Paleo-temperature modeling tool for sediment surface accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for calculating sediment surface temperature in petroleum system modeling fail to accurately account for realistic changes in latitudinal temperature gradients, depositional environments, and variations in water depth and elevation, leading to incomplete assessments of hydrocarbon generation potential.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a method and apparatus that consider distinct latitudinal temperature profiles for land and ocean, apply latitudinal changes in mean global temperature based on climate model simulations, and refine monitoring to specific locations using detailed plate tectonic models, allowing for accurate calculation of sediment surface paleo-temperatures over time, including corrections for water depth and elevation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional methods are used to calculate sediment surface temperature, then the calculation process is simple, but the accuracy of temperature determination is insufficient because realistic changes in latitudinal temperature gradient, depositional environments, water depth, and elevation are not accounted for
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the temperature modeling into distinct components: latitudinal temperature gradient calculations, depositional environment classifications (land vs. ocean), water depth corrections, and elevation adjustments. Each component is modeled separately using appropriate equations and then integrated to produce the final sediment surface temperature, allowing complex factors to be handled systematically rather than as a single monolithic calculation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using different temperature profiles and correction factors for different depositional environments (land versus ocean settings). It also applies location-specific corrections for water depth and elevation at each calculation point, rather than using uniform global averages. This allows the model to account for local geological and environmental conditions that affect temperature
2Reliability
If traditional methods assume uniform global temperature changes, then the modeling is straightforward, but it fails to reflect realistic latitudinal temperature gradient changes due to global temperature change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the latitudinal temperature gradient a variable that changes over time rather than a static value. The model calculates how the temperature gradient evolves through geological time in response to global temperature changes, allowing the system to adapt to different climatic conditions. This dynamic approach captures the realistic behavior of Earth's climate system where temperature distributions change over million-year timescales
Data Source
AI summary
A method, a tool, and a system for modeling sediment surface paleo-temperature are provided. The method includes: determining a latitudinal temperature gradient of a location for a time period in the geologic past based on a depositional environment of the location during the time period; determining a surface temperature of the location during the time period using the latitudinal temperature gradient and a latitude of the location during the time period; and modifying the surface temperature at the location during the time period based on an altitude of the location during the time period.