical simulations and resource exploration.
Innovation Solution
The method involves creating a structural model using implicit functions to represent geological horizons and faults, allowing for the interpolation of these features within a mesh, which can be used to discretize equations for numerical techniques without requiring a full grid structure, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of simulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a full grid structure is used to model sedimentary basins, then the accuracy of representing complex geological features is improved, but the computational complexity and resource requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sedimentary basin model into discrete mesh elements (nodes, elements, and cells) that can be independently processed. This segmentation allows the complex geological structure to be represented through simpler discrete units, reducing overall computational complexity while maintaining modeling accuracy through proper element configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional 3D grid structures to a mesh-based approach that effectively utilizes 2.5D representation for certain geological features. This dimensional optimization reduces the number of computational nodes required while preserving the essential three-dimensional geometry of faults, unconformities, and stratigraphic layers
2Productivity
If a coarse mesh is used for basin modeling, then computational demands are reduced, but the accuracy of representing geological features deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adaptive mesh refinement where mesh element size and density are locally adjusted based on geological feature complexity. Areas with simple stratigraphy use coarser elements for computational efficiency, while regions containing faults, unconformities, or complex structural variations automatically receive finer mesh resolution to maintain accuracy where it is most needed
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh structure is designed to be dynamically adaptable, allowing automatic refinement or coarsening of elements based on local geological complexity metrics. This dynamic adjustment enables the model to optimize computational resources in real-time, allocating higher resolution only where geological features require it
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional grid methods are used, then the structure is simpler to implement, but the ability to accurately capture complex geological structures like faults and unconformities is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental geometric parameters of the discretization scheme from rigid rectangular grids to flexible triangular/quadrilateral elements that can conform to arbitrary geological boundaries. This parameter change allows mesh elements to align with fault planes, unconformity surfaces, and stratigraphic contacts, accurately capturing complex geometries while maintaining computational tractability through standard finite element formulations
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method (1310) for attributing a systems tract to a geological environment, including computing (1314) a shelf break for a geologic environment based at least in part on implicit function values associated with the geologic environment; identifying (1318) sea level variations with respect to geological time for the shelf break; and assigning (1322) at least one systems tract to the geologic environment based at least in part on the sea level variations.