Computer Visualization by the IMRE Section

Computer visualization and three-dimensional modeling have gradually become a necessity in the analysis of subsurface stratigraphy. The ISGS is currently using 3-D modeling and enhanced 2-D interpretation tools for the characterization of oil fields and aquifers. It also uses these visualization tools to understand the regional geology of the Basin.

New computer visualization techniques are used to study:
      • spatial distribution of data
      • management of information and
      • geological interpretation.

Oil-Water Contact at Boyd Field

Above, at left is a 3-D visualization of the oil-water contact at Boyd Field, Jefferson County, Illinois. The light green and red colors are different concentrations of oil.

3-D Visualization of Permeability Distribution within Boyd Field

Permeability values greater than 200 mD. The other intervals have lower permeabilites. The spatial distribution of permeability is important because injected water during secondary oil recovery will flow through higher permeability intervals, and some of the oil in the lower permeability zones will not be recovered.

Quicktime movie of 3-D visualization of Permeability Distribution within Manlove Field

Structure Map of the Ordovician Trenton Limestone

The green patches on the structure map signify Trenton producing oil fields. This map was used as a first step in finding new areas to explore for oil. The map is color coded. Blue areas are deeper (5,000 or more feet below the surface), and the pink are shallower (a few hundred feet).

Acknowledgment

This research is supported by a grant from Landmark Graphics, a subsidiary of Haliburton.

Updated 12/9/2009 SLD