Abstract
The paper presents a method and some results for the numerical simulation of pore fluid movements, which are connected strongly with migration of hydrocarbons. The mathematical model consists of a two-dimensional initial/boundary value problem with a partial differential equation for the pore pressure in a sedimentary layer. From the given input data (initial condition, hydrodynamic boundary conditions, material parameters) the pore pressure and the Darcy velocity of pore fluids may be computed as functions of space and time. A case study is given from the Upper Rotliegend sediments in a part of the North-German Depression bordered by a system of faults. It is assumed that the overlying Zechstein salt layers hindered the escape of pore fluids, and so an abnormally high pore pressure is produced in the considered sediments. The simulation describes the temporal change of pore pressure and horizontal water flow after some tectonic movements which allowed the fluids to escape along the faults.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Bethke, C.M., Harrison, W.J., Upson, C., and Altaner, S.P., 1988, Supercomputer analysis of sedimentary basins: Science v. 239, no. 4837, p. 261–267.
Bredehoeft, J.D., and Hanshaw, B.B., 1968, On the maintenance of anomalous fluid pressures. I. Thick sedimentary sequences: Geol. Soc. America Bull., v. 79, no. 9, p. 1097–1106.
Gibson, R.E., England, G.L., and Hussey, M. J.L., 1967, The theory of one-dimensional consolidation of saturated clays. I. Finite nonlinear consolidation of thin homogeneous layers: Geotechnique, v. 17, p. 281–279.
Gibson, R.E., Schiffmann, R.L., and Carbill, K.W., 1981, The theory of one-dimensional consolidation of saturated clays. II. Finitenonlinear consolidation of thick homogeneous layers: Can. Geotech. Jour., v. 18, p. 280–293.
Hahne, R., and Kluge, W., 1976, Rekonstruktion paläohydrodynamischer Verhältnisse des Buntsandsteins im Mitteleuropäischen Becken mit Hilfe der Elektroanalogie: Z. angew. Geol., v. 22, no. 12, p. 574–583.
Keith, L.A., and Rimstidt, J.D., 1985, A numerical compaction model of overpressuring in shales: Jour. Math. Geology, v. 17, no. 2, p. 115– 135.
Kluge, W., and Milde, G., 1975, Theoretische Grundlagen zur Rekonstruktion paläo-hydrodynamischer Verhältnisse: Z. angew. Geol. v. 21, no. 7, p. 315–322.
Perrier, R. and Quiblier, J., 1974, Thickness changes in sedimentary layers during compaction history; methods for quantitative evaluation: Am. Assoc. Petroleum Geologists Bull., v.58, no. 3, p. 507–520.
Sharp, J.M., and Domenico, P. A., 1976, Energy transport in thick sequences of compacting sediment: Geol. Soc. America Bull., v. 87, no. 3, p. 390–400.
Tetzlaff, D.M., and Harbaugh, J.W., 1989, Simulating clastic sedimentation: Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 202 p.
Welte, D.H., and Yukler, M.A., 1981, Petroleum origin and accumulation in basin evolution -a quantitative model: Am. Assoc. Petroleum Geologists Bull., v. 65, no. 8, p. 1387–1396.
Yukler, M.A., Cornford, C., and Welte, D.H., 1978, One-dimensional model to simulate geologic, hydrodynamic and thermodynamic development of a sedimentary basin: Geol. Rundschau, bd. 67, Heft 3, p. 960–979.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1993 Springer Science+Business Media New York
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Springer, J., Schwab, G. (1993). Numerical Simulation of Pore Fluid Movements in the Upper Rotliegend of the North German Depression. In: Harff, J., Merriam, D.F. (eds) Computerized Basin Analysis. Computer Applications in the Earth Sciences. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-2826-5_3
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-2826-5_3
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
Print ISBN: 978-1-4613-6222-7
Online ISBN: 978-1-4615-2826-5
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive