Modeling of Processes in the deposition of Carbonates, Platform Marion North and South of the Miocene
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Abstract
Marion Plateau is a Miocene cool-subtropical carbonate platform located in offshore northeastern Australia. It has two separate platforms that present different carbonate biotas and were developed at independent growth stages. At that time there was an icehouse affecting the glacioeustatic sea levels, and wave base currents impacted carbonate growth rates and platform geometries. However, the relation between the process involved in the deposition and later stages of the carbonates are not well understood. This project objectives are build vertical stacking of sedimentary facies, correlate the middle Miocene sequence stratigraphic framework and obtain carbonate geometries and stacking patterns based on the existing constraints The methodology followed in this project involves sequence stratigraphic correlation of five sequence boundaries that denote low stands, transgressive and high stands system tracts within a mega sequence using core data, seismic sections, electrical logs and dolomitization changes. Forward modelling is produced by the relation of eustasy levels, subsidence rate, carbonate production, water depth, and wave action. Models replicate sedimentation rates, facies distribution and carbonate geometries in line with the existent data of the location. As in all modelling processes, limitations and assumptions affect the expected results, which in this study is the ability of reproduce the stratigraphic thickness records. This study successfully shows that forward modelling provides an alternative to representing the interaction between carbonate processes and the carbonate strata geometries that can be obtained. Modelling the key properties offers the opportunity to identify factors behind carbonate variations in the subsurface. This could improve carbonate reservoirs characterization and predictions, and subsequently the potential improvement of hydrocarbon production strategies.
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