Formulation of reference solutions for compaction process in sedimentary basins

This paper is devoted to the development of semianalytical solutions for the deformation induced by gravitational compaction in sedimentary basins. Formulated within the framework of coupled plasticity–viscoplasticity at large strains, the modeling dedicates special emphasis to the effects of material densification associated with large irreversible porosity changes on the stiffness and hardening of the sediment material. At material level, the purely mechanical compaction taking place in the upper layers of the basin is handled in the context of finite elastoplasticity, whereas the viscoplastic component of behavior is intended to address creep-like deformation resulting from chemo-mechanical that prevails at deeper layers. Semianalytical solutions describing the evolution of mechanical state of the sedimentary basin along both the accretion and postaccretion periods are presented in the simplified oedometric setting. These solutions can be viewed as reference solutions for verification and benchmarks of basin simulators. The proposed approach may reveal suitable for parametric analyses because it requires only standard mathematics-based software for PDE system resolution. The numerical illustrations provide a quantitative comparison between the derived solutions and finite element predictions from an appropriate basin simulator, thus showing the ability of the approach to accurately capture essential features of basin deformation.     

Two‐dimensional finite element analysis of gravitational and lateral‐driven deformation in sedimentary basins

The paper deals with the modeling of some aspects, such as the formulation of constitutive equations for sediment material or finite element approach for basin analysis, related to mechanical compaction in sedimentary basins. In addition to compaction due to gravity forces and pore‐pressure dissipation, particular emphasis is given to the study of deformation induced by tectonic sequences. The numerical model relies upon the implementation of a comprehensive constitutive model for the sediment material formulated within the framework of finite poroplasticity. The theoretical model accounts for both hydromechanical and elasticity–plasticity coupling due to the effects of irreversible large strains. From the numerical viewpoint, a finite element procedure specifically devised for dealing with sedimentary basins as open systems allows to simulate within a two‐dimensional setting the process of sediment accretion or erosion. Several basin simulations are presented. The main objective is to analyze the behavior of a sedimentary basin during the different phases of its life cycle: accretion phase, pore‐pressure dissipation phase and compressive/extensional tectonic motions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A constitutive and numerical model for mechanical compaction in sedimentary basins

The aim of the paper is to provide new elements concerning the constitutive behavior of sedimentary rocks and the numerical aspects for basin simulators. A comprehensive model for mechanical compaction of sedimentary basins is developed within finite poroplasticity setting. Particular concern is paid to the effects of large porosity changes on the poromechanical properties of the sediment material. A simplified micromechanics-based approach is used to account for the stiffness increase and hardening induced by large plastic strains.A key challenge for numerical assessment of sedimentary basin evolution is to integrate multiple coupled processes in the context of open material systems. To this end, a numerical approach inspired from the ‘deactivation/reactivation’ method used for the simulation of excavation process and lining placement in tunnel engineering, has been developed. Periods of sediments accretion are simulated by progressive activation of the gravity forces within a fictitious closed system. Fundamental components of the constitutive model developed before (hydromechanical coupling, dependence of poroelastic properties on large plasticity, impact of irreversible porosity changes on the hardening rule, evolution of permeability with porosity) are included into our finite element code.Illustrative examples of basin simulation are performed in the one-dimensional case. Various aspects of the constitutive model are investigated. Their influence on the corresponding basin response is analyzed in terms of compaction law, porosity and fluid pressure profiles.     

A constitutive model for the dynamic and high‐pressure behaviour of a propellant‐like material: Part I: Experimental background and general structure of the model

This paper is the first part of a work that aims at developing a mechanical model for the behaviour of propellant‐like materials under high confining pressure and strain rate. The behaviour of a typical material is investigated experimentally. Several microstructural deformation processes are identified and correlated with loading conditions. The resulting behaviour is complex, non‐linear, and characterized by multiple couplings. The general structure of a relevant model is sought using a thermodynamic framework. A viscoelastic‐viscoplastic‐compaction model structure is derived under suitable simplifying assumptions, in the framework of finite, though moderate, strains. Model development, identification and numerical applications are given in the companion paper. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Compaction process in sedimentary basins: the role of stiffness increase and hardening induced by large plastic strains

This paper is devoted to the simulation of large strain compaction process in sedimentary basins. Special attention is paid to the effects of large porosity changes on the elastic and plastic mechanical properties of the sediment material. The latter are introduced in the constitutive behaviour in the framework of a micromechanical reasoning. In particular, the proposed approach avoids the problem of negative porosities that are predicted by classical models under high confining pressures. Some closed‐form solutions are presented in the simplified case of one‐dimensional compaction. While the influence of stiffness increase is shown to be negligible as regards the compaction law, it proves to affect significantly the stress and porosity profiles. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

沉积盆地构造核心理论和关键技术方法:前沿与发展方向

系统分析前人在沉积盆地构造研究的基础上,论文总结了沉积盆地构造核心理论和关键技术方法的前沿与发展方向。沉积盆地构造核心理论包括盆地分类理论、成盆机制理论、变形定量分析理论和盆地充填过程理论。盆地分类理论是依据不同分类标准建立盆地分类方案,其发展趋势是基于资源与构造背景的原型盆地分类和基于盆地演化的叠合盆地分类;成盆机制理论是定量模拟不同作用机制下(纯热机制、构造作用、负载作用)盆地沉降过程及其控制因素,其发展趋势是三维成盆动力学模拟;变形定量分析理论包括断层相关褶皱理论、临界楔理论和盐构造理论,其发展趋势是三维构造建模与三维定量变形分析;盆地充填过程理论主要开展不同构造成因盆地的充填过程对比与盆山过程的源-汇分析,其发展趋势是多元源-汇分析与定量化盆地分析。沉积盆地构造关键前沿技术包括三维构造建模技术、构造物理模拟与数值模拟技术和基于三维构造恢复的裂缝预测技术。构造物理模拟技术包括了基于工业CT扫描成像物理模拟技术:可以无损动态监测构造带内部变形演化过程,精确构建变形带三维空间展布形态;基于PIV的有限应变分析的物理模拟技术:可以定量分析变形的演化过程,直观展示应变分布特征,探讨构造应变动态分布规律;基于超重力离心机的构造物理模拟技术:可以模拟不同尺度构造流变过程,探讨岩石圈浅层脆性变形与深层韧性流变之间的动力学机制。     

A unified approach to mechanical compaction,pressure solution,mineral reactions and the temperature distribution in hydrocarbon basins

In modelling sediment compaction and mineral reactions, the rheological behaviour of sediments is typically considered as poroelastic or purely viscous. In fact, compaction due to pressure solution and mechanical processes in porous media is far more complicated. A generalised model of viscoelastic compaction and the smectite to illite mineral reaction in hydrocarbon basins is presented. A one-step dehydration model of the mineral reaction is assumed. The obtained non-linear governing equations are solved numerically and different combinations of physical parameters are used to simulate realistic situations in typical sedimentary basins. Comparison of numerical simulations with real data has shown very good agreement with respect to both the porosity profile and the mineral reaction.     

TWO-PHASE OIL MIGRATION IN COMPACTING SEDIMENTARY BASINS MODELLED BY THE FINITE ELEMENT METHOD

The upstream-weighted finite element method with lumped mass matrix is applied to the modelling of oil migration in compacting sedimentary basins. An implicit formulation is made in Lagrangian co-ordinates of a pressure, saturation and a temperature equation, which is based on immiscible two-phase flow of oil and water. The formulation accounts for the compaction of the sediments, the generation of oil from solid organic material (kerogen), the eventual pore space generated by kerogen breakdown, and the density variations of the fluids which may set up thermal convection. The model is validated by comparison with results from a one-dimensional (1D) fractional flow-based migration model. A 2D case example showing oil expulsion from source rocks, and the filling of a trap is presented. The mass balance of the model is easily checked because all oil in the basin originates from breakdown of kerogen. Compared with other alternatives, the simple upstream-weighted finite element method is suggested as a possible first choice for a numerical method for the modelling of oil migration in compacting sedimentary basins. It easily deals with the complex geometry of a basin, it yields reasonably good results, is simple to implement, and the same implementation applies to all spatial dimensions. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effects of phosphate ions on intergranular pressure solution in calcite: An experimental study

Intergranular pressure solution (IPS) is a coupled chemical-mechanical process of widespread importance that occurs during diagenesis and low-temperature deformation of sedimentary rocks. Laboratory experiments on IPS in halite, quartz, and calcite have largely concentrated on the mechanical aspects of the process. In this study, we report the effects of pore fluid chemistry, specifically varying phosphate ion concentration, on the mechanical compaction by IPS of fine-grained calcite powders at room temperature and 1 to 4 MPa applied effective stress. Phosphate was investigated because of its importance as a biogenic constituent of sea and pore waters. Increasing the pore fluid phosphate concentration from 0 to 10⁻³ mol/L systematically reduced compaction strain rates by up to two orders of magnitude. The sensitivity of the compaction strain rate to phosphate concentration was the same as the sensitivity of calcite precipitation rates to the addition of phosphate ions reported in the literature, suggesting that the rate of IPS in phosphate-bearing samples was controlled by calcite precipitation on pore walls. The results imply that IPS and associated porosity/permeability reduction rates in calcite sediments may be strongly reduced when pore fluids are enriched in phosphates, for example, through high biologic productivity or a seawater origin. Future modeling of IPS-related processes in carbonates must therefore take into account the effects of pore fluid chemistry, specifically the inhibition of interfacial reactions.     

粤北晚古生代盆地压实流体的性状

盆地构造演化、流体系统、矿化作用是当代矿床学研究的新课题。盆地演化过程中,压实流体系统温度场、动力场和地球化学场可以通过地质研究和数字模拟来重塑。粤北晚古生代沉积盆地存在三种类型的矿化流体。大宝山型流体与岩浆热动力作用有关,形成海底火山热液沉积多金属矿床;凡口型流体与深部建造的循环热液有关,形成中低温海底热泉喷溢沉积铅锌银汞矿床;红岩型流体与盆地成岩压实水有关,形成低温单一黄铁矿矿床。粤北晚古生代盆地沉积物主要由透水性较好的粗碎屑物质和碳酸盐组成,沉积建造厚度较薄,数字模拟结果表明,盆地压实流体系统难以形成较高的地热储和流体势,不可能形成自身的突发喷溢。但在同生断裂作用引导下,流体在沉积层的特殊部位汇聚形成红岩型低温黄铁矿矿床。     

A coupled chemo‐thermo‐hygro‐mechanical model of concrete at high temperature and failure analysis

A hierarchical mathematical model for analyses of coupled chemo‐thermo‐hygro‐mechanical behaviour in concretes at high temperature is presented. The concretes are modelled as unsaturated deforming reactive porous media filled with two immiscible pore fluids, i.e. the gas mixture and the liquid mixture, in immiscible–miscible levels. The thermo‐induced desalination process is particularly integrated into the model. The chemical effects of both the desalination and the dehydration processes on the material damage and the degradation of the material strength are taken into account. The mathematical model consists of a set of coupled, partial differential equations governing the mass balance of the dry air, the mass balance of the water species, the mass balance of the matrix components dissolved in the liquid phases, the enthalpy (energy) balance and momentum balance of the whole medium mixture. The governing equations, the state equations for the model and the constitutive laws used in the model are given. A mixed weak form for the finite element solution procedure is formulated for the numerical simulation of chemo‐thermo‐hygro‐mechanical behaviours. Special considerations are given to spatial discretization of hyperbolic equation with non‐self‐adjoint operator nature. Numerical results demonstrate the performance and the effectiveness of the proposed model and its numerical procedure in reproducing coupled chemo‐thermo‐hygro‐mechanical behaviour in concretes subjected to fire and thermal radiation. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mudstone compaction and its influence on overpressure generation, elucidated by a 3D case study in the North Sea

Mudstones are one of the least permeable rocks in most sedimentary sequences. Accordingly they can act as seals for fluid flow leading to abnormal overpressures. Nevertheless, mudstone compaction and related permeability and porosity decrease are not adequately described in current basin modelling software, because only mechanical compaction is taken into account. In reality, however, clay minerals undergo severe chemical diagenesis which certainly influences petrophysical properties and compaction. In this context a mathematical approach which has been originally developed in soil mechanics has been adapted to basin modelling. The underlying mathematical equations are carefully explained in the text. In the basic equation the compression coefficient is a function of void ratio and effective stress. Using these equations, overpressure can be predicted by using petroleum systems modelling techniques. This is shown for a real 3D case study in the North Sea, in which strong overpressure occurs. A compaction model for mudstones that depends strongly on the clay content of the individual stratigraphic units is used for the calibration of porosities in the 3D case study. In addition, a chemical compaction model that reduces porosities by using a kinetic reaction is used for the deeper part of the basin where mechanical compaction processes are less important. The pressure generation process depends strongly on permeability and compressibility of the porous medium. Therefore, the use of mudstone compaction and permeability models is sufficient to produce pore overpressures. In the case studied, abnormal overpressures are generated during burial together with the petroleum generation process. The mechanical and chemical compaction mechanisms ensure that the pressures are preserved in the deeper part of the basin.     

Samovar: a thermomechanical code for modeling of geodynamic processes in the lithosphere—application to basin evolution

We present a new 2D finite difference code, Samovar, for high-resolution numerical modeling of complex geodynamic processes. Examples are collision of lithospheric plates (including mountain building and subduction) and lithosphere extension (including formation of sedimentary basins, regions of extended crust, and rift zones). The code models deformation of the lithosphere with viscoelastoplastic rheology, including erosion/sedimentation processes and formation of shear zones in areas of high stresses. It also models steady-state and transient conductive and advective thermal processes including partial melting and magma transport in the lithosphere. The thermal and mechanical parts of the code are tested for a series of physical problems with analytical solutions. We apply the code to geodynamic modeling by examining numerically the processes of lithosphere extension and basin formation. The results are directly applicable to the Basin and Range province, western USA, and demonstrate the roles of crust–mantle coupling, preexisting weakness zones, and erosion rate on the evolutionary trends of extending continental regions. Modeling of basin evolution indicates a critical role of syn-rift sedimentation on the basin depth and a governing role of Peierls deformation in cold lithospheric mantle. While the former may increase basin depth by 50%, the latter limits the depth of rift basins by preventing faulting in the subcrustal lithosphere.     

云南白牛厂矿区古生代沉积盆地的成矿流体系统

白牛厂矿区发育在多旋回演化的裂谷盆地之中 ,超大型银多金属矿床由中寒武世海底喷溢沉积作用形成。海底热液来源于裂谷盆地沉积物中超高压流体 ,热液属于富含 K+、SO2 -4的卤水 ,w ( Zn) /w ( Zn+Pb) <0 .7,与世界超大型 SEDEX矿床特征相似。滇东南下寒武统可能为重要的矿源层 ,该区具有良好的找矿前景     

粤北盆地流体系统及其矿化特征

盆地构造演化流体系统矿化作用是当代矿床学研究的新课题。盆地演化过程 ,压实流体系统温度场、动力场和地球化学场可以通过地质研究和数字模拟来重塑。粤北晚古生代沉积盆地存在 3种类型的矿化流体。大宝山型流体与岩浆热动力作用有关 ,形成海底火山热液沉积多金属矿床 ;凡口型流体与深部建造的循环热液有关 ,形成中低温海底热泉喷溢沉积铅锌银汞矿床 ;红岩型流体与盆地成岩压实水有关 ,形成低温单一黄铁矿矿床。红岩地区盆地压实流体系统在盆缘古隆起地段形成红岩型黄铁矿矿带的同时 ,还形成特征的白云岩化作用。白云岩产状和组构、白云石“亮边”和“雾心”特征及地球化学特征表明 ,红岩型诸矿床的成因与盆地沉积物压实过程形成的流体有关     

塔里木盆地北部油气运移二维二相数值模拟分析

油气运移和聚集过程实际上是油（气）水饱和度知疏导层的变化过程，盆地中油（气）二相流动问题的研究就是对这一过程的定量描述，本项研究是在前人工作基础上，考察压实作用造成骨架变形来推导新的二维二相流动方程，它容描述异常压力演化与二相流动于一式，在模拟方法上采用有限分析的数值方法，这应用于新疆塔里木盆地北部地区，展示了该区异常压力、含水饱和度弥散状扩散效应以及流速场在地质历史时期动态模拟演化特征；指出了该     

沉积盆地动力学与模拟研究

沉积盆地动力学过程与模拟研究是当前地球科学研究的前沿领域。盆地形成演化的动力学机制、盆地沉积充填过程与模拟、盆地规模的流体动力学等方面的研究近年来取得了重要进展。从定性的静态描述分析转向定量的动态过程研究是当前盆地动力学研究的主要发展趋势。盆地形成机制研究在深部过程控制、多重机制联合作用、幕式裂陷和反转过程等方面取得显著进展。前陆盆地构造—充填过程和模拟、构造活动盆地层序地层学、盆地充填过程分析与模拟等研究代表了盆地充填动力学研究的最新成果。盆地流体过程和模拟是当前的一个研究热点,盆地流体的识别、追踪和盆地规模的流体动力学分析与模拟获得突出性进展。     

论盆地流体成矿/成烃作用的耦合关系

沉积盆地中的油气聚集和某些金属矿床都是盆地演化过程中盆地流体活动的产物,是同一地质-构造格架内同一自然过程留下的物质表象。油气是被封存起来的、以碳氢化合物为主的盆地有机流体,而固态的金属矿石则大多是以水溶液相为主的盆地流体在适当的部位将所溶解携带的成矿金属组分沉淀卸载的结果。碳氢化合物源干沉积有机质的演化;成矿金属元素则可能是盆地流体从沉积物颗粒通过流-岩反应萃取来的。有机组分在成矿金属元素的活化萃取、迁移、直至沉淀就位的全过程中均起了非常重要的作用。在成岩压实作用阶段(相当干油气的初次析出阶段),油气与粘土水一道从生烃层内被挤出。从这个意义上讲,油气与部分成矿水溶液具有共同的起源。但在往后的运移和聚集就位过程中,由于水和油的物理化学特征不同,二发生了分离。从而造成了金属矿床与油气藏在空间上既相互依赖,又相互分离的复杂关系。     

The rift origin of the Vilyui basin (East Siberia), from reconstructions of sedimentation and mechanical mathematical modeling

Results of modeling of the formation of the Vilyui sedimentary basin are presented. We combine backstripping reconstructions of sedimentation and thermal regime during the subsidence with a numerical simulation based on the deformable solid mechanics. Lithological data and stratigraphic sections were used to “strip” the sedimentary beds successively and calculate the depth of the stratigraphic units during the sedimentation. It is the first time that the evolution of sedimentation which is nonuniform over the basin area has been analyzed for the Vilyui basin. The rift origin of the basin is proven. We estimate the spatial distribution of the parameters of crustal and mantle-lithosphere extension as well as expansion due to dike intrusion. According to the reconstructions, the type of subsidence curves for the sedimentary rocks of the basin depends on the tectonic regime of sedimentation in individual basins. The backstripping analysis revealed two stages of extension (sediments 4–5 km thick) and a foreland stage (sediments > 2 km thick). With the two-layered lithosphere model, we conclude that the subcrustal layer underwent predominant extension (by a factor of 1.2–2.0 vs. 1.1–1.4 in the crust). The goal of numerical experiments is to demonstrate that deep troughs can form in the continental crust under its finite extension. Unlike the oceanic rifting models, this modeling shows no complete destruction or rupture of the continental crust during the extension. The 2D numerical simulation shows the possibility of considerable basement subsidence near the central axis and explains why mafic dikes are concentrated on the basin periphery.     

A numerical compaction model of overpressuring in shales

A one-dimensional model of sediment compaction is presented to relate pressure, porosity, permeability, and fluid and solid-particle velocities in an evolving sedimentary basin. The burial history of a sedimentary package is followed and incorporated into rate models for diagenetic reactions to predict clay compositions with depth. The governing set of nonlinear, partial differential equations constitutes a moving boundary problem and is solved by a finite difference scheme. Sedimentation rates and a permeability-porosity function for shales are required to implement the model. Additional factors are incorporated to mimic the effect of increased fluid volume generated by dehydration from clay mineral transformations and by thermal expansion. We demonstrate that the major cause of overpressuring in sediments accumulating along passive margins is nonequilibrium compaction. Sedimentation rates and strata permeability are the most important geologic factors in the formation of overpressured zones. Smectite dehydration and aquathermal pressuring play secondary roles in the development and sustenance of overpressures.