Building 2-D stratigraphic and structure models from well log data and control horizons

  • Authors:

  • Maulin D. Patel;George A. McMechan

  • Affiliations:

  • Center for Lithospheric Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, P.O. Box 830688, 2601 N. Floyd Road, Richardson, TX;Center for Lithospheric Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, P.O. Box 830688, 2601 N. Floyd Road, Richardson, TX

  • Venue:
  • Computers & Geosciences
  • Year:
  • 2003

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Abstract

An algorithm to build a gridded 2-D seismic velocity (or any other physical property) model from well log data and control horizons is developed. Interpolation of well log data onto a 2-D grid uses inverse distance weighting or linear interpolation, guided by the shape of the control horizons that are predefined from seismic or other 2-D constraints. A key feature of the models is that they may contain layers that are truncated by unconformities or at faults, or that lap out smoothly at their tops and bottoms. Abrupt or smooth terminations are controlled by user flags. Applications are illustrated using resistivity and acoustic impedance log data from the Blake Ridge (offshore Carolina) and using a complex structure produced by overthrust tectonics in western Canada. Geologically reasonable models can be produced only if there are sufficient wells to sample every salient element in the model and sufficient control horizons to define the lateral character of the structures at the required level of detail.