Automated reconstructions of sedimentary basins in frontier area

The self consistent reconstruction of the thermal, tectonic, and stratigraphic evolution of sedimentary basins is a challenging task. Good results have been obtained (e.g., Bellingham and White 2002, Fjeldskaar et al. 2004, Kooi et al. 1992, Poplavskii et al. 2001, Rüpke et al. 2008) based on McKenzie’s pioneering work (1978). However, with the current petroleum prospects moving further and further into frontier areas, characterized by deep water and extreme stretching of the lithosphere, the McKenzie approach does not suffice any longer to obtain a valid reconstruction. Required additional physics include depth dependent stretching, formation of new oceanic crust, and mineral phase transitions. We have implemented all standard as well as these frontier area relevant mechanisms in a software package called TECMOD2D. TECMOD2D allows for automated thermotectonostratigraphic reconstructions of sedimentary basins. Key to this is the coupling of a forward model to an inverse scheme for automated parameter update. The forward model resolves simultaneously for lithosphere processes (e.g. thinning, flexure, temperature) and sedimentary basin processes (e.g. sedimentation, compaction, maturation). The inverse algorithm automatically updates crustal and mantel thinning factors as well as paleo-water depth until the input stratigraphy is fitted to a desired accuracy.