Physical Analog Modeling of Geologic Structures 

About the cover: Oblique view of normal fault scarps in deformed sandbox model

Understanding structural development is vital for modeling petroleum systems through maturation, migration and reservoir charge stages. Real-world analogs show only a single time step of structures that evolved over thousands or millions of years, and are often not even accessible to seismic interpreters.

Physical analog modeling is a well-established laboratory technique for reproducing the developmental sequence and overall geometry of geologic structures. Physical analog models are three-dimensional kinematically and geometrically realistic simulations of processes that form complex geologic structures.

Rock strata are represented in the models by tabletop-scale analog layers such as sand, claycake, and silicon putty. These analog materials are carefully selected to reproduce at small scale the geometric and kinematic features of natural geologic structures.

Cross-section of sand model of pull-apart basin showing graben in growth strata (blue and red) above horst earlier growth strata (yellow and red)

Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®) scientists have developed physical analog models that can be used to test a variety of tectonic histories. By calibrating model results against natural structures, tectonic history can be incorporated into the interpretation of complex structural terrains.

SwRI’s Physical Modeling Laboratory is a state-of-the-art facility designed to emulate a variety of tectonic settings. The modeling apparatus is modular and can be configured to represent most tectonic deformation styles, including:

• Extension
• Shortening
• Strike slip
• Localized uplift and doming
• Normal and reverse faulting
• Tectonism of a brittle layer over a ductile substratum
• Combinations of these styles

Vertical and cross-section views of sand pack deformed to simulate a pull-apart basin. Yellow and red layers are growth strata added to fill the basin during its formation.

Still photographs are used to document the pre-, syn- and post-kinematic stages of the experiments. While deformation is active, models are photographed from above at set intervals and with a variety of illumination angles.

Physical analog models can be configured at crustal, basin, field, and outcrop scales. This multi-scale approach allows representation of structural features that are below the detection limits of seismic methods.

Vertical and cross-section views of sand pack deformed to simulate a pull-apart basin. Yellow and red layers are growth strata added to fill the basin during its formation.

For more information on the Energy Exploration and Development, please visit: www.geoscience.swri.org
 

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