Paleo-Geographic Coordinates for Subsurface Structure Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for modeling subsurface geological terrains at their original time of deposition are inaccurate due to extensive simplifications that violate principles of entropy and minimal energy deformations, leading to incorrect representation of structures that have undergone tectonic activity and erosion.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that uses paleo-geographic coordinates (u,v) to model subsurface structures at their original deposition time by transforming current structures using linear and independent equations based on local axis and co-axis vectors, which characterize the geometry of current structures, ensuring minimal energy deformations are modeled.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If current modeling methods use extensive simplifications to model subsurface structures, then the modeling process becomes easier and faster, but the accuracy of the models deteriorates and violates principles of entropy and minimal energy deformations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the modeling approach by changing the coordinate system parameters from standard Cartesian coordinates to paleo-geographic coordinates (u,v,t) that are specifically adapted to geological structures. This parameter transformation allows the model to naturally accommodate curved and irregular surfaces while maintaining mathematical tractability, thus improving accuracy without sacrificing ease of modeling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional framework by adding the geological time dimension t to the coordinate system, creating a four-dimensional paleo-geographic coordinate system (u,v,t). This dimensional extension allows the model to represent the evolution of subsurface structures through time, capturing deformation histories and enabling accurate reconstruction of original depositional surfaces while respecting physical principles
2Device complexity
If current methods transform three-dimensional seismic volumes into stratal-slice volumes and spatial domain, then the processing workflow is simplified, but the representation of structures undergoing tectonic activity and erosion becomes inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic modeling approach where the paleo-geographic coordinates (u,v,t) can adapt to represent structures at different geological times and deformation states. The coordinate system dynamically adjusts to capture the evolution of subsurface structures through tectonic activity and erosion, maintaining accuracy throughout the processing workflow without requiring complex static transformations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite coordinate system that integrates multiple reference frames: the original seismic volume coordinates, the stratal-slice coordinates, and the paleo-geographic coordinates. This composite approach allows the model to leverage the advantages of each coordinate system while eliminating their individual limitations, providing accurate structural representation throughout the simplified processing workflow
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and system for modeling a subsurface structure at a time when the structure was originally formed. A first model having non-planar horizons representing a current subsurface structure may be used to calculate a vector field based on the non-planar geometry of the horizons of the model. The vector field may be non-uniform or uniform. Geographic coordinates of the first model may be transformed to paleo-geographic coordinates of a model representing the subsurface structure in the past, where the non-planar horizons in the first model are transformed to planar horizons in the second model. A set of points describing one or more fractures in the subsurface structure may be used to calculate a tuning parameter to correct a first set of paleo-geographic coordinates. A second set of coordinates representing an improved prediction at a time period when the subsurface structure was originally formed may be generated.