Vector field based fault modeling and stratigraphic horizons deformation.

@inproceedings{BouziatGM2011,
 abstract = { Designing numerical models for fault objects and rock volume deformations is a crucial need for industries interested in subterranean resources exploitation, because these models significantly impact reserves estimations and flow simulations.
In this study, we propose a new way to implicitly model a fault object and deform previously modeled stratigraphic horizons. This method is inspired by the ”Vector Field based Shape Deformations” (VFSD) techniques used by the Computer Graphics community to deform volumes in a purely geometrical but physically realistic manner. Our approach considers a fault as a slip vector field, interpolated thanks to several scalar fields linked to the fault geometry and few scattered data points if available (e.g. coming from seismic interpretation). This vector field is then integrated into path lines able to drive the deformation of stratigraphic layers and horizons. The so-obtained deformation is limited to an influence region surrounding the fault and can affect several horizons simultaneously in a consistent and reversible way. Moreover, self-intersections can be avoided and both the first order smoothness and the fine-scale features of the deformed horizons are preserved.
The slip vector field methodology we present relies on a model for slip attenuation and a direction constraint on the displacement. The resulting tool can be used as a new exit condition for fault network stochastic simulations. Some derived applications, like triangulated surfaces deformation from a digitised line or salt diapirs representation, are also conceivable. },
 author = { Bouziat, Antoine AND Laurent, Gautier AND Antoine, Christophe AND Caumon, Guillaume },
 booktitle = { Proc. 31st Gocad Meeting, Nancy },
 title = { Vector field based fault modeling and stratigraphic horizons deformation. },
 year = { 2011 }
}