DEPOSITIONAL MODELLING OF THE GIPPSLAND BASIN AND THE BARROW-EXMOUTH SUB-BASINS

Abstract

SEDPAK is a forward modelling computer program for depositional processes developed by the University of South Carolina's StratMod Group. It simulates the geometry of generalised lithofacies in a sedimentary sequence or a basin by considering principally four major geological variables: eustatic sea level, tectonic movement, sediment accumulation, and initial and evolving basin surfaces.

Based on seismic data, well logs and other information from drill holes, the geometries of sedimentary sequences of the Gippsland Basin and the Barrow-Exmouth Sub-basins have been successfully reproduced on both basin and reservoir scales using SEDPAK 3.12. The simulation results indicate that eustacy, tectonics, sediment input and basin physiography can be equally important in controlling the geometry of strata and basin architecture. However, some differences exist: (1) tectonic movement normally contributes to long-term variations of the first order (megasequence) basin architecture and configuration; (2) the second order (sequence) basin architecture and stratal geometry can be controlled by either sediment supply, eustacy, tectonism or a combination; and (3) high frequency facies variations and stratal geometry within individual sequences are primarily controlled by eustatic sea level variations and basin physiography.

This study has demonstrated that SEDPAK is a useful tool for reconstruction of basin evolution histories and for reservoir characterisation. It can also be used to predict sedimentary facies in undrilled exploration frontier areas. In addition, it can be used to address some critical assumptions and problems in the sequence stratigraphy concept. SEDPAK is particularly useful in the study of high frequency sequence stratigraphy and cyclicity, where various sequence or parasequence bounding surfaces and internal geometry can not be easily recognised from seismic data, well logs and outcrops.