Abstract: Geologic modeling methods and systems are provided with a novel log segmentation approach and an improved conditioning technique for fitting geobody templates to associated well segments in multiple wells. One illustrative geologic modeling method embodiment includes: deriving a sequence of well segments from each logged well in a region of interest; associating well segments from different wells to form sets of associated well segments; populating a region of interest with geobodies by fitting a parameterized geobody template to each set of associated well segments; using the geobodies to specify a volumetric distribution of formation properties throughout the region of interest; and providing the volumetric distribution as a geologic model suitable for evaluating one or more well placement and production strategies.

Abstract: Accordingly, there are disclosed herein geologic modeling methods and systems employing reference-based inversion of seismic image volumes. An illustrative method embodiment includes: (a) obtaining a measured seismic image volume; (b) determining a reference seismic image volume based on a reference model; (c) deriving a synthesized seismic image volume from a geologic model; (d) detecting at least one geologic model region where the synthesized seismic image volume and the measured seismic image volume are mismatched; (e) finding a reference model region where the reference seismic image volume best matches the measured seismic image volume; (f) replacing content of the at least one geologic model region with content of the reference model region to obtain an improved geologic model; and (g) outputting the improved geologic model.

Abstract: A method for conditioning of surface-based geological models is provided. Surface-based geological models seek to represent a portion of the subsurface while honoring the available data. However, conditioning of surface-based geological models may be challenging particularly for situations where the geologic elements, such as lobes or channels, are interspersed with another geological element, such as impermeable mud. To condition the geological model, muds are specified through a mud trend or a set of specified mud layers. For example, each mud layer provides the environment of the geological element, such as the lobe to rest on or the channel to erode into. The surface-based geological model may then be built by sequential conditioning layer by layer, such as bottom upward. In this way, the mud layers provide context in which to place objects during conditioning to better generate the surface-based geological model.

Abstract: Accordingly, there are disclosed herein geologic modeling methods and systems employing reference-based inversion of seismic image volumes. An illustrative method embodiment includes: (a) obtaining a measured seismic image volume; (b) determining a reference seismic image volume based on a reference model; (c) deriving a synthesized seismic image volume from a geologic model; (d) detecting at least one geologic model region where the synthesized seismic image volume and the measured seismic image volume are mismatched; (e) finding a reference model region where the reference seismic image volume best matches the measured seismic image volume; (f) replacing content of the at least one geologic model region with content of the reference model region to obtain an improved geologic model; and (g) outputting the improved geologic model.

Abstract: Geologic modeling methods and systems are provided with a novel log segmentation approach and an improved conditioning technique for fitting geobody templates to associated well segments in multiple wells. One illustrative geologic modeling method embodiment includes: deriving a sequence of well segments from each logged well in a region of interest; associating well segments from different wells to form sets of associated well segments; populating a region of interest with geobodies by fitting a parameterized geobody template to each set of associated well segments; using the geobodies to specify a volumetric distribution of formation properties throughout the region of interest; and providing the volumetric distribution as a geologic model suitable for evaluating one or more well placement and production strategies.