STREAM-3D THMC
Development of pilot code for three-dimensional modeling of flow under geochemical compaction in sedimentary basins subject to glaciation
- Start date: 2015
- End date: 2018
- Funded by: Eni S.p.A
- Topic: Modeling coupled processes (fluid flow and geochemical/mechanical compaction) in sedimentary basins including the effects of glaciation.
We provide a conceptual and mathematical description of the coupled phenomena affecting hydrodynamics, solid matrix deformation, heat and mass transfer and geochemical evolution in a sedimentary basin subject to cycles of glaciation. We outline a computational modeling strategy (based on a simplified geometrical setting) to quantify the relative strengths of the diverse components of Thermal-Hydrological-Mechanical-Chemical (THMC) processes on basin evolution. From a methodological standpoint, the preliminary results of our simulations: (i) enable us to quantitatively study the role of THMC processes induced by glaciations, (ii) yield information on the diverse and somehow competing aspects of the problem and (iii) contribute to elucidate the main computational challenges associated with the system behavior. From an operational standpoint, our study contributes to elucidating how cycles of glaciations may influence thermal fluxes, mechanical stresses, pressure gradients, changes in salinity, and induce variations of the strength of geochemical compaction processes that can possibly alter the processes of generation and migration of hydrocarbons in the basin.
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