Semi-Analytic Modelling of Subsidence

This paper presents a forward model for subsidence prediction caused by extraction of hydrocarbons. The model uses combinations of analytic solutions to the visco-elastic equations, which approximate the boundary conditions. There are only a few unknown parameters to be estimated, and, consequently, calculations are very fast. The semi-analytic model is applicable to a uniform and layer-cake stratigraphy, with visco-elastic parameters changing per layer, and an arbitrary depletion pattern. By its capabilities to handle a multi-layered visco-elastic subsurface, the semi-analytic model fills the gap between the analytic single-layered elastic models available to date and the more elaborate numerical, e.g. finite element, models.