Using Stokes Flow Equations for the Geomechanical Restoration of Geological Structural Models

Using Stokes Flow Equations for the Geomechanical Restoration of Geological Structural Models PDF Author: Melchior Schuh-Senlis
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
In order to study the subsurface, one must first understand its deformation through time. As the available data coverage is not sufficient to determine these deformations precisely, geologists make hypotheses to link them depending on their knowledge. This allows them to create structural models, which can be seen as the sum of all the data and knowledge on a specific area. Structural restoration was developped to try and make a model go back in time. The advantages are dual: first, it allows the validation of the structural model by checking if the restored model has a reasonable geometry. Second, the history and retro-deformation of the rock layers can be studied from the path they take during the restoration process (which also allows checking the hypotheses that were made on the history of the area). In the context of faulted and folded sedimentary basins, mechanics have been incorporated in the restoration process to compute the deformation of the rock layers inside the models, but the time reversal is still driven mainly by geometric conditions. In the context of basins incorporating salt tectonics, creeping flow restoration was developped by considering the rocks as highly viscous fluids, but neglects faults and non-flat topography. The main contribution of this thesis is to provide an approach to add more physical conditions to the restoration of faulted sedimentary basins. This approach relies on mechanical simulations of the subsurface. The rock layers are treated as highly viscous fluids, and the restoration is driven by a negative time-step advection. The faults are considered as shear zones with an effective viscosity lower than the surrounding sediments. This methods allowed the restoration of several simplified models of the subsurface. The second contribution of this thesis is an assessment of the choice of the parameters for the restoration simulations. This assessment is based on the restoration of a laboratory analogue model. The boundary conditions are first studied, to determine how to provide an adequate choice of conditions that still allow the restoration of the model. The material properties and their influence are then looked upon, to determine the effective parameters that are closest to those of the rocks inside the model. These contributions offer a new perspective on how to add more physical conditions to the geomechanical restoration of structural models of the subsurface.

Using Stokes Flow Equations for the Geomechanical Restoration of Geological Structural Models

Using Stokes Flow Equations for the Geomechanical Restoration of Geological Structural Models PDF Author: Melchior Schuh-Senlis
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
In order to study the subsurface, one must first understand its deformation through time. As the available data coverage is not sufficient to determine these deformations precisely, geologists make hypotheses to link them depending on their knowledge. This allows them to create structural models, which can be seen as the sum of all the data and knowledge on a specific area. Structural restoration was developped to try and make a model go back in time. The advantages are dual: first, it allows the validation of the structural model by checking if the restored model has a reasonable geometry. Second, the history and retro-deformation of the rock layers can be studied from the path they take during the restoration process (which also allows checking the hypotheses that were made on the history of the area). In the context of faulted and folded sedimentary basins, mechanics have been incorporated in the restoration process to compute the deformation of the rock layers inside the models, but the time reversal is still driven mainly by geometric conditions. In the context of basins incorporating salt tectonics, creeping flow restoration was developped by considering the rocks as highly viscous fluids, but neglects faults and non-flat topography. The main contribution of this thesis is to provide an approach to add more physical conditions to the restoration of faulted sedimentary basins. This approach relies on mechanical simulations of the subsurface. The rock layers are treated as highly viscous fluids, and the restoration is driven by a negative time-step advection. The faults are considered as shear zones with an effective viscosity lower than the surrounding sediments. This methods allowed the restoration of several simplified models of the subsurface. The second contribution of this thesis is an assessment of the choice of the parameters for the restoration simulations. This assessment is based on the restoration of a laboratory analogue model. The boundary conditions are first studied, to determine how to provide an adequate choice of conditions that still allow the restoration of the model. The material properties and their influence are then looked upon, to determine the effective parameters that are closest to those of the rocks inside the model. These contributions offer a new perspective on how to add more physical conditions to the geomechanical restoration of structural models of the subsurface.

Geomechanics to Solve Geological Structure Issues: Forward, Inverse and Restoration Modeling

Geomechanics to Solve Geological Structure Issues: Forward, Inverse and Restoration Modeling PDF Author: Frantz Maerten
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781976863608
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 457

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Book Description
Different applications of linear elasticity in structural geology are presented in this thesis through the development of three types of numerical computer codes. The first one uses forward modeling to study displacement and perturbed stress fields around complexly faulted regions. We show that incorporating inequality constraints, such as static Coulomb friction, enables one to explain the angle of initiation of jogs in extensional relays. Adding heterogeneous material properties and optimizations, such as parallelization on multicore architectures and complexity reduction, admits more complex models. The second type deals with inverse modeling, also called parameter estimation. Linear slip inversion on faults with complex geometry, as well as paleo-stress inversion using a geomechanical approach, are developed. The last type of numerical computer code is dedicated to restoration of complexly folded and faulted structures. It is shown that this technique enables one to check balanced cross-sections, and also to retrieve fault chronology. Finally, we show that this code allows one to smooth noisy 3D interpreted faulted and folded horizons using geomechanics.

Fault-related Deformation Over Geologic Time

Fault-related Deformation Over Geologic Time PDF Author: Peter James Lovely
Publisher: Stanford University
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 265

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Book Description
A thorough understanding of the kinematic and mechanical evolution of fault-related structures is of great value, both academic (e.g. How do mountains form?) and practical (e.g. How are valuable hydrocarbons trapped in fault-related folds?). Precise knowledge of the present-day geometry is necessary to know where to drill for hydrocarbons. Understanding the evolution of a structure, including displacement fields, strain and stress history, may offer powerful insights to how and if hydrocarbons might have migrated, and the most efficient way to extract them. Small structures, including faults, fractures, pressure solution seams, and localized compaction, which may strongly influence subsurface fluid flow, may be predictable with a detailed mechanical understanding of a structure's evolution. The primary focus of this thesis is the integration of field observations, geospatial data including airborne LiDAR, and numerical modeling to investigate three dimensional deformational patterns associated with fault slip accumulated over geologic time scales. The work investigates contractional tectonics at Sheep Mountain anticline, Greybull, WY, and extensional tectonics at the Volcanic Tableland, Bishop, CA. A detailed geometric model is a necessary prerequisite for complete kinematic or mechanical analysis of any structure. High quality 3D seismic imaging data provides the means to characterize fold geometry for many subsurface industrial applications; however, such data is expensive, availability is limited, and data quality is often poor in regions of high topography where outcrop exposures are best. A new method for using high resolution topographic data, geologic field mapping and numerical interpolation is applied to model the 3D geometry of a reservoir-scale fold at Sheep Mountain anticline. The Volcanic Tableland is a classic field site for studies of fault slip scaling relationships and conceptual models for evolution of normal faults. Three dimensional elastic models are used to constrain subsurface fault geometry from detailed maps of fault scarps and topography, and to reconcile two potentially competing conceptual models for fault growth: by coalescence and by subsidiary faulting. The Tableland fault array likely initiated as a broad array of small faults, and as some have grown and coalesced, their strain shadows have inhibited the growth and initiation of nearby faults. The Volcanic Tableland also is used as a geologic example in a study of the capabilities and limitations of mechanics-based restoration, a relatively new approach to modeling in structural geology that provides distinct advantages over traditional kinematic methods, but that is significantly hampered by unphysical boundary conditions. The models do not accurately represent geological strain and stress distributions, as many have hoped. A new mechanics-based retrodeformational technique that is not subject to the same unphysical boundary conditions is suggested. However, the method, which is based on reversal of tectonic loads that may be optimized by paleostress analysis, restores only that topography which may be explained by an idealized elastic model. Elastic models are appealing for mechanical analysis of fault-related deformation because the linear nature of such models lends itself to retrodeformation and provides computationally efficient and stable numerical implementation for simulating slip distributions and associated deformation in complicated 3D fault systems. However, cumulative rock deformation is not elastic. Synthetic models are applied to investigate the implications of assuming elastic deformation and frictionless fault slip, as opposed to a more realistic elasto-plastic deformation with frictional fault slip. Results confirm that elastic models are limited in their ability to simulate geologic stress distributions, but that they may provide a reasonable, first-order approximation of strain tensor orientation and the distribution of relative strain perturbations, particularly distal from fault tips. The kinematics of elastic and elasto-plastic models diverge in the vicinity of fault tips. Results emphasize the importance of accurately and completely representing subsurface fault geometry in linear or nonlinear models.

Fluid Flow in Fractured Rocks

Fluid Flow in Fractured Rocks PDF Author: Robert W. Zimmerman
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119248019
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 293

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Book Description
FLUID FLOW IN FRACTURED ROCKS "The definitive treatise on the subject for many years to come" (Prof. Ruben Juanes, MIT) Authoritative textbook that provides a comprehensive and up-to-date introduction to fluid flow in fractured rocks Fluid Flow in Fractured Rocks provides an authoritative introduction to the topic of fluid flow through single rock fractures and fractured rock masses. This book is intended for readers with interests in hydrogeology, hydrology, water resources, structural geology, reservoir engineering, underground waste disposal, or other fields that involve the flow of fluids through fractured rock masses. Classical and established models and data are presented and carefully explained, and recent computational methodologies and results are also covered. Each chapter includes numerous graphs, schematic diagrams and field photographs, an extensive reference list, and a set of problems, thus providing a comprehensive learning experience that is both mathematically rigorous and accessible. Written by two internationally recognized leaders in the field, Fluid Flow in Fractured Rocks includes information on: Nucleation and growth of fractures in rock, with a multiscale characterization of their geometric traits Effect of normal and shear stresses on the transmissivity of a rock fracture and mathematics of fluid flow through a single rock fracture Solute transport in rocks, with quantitative descriptions of advection, molecular diffusion, and dispersion Fluid Flow in Fractured Rocks is an essential resource for researchers and postgraduate students who are interested in the field of fluid flow through fractured rocks. The text is also highly suitable for professionals working in civil, environmental, and petroleum engineering.

Applicability of the Mechanics-based Restoration

Applicability of the Mechanics-based Restoration PDF Author: Benjamin Chauvin
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Structural restoration aims to recover rock paleo-geometries and to validate structural interpretations. The classical methods are based on geometric/kinematic assumptions and impose a style of deformation. Geomechanical methods, by integrating rock elastic behavior and fundamental mechanical conservation laws, aim to solve issues of classical methods. However several studies show that the geomechanical restoration lacks physical consistency in particular because of the boundary conditions. There are uncertainties on the choice of the elastic properties, and the meshing constraints limit this method to be used as a validation tool of structural interpretations. The choice of a specific restoration method is difficult because there are many geomechanical restoration approaches, in addition to the numerous geometric/kinematic methods. Firstly, this thesis presents a review of the various 3D geomechanical methods to unfold and unfault a 3D geological model. The objective is to present their, theoretical and practical, strengths and limits. Secondly, through the restoration of a structural sandbox model, we worked on the choice of adequate boundary conditions to get a proper restored model. This structural sandbox model was deformed in laboratory and presents several analogies with supra-salt extensional structures. Thanks to the observation of the analog model geometry through time on a cross section, we show that a lateral shortening boundary condition is necessary. We show that this shortening can be estimated by the area-depth method. Moreover we define new fault contact conditions to handle complex fault networks. These novel conditions tie internal fault borders and join parts of offset faults. Thirdly, the test of several elastic parameters shows that Young's modulus, homogeneous within a geological model, has almost no effect on the restoration displacement field. However, Poisson's ratio has a significant impact on the volume dilatation. Finally, we compare the mechanics-based restoration method with a geometric-based method relying on a chronostratigraphic model (GeoChron) mapping any point of the subsurface to its image in depositional (Wheeler) space. We show that both methods provide a geometrically similar restored state for the analog model. The geometric method has numerous advantages to quickly and accurately get a restored model, but it lacks flexibility on the choice of the deformation constraints. The geomechanical restoration method force is to define custom boundary conditions and specific mechanical behaviors to handle complex contexts.

Geomechanical Modelling in Engineering Practice

Geomechanical Modelling in Engineering Practice PDF Author: R. Dungar
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1351445499
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 400

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Book Description
The key to successful solution of problems by the finite element method lies in the choice of appropriate numerical models & their associated parameters for geological media. 16 invited contributions on: Basic concepts; Numerical modelling of selected engineering problems; Specific numerical models & parameters evaluation.

Fault-related Deformation Over Geologic Time

Fault-related Deformation Over Geologic Time PDF Author: Peter James Lovely
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
A thorough understanding of the kinematic and mechanical evolution of fault-related structures is of great value, both academic (e.g. How do mountains form?) and practical (e.g. How are valuable hydrocarbons trapped in fault-related folds?). Precise knowledge of the present-day geometry is necessary to know where to drill for hydrocarbons. Understanding the evolution of a structure, including displacement fields, strain and stress history, may offer powerful insights to how and if hydrocarbons might have migrated, and the most efficient way to extract them. Small structures, including faults, fractures, pressure solution seams, and localized compaction, which may strongly influence subsurface fluid flow, may be predictable with a detailed mechanical understanding of a structure's evolution. The primary focus of this thesis is the integration of field observations, geospatial data including airborne LiDAR, and numerical modeling to investigate three dimensional deformational patterns associated with fault slip accumulated over geologic time scales. The work investigates contractional tectonics at Sheep Mountain anticline, Greybull, WY, and extensional tectonics at the Volcanic Tableland, Bishop, CA. A detailed geometric model is a necessary prerequisite for complete kinematic or mechanical analysis of any structure. High quality 3D seismic imaging data provides the means to characterize fold geometry for many subsurface industrial applications; however, such data is expensive, availability is limited, and data quality is often poor in regions of high topography where outcrop exposures are best. A new method for using high resolution topographic data, geologic field mapping and numerical interpolation is applied to model the 3D geometry of a reservoir-scale fold at Sheep Mountain anticline. The Volcanic Tableland is a classic field site for studies of fault slip scaling relationships and conceptual models for evolution of normal faults. Three dimensional elastic models are used to constrain subsurface fault geometry from detailed maps of fault scarps and topography, and to reconcile two potentially competing conceptual models for fault growth: by coalescence and by subsidiary faulting. The Tableland fault array likely initiated as a broad array of small faults, and as some have grown and coalesced, their strain shadows have inhibited the growth and initiation of nearby faults. The Volcanic Tableland also is used as a geologic example in a study of the capabilities and limitations of mechanics-based restoration, a relatively new approach to modeling in structural geology that provides distinct advantages over traditional kinematic methods, but that is significantly hampered by unphysical boundary conditions. The models do not accurately represent geological strain and stress distributions, as many have hoped. A new mechanics-based retrodeformational technique that is not subject to the same unphysical boundary conditions is suggested. However, the method, which is based on reversal of tectonic loads that may be optimized by paleostress analysis, restores only that topography which may be explained by an idealized elastic model. Elastic models are appealing for mechanical analysis of fault-related deformation because the linear nature of such models lends itself to retrodeformation and provides computationally efficient and stable numerical implementation for simulating slip distributions and associated deformation in complicated 3D fault systems. However, cumulative rock deformation is not elastic. Synthetic models are applied to investigate the implications of assuming elastic deformation and frictionless fault slip, as opposed to a more realistic elasto-plastic deformation with frictional fault slip. Results confirm that elastic models are limited in their ability to simulate geologic stress distributions, but that they may provide a reasonable, first-order approximation of strain tensor orientation and the distribution of relative strain perturbations, particularly distal from fault tips. The kinematics of elastic and elasto-plastic models diverge in the vicinity of fault tips. Results emphasize the importance of accurately and completely representing subsurface fault geometry in linear or nonlinear models.

Computational methods for geological sections restauration

Computational methods for geological sections restauration PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : pt-BR
Pages :

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Book Description
Este trabalho apresenta uma nova abordagem para o balanceamento de seções geológicas baseada em modelagem física e simulação numérica. O objetivo principal é introduzir alguns conceitos da Mecânica do Contínuo no processo de restauração geológica, de forma a considerar as propriedades físicas dos materiais geológicos durante a simulação do movimento de um bloco de rocha sobre uma falha. A estratégia adotada utiliza-se de um algoritmo de Relaxação Dinâmica acoplado ao Método dos Elementos Finitos para resolver sistemas de equações, com condições de contorno específicas para a movimentação do bloco sobre a falha. Foi adotado como ambiente de desenvolvimento um sistema de balanceamento de seçõesgeológicas composto por um conjunto de transformações geométricas comuns na abordagem clássica do problema. O sistema utiliza uma tecnologia de modelagem geométrica baseada em uma estrutura de dados que permite a representação topológica completa de uma subdivisão planar. A simulação numérica do balanceamento de seções geológicas proposta é implementada dentro desse ambiente e integra três módulos distintos: um módulo de pré-processamento no qual os dados requeridos podem ser facilmente gerados, um módulo de análise onde ométodo de Relaxação Dinâmica foi implementado e, finalmente, um módulo de pósprocessamento em que podem ser visualizados os resultados obtidos da simulaçãonumérica. Considera-se ainda a natureza palinspática do problema de restauração através de uma interface gráfica amigável do ponto de vista do usuário. Neste sentido, foi realizada uma reorganização completa da interface gráfica e das classes de atributos geológicos associados às entidades topológicas (linhas e regiões) da seção geológica. Esta organização teve dois objetivos: o primeiro, implementar um processo gráfico baseadoem uma árvore de decisões para o gerenciamento das tarefas do balanceamento, que envolve passos arbitrários de tentativa e erro, e, o segundo, possibilitar a implementação da simulação numérica dentro do processo de balanceamento. As idéias propostas podem ser consideradas como o primeiro passo para o desenvolvimento de um sistema de balanceamento de seções geológicas, cujas medidas de deformação representem de forma mais aproximada o comportamento mecânico das rochas, além de ser mais automatizado, o que sugere futuramente a implementação de um sistema tridimensional, no qual seja menos exigida a interação com o usuário.

Selected Water Resources Abstracts

Selected Water Resources Abstracts PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Hydrology
Languages : en
Pages : 1162

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Book Description


Scientific and Technical Aerospace Reports

Scientific and Technical Aerospace Reports PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Aeronautics
Languages : en
Pages : 272

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Book Description