Paleo-Geographic Coordinate System for Subsurface Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for modeling subsurface geological terrains at the time of their original deposition are inaccurate due to extensive simplifications that violate principles of entropy and minimal energy deformations, leading to incorrect representation of structures fractured by faults and tectonic activity.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that use 3D modeling to represent subsurface structures at the time of deposition through functions t(x,y,z), u(x,y,z), and v(x,y,z), where t(x,y,z) represents geological-time, and u(x,y,z) and v(x,y,z) are paleo-geographic coordinates, computed using non-uniform vector fields and axis/co-axis vectors to transform current structures into their original state, minimizing energy deformations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If current methods use extensive simplifications to model subsurface geological terrains, then the modeling process becomes easier and faster, but the accuracy of the models deteriorates due to violations of entropy and minimal energy deformation principles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the modeling approach by changing the parameter space from simplified geometric representations to physics-based parameters including entropy, energy deformation, stress tensors, and strain tensors. This allows the model to capture complex geological processes while maintaining computational tractability through standardized physical laws.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/geometric simplification methods with a physics-based system that uses thermodynamic principles (entropy), energy conservation, and continuum mechanics (stress-strain relationships) to model geological terrains. This substitution maintains modeling feasibility while dramatically improving accuracy.
2Device complexity
If current methods apply extensive simplifications to represent fractured terrains, then the computational complexity is reduced, but the representation of original deposition geometry becomes inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the geological terrain into discrete elements (triangular mesh elements) that can individually represent complex fracture patterns and deformation histories. This segmentation allows the model to handle geometric complexity while maintaining computational efficiency through localized calculations on each element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces additional dimensional parameters beyond simple 3D spatial coordinates, including temporal dimensions (deposition sequence), thermodynamic dimensions (entropy, energy), and mechanical dimensions (stress, strain). This multi-dimensional approach captures the full complexity of geological processes without overwhelming computational resources.
3Productivity
If simplifications are used in modeling subsurface structures, then the modeling process is faster and less resource-intensive, but the models violate physical principles leading to incorrect structural representations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-correcting mechanisms where the model automatically enforces physical principles through built-in constraints. The entropy maximization principle, energy conservation laws, and stress equilibrium equations serve as self-regulating mechanisms that guide the modeling process toward physically realistic solutions without requiring external validation at each step.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback loops where model outputs are continuously evaluated against physical principles (entropy changes, energy conservation, stress-strain relationships). Deviations from expected physical behavior trigger iterative adjustments, ensuring the final model complies with fundamental physical laws while maintaining modeling efficiency through guided search algorithms.
Data Source
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.