Applying new restoration techniques to better understand the regional evolution of the outer fold-and-thrust belt, Niger Delta.

@inproceedings{DurandGM2012,
 abstract = { In the last decade, a lot of progress has been made in the field of 3D modeling and geomechanical restoration, allowing to handle more and more natural geological complexity. In particular, the use of new meshing techniques based on an implicit method facilitates the mesh generation of models including thin layers, unconformities, and/or pinch-out. The development of transversely isotropic geomechanical properties allows approaching a flexural slip folding without explicitly including slip surfaces in the 3D model. The use of geological constraints in addition to the classical boundary conditions can also lead to more accurate restoration results. Moreover, using an exponential porosity-depth relationship to compute the decompaction in 3D after each restoration step during sequential restoration improves the assessment of the basin history.
We propose to combine these new techniques to fully restore a complex model of compressional structures including a detachment fold, a forethrust fault-bend fold, and a structural wedge in series located in the outer fold-and-thrust belt, deepwater Niger Delta. The structural growth history is recorded by growth stratigraphy and erosional surfaces that record the kinematics of deformation. Beyond the problem of the mesh generation that such a system raises, the vertical variations in mechanical properties, the flexural-slip folding, and the non-cylindrical nature of the structures make the 3D restoration of this system challenging. The implicit approach allows meshing the structures, and using appropriate boundary conditions and geomechanical properties, we sequentially restore the system and apply decompaction after each restoration step. The results are compared to kinematic restorations of regional transects. The outcomes of the restoration, such as strain distribution and 3D gradients of fault slip, allow us to enhance our understanding of the regional evolution of the Niger Delta toe and demonstrate the capabilities of geomechanical restorations in addressing complex, 3D deformations with sediment compaction. },
 author = { Durand-Riard, Pauline AND Shaw, John H. AND Guzofski, Chris A. },
 booktitle = { Proc. 32nd Gocad Meeting, Nancy },
 title = { Applying new restoration techniques to better understand the regional evolution of the outer fold-and-thrust belt, Niger Delta. },
 year = { 2012 }
}