SIMSAFADIM: three-dimensional simulation of stratigraphic architecture and facies distribution modeling of carbonate sediments

  • Authors:

  • Klaus Bitzer;Ramon Salas

  • Affiliations:

  • Faculty of Biology, Chemistry and Geosciences, Department of Geology, University of Bayreuth, D-95440 Bayreuth, Germany;Facultat de Geologia, Departament de Geoquímica, Petrología i Prospecció Geològica, Universitat de Barcelona, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain

  • Venue:
  • Computers & Geosciences
  • Year:
  • 2002

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Abstract

We present a three-dimensional simulation model for production, transport and deposition of carbonate sediment. Carbonate production is calculated from population dynamics of carbonate producing organisms. The population dynamics are simulated using a predator-prey model, which includes various effects such as competition with other species, internal competition, effects of mud and suspended carbonate sediments on carbonate producing organisms and depth dependent growth functions. Fluid flow is simulated as a steady-state potential flow using a finite-element model. Transport of suspended sediment is calculated including diffusive, dispersive and advective components. Deposition of suspended carbonate matter is calculated as a function of flow velocity, water depth and settling velocity of suspended carbonate matter. Its flexibility in representing ecologic processes and boundary conditions for flow and sediment transport permits the computer model to be applied to a wide range of possible situations in carbonate systems. A sample experiment is presented to demonstrate the capabilities of the model.