Basin Modelling Toolbox

What is basin modelling?

Basin modelling aims at reconstructing the time evolution of a sedimentary basin in order to make quantitative predictions of hydrocarbons accumulations. The most important factors behind the generation of hydrocarbons in sedimentary basins are temperature and time. The temperature regime in a basin is affected by the various geological processes taking place throughout the history of the basin. These include processes related to basin geometry, such as basin formation (extensional tectonics), deposition/erosion of sediments and faulting, and physical processes related to compaction, heat flow and fluid flow.

A lot of the fields of exploration interest are associated with complicated geological structures. There is therefore a need for basin modeling systems that handles the complex geological processes that lead to generation and migration of hydrocarbons.

Why BMT?

BMT is an advanced 2D basin modelling system with built-in structural reconstruction capabilities. The ability to create area balanced cross sections in environments with normal or reversed faults, and to analyze the interplay between tectonic processes, heat flow and timing of generation and distribution of hydrocarbons in a basin, makes BMT a tool for the expert user. BMT has the power to analyze complex tectonic processes including salt diapirism and igneous intrusions, and to model the related heat flow response.

BMT™ is used to simulate the geological processes that affect the temperature evolution and hydrocarbon maturation throughout the history ofa basin. This includes the following processes:

• sediment deposition, erosion and compaction;
• structural restoration of normal and reverse fault complexes;
• user-defined restoration of salt geometries;
• isostatic response to sediment loading, erosion and fault movements;
• tectonic response to lithospheric thinning;
• dependence of rock thermal conductivity and heat capacity on mineralogy, porosity and temperature;
• thermal and subsidence effects of magmatic intrusions and underplating;
• heat flow into the basin associated with lithospheric thinning;
• transient (or steady state) heat transport within the basin; and
• thermal maturation of organic matter.

BMT™ can constrain a number of critical parameters in basin, play or prospect assessment. The system is especially well suited for establishing the controls on the subsidence history of the basin and the timing of hydrocarbon generation, but can also provide valuable information on timing of trap formation and possible hydrocarbon migration pathways.

BMT - Exploration Tool