Integration of Stratigraphic & Rock Physics Models to Generate Synthetic Seismic Data

Abstract

Stratigraphic forward modelling (SFM) is an important subsurface modelling method. A numerical SFM program, such as the Sedsim software used in this study, is able to quantitatively model the sedimentation process with time in order to predict rock properties away from well data. Although numerical SFM is a powerful technique, it is important to quantify and minimise the uncertainty in the resultant stratigraphic model. This uncertainty can be reduced by producing synthetic seismic traces from the results of the stratigraphic model. This simulated seismic may then be compared to observed seismic over the same area and the parameters of the stratigraphic model modified based on the results of the comparison. In order to generate synthetic seismic from the results of a stratigraphic model, sediment properties from the stratigraphic model must be converted to acoustic properties. This becomes challenging at inter-well locations, or locations with little or no well control. Fortunately, such conversion can be achieved by the application of a suitable rock physics model even at those challenging locations. The integration of a Sedsim stratigraphic model and the Velocity-Porosity-Clay (VPC) rock physics model in the Cornea field, Browse Basin, Australia shows the importance of integrating geological and geophysical methods in order to reduce uncertainty when predicting subsurface properties.