Abstract: Hydrocarbons are exploited within a sedimentary basin using a stratigraphic simulation coupled with a hydrologic model and a terrestrial organic matter accumulation model. The inorganic sediment distribution within the basin is determined with a stratigraphic simulator for at least one time step. Then, at least one unsaturated zone is delimited within the basin using a hydrologic model. At least one zone of terrestrial organic matter accumulation within the basin and an amount of terrestrial organic matter accumulated in this accumulation zone are determined by a model of the terrestrial organic matter accumulation as a function of the unsaturated zone thickness, of the unsaturated zone thickness stability and of the surface water flux defined for the time step considered.

Abstract: A method of exploiting hydrocarbons within a sedimentary basin is disclosed using a stratigraphic simulation coupled with a hydrologic model and a terrestrial organic matter accumulation model. The inorganic sediment distribution within the basin is determined by use of a stratigraphic simulator for at least one time step. Then, at least one unsaturated zone is delimited within the basin using a hydrologic model. At least one zone of terrestrial organic matter accumulation within the basin and an amount of terrestrial organic matter accumulated in this accumulation zone are determined by use of a model of the terrestrial organic matter accumulation as a function of the unsaturated zone thickness, of the unsaturated zone thickness stability and of the surface water flux defined for the time step considered. Application is petroleum reservoir exploration and exploitation.