Predictive modeling of sandstone reservoir distribution in the SW Scotian Basin

Abstract

Forward stratigraphic modeling has been performed on the SW Scotian Basin in order to understand the geological evolution, sediment distribution, and deep-water clastic reservoir quality in the area. The SW Scotian Basin is hampered by complex salt tectonics, sparse seismic data, and its location on a transform jog. In all simulated models, sand is typically found on the shelf behind the carbonate reef front, and progrades into deep-water in the areas of the Shelburne Delta and canyon system near Mohawk B-93. Sensitivity analysis indicates that the main parameters controlling sand distribution in the basin are the geographic location of the sources, the water discharge volume of each source, and the diffusion coefficients for sand. Nevertheless, the best place to find deep-water clastic sediments is immediately down-dip of the Shelburne Delta, close to the shelf edge.