Project title: Compression-based modelling of the Ross Formation
Researcher: Dr Deirdre Walsh
The objective of this project is to build high-resolution models of the Ross Formation, Co. Clare, Ireland using the newly developed compression-based modelling software. These models aim to demonstrate the applicability of the compression-based approach, while improving the understanding of the geology in this area and establishing sensitivities to various fluid injection/production scenarios.
Technical description:
The compression-based modelling method (Manzocchi et al. 2007) is particularly effective at modelling systems with high net:gross ratios but poor connectivity. Both facies volume fractions and geobody connectivity of different depositional elements such as channels or lobes can be defined individually within a hierarchical framework. The Ross Formation is a well-studied sandy submarine fan system and is an ideal case study to apply and demonstrate the effectiveness of the compression-based modelling workflows. There are an abundance of well-exposed cliff sections and beach outcrops and data from a number of “behind-outcrop” research boreholes. The key input data to the compression-based workflow includes dimensional (i.e. thickness, width, length, orientation) and stacking (i.e. volumes and amalgamation) properties along with horizontal and vertical variations at specific hierarchical levels. Important depositional elements within the Ross Formation including the hierarchical elements of lobe and channels deposits but also hybrid event beds, mass transport deposits and channel levees will be incorporated into the models. Following modelling numerical flow simulation will be carried out to provide insights into the impact of key heterogeneities under different flow scenarios