3D Modelling of Turbiditic Channel Bodies in Deepwater Reservoirs with the CATS Multi-lithology Process-based Model

The CATS model (Cellular Automata for Turbidite Systems) simulates the behaviour of particulate subaqueous turbidity flows and associated sedimentary processes. This process- based model was developed by IFP Energies nouvelles in order to reproduce turbiditic reservoir architecture and heterogeneity in deepwater fields. CATS is based on cellular automata paradigm : each cell of the regular-meshed topography is an automaton defined by local physical characteristics for both bed and flow. Between neighbouring automata, matter and energy fluxes are mainly ruled by the Di Gregorio (1999) height distribution algorithm. The energetic and physical states of each automaton evolve trough time according to internal transformations. This approach allows us to simulate downslope flow, erosion and deposition, and ambient water entrainment. Accordingly, simulations show realistic turbiditic architecture and their facies partitioning. We first present some simulation results on synthetic cases of sinuous turbiditic channels to illustrate the model behaviour. Afterwards, we show the strong influence of the channel geometry on the final facies distribution. Finally, we discuss the relationship between the physical processes involved in a turbidity flow and the resulting architecture.