A method of reconstructing 3D model from 2D geological cross-section based on self-adaptive spatial sampling: A case study of Cretaceous McMurray reservoirs in a block of Canada

An orthogonal 2D training image is constructed from the geological analysis results of well logs and sedimentary facies; the 2D probabilities in three directions are obtained through linear pooling method and then aggregated by the logarithmic linear pooling to determine the 3D multi-point pattern probabilities at the unknown points, to realize the reconstruction of a 3D model from 2D cross-section. To solve the problems of reducing pattern variability in the 2D training image and increasing sampling uncertainty, an adaptive spatial sampling method is introduced, and an iterative simulation strategy is adopted, in which sample points from the region with higher reliability of the previous simulation results are extracted to be additional condition points in the following simulation to improve the pattern probability sampling stability. The comparison of lateral accretion layer conceptual models shows that the reconstructing algorithm using self-adaptive spatial sampling can improve the accuracy of pattern sampling and rationality of spatial structure characteristics, and accurately reflect the morphology and distribution pattern of the lateral accretion layer. Application of the method in reconstructing the meandering river reservoir of the Cretaceous McMurray Formation in Canada shows that the new method can accurately reproduce the shape, spatial distribution pattern and development features of complex lateral accretion layers in the meandering river reservoir under tide effect. The test by sparse wells shows that the simulation accuracy is above 85%, and the coincidence rate of interpretation and prediction results of newly drilled horizontal wells is up to 80%.

Automated summary

The study introduces a method to reconstruct a 3D model from 2D cross-sections by obtaining multi-point pattern probabilities through linear and logarithmic pooling, improving sampling stability with adaptive spatial sampling and iterative simulation, and achieving good accuracy in reservoir reconstruction in Canada.