Stratigraphic Simulation in Sequence Stratigraphy and Basin Analysis

Stratigraphic simulation is a modelling technique which can be used for exploration
purposes to understand the depositional geometries and architectures of a basin. It is a
method where it can simulate realistic stratigraphic attributes using geologically
reasonable values of selected process parameters. A study in understanding the
evolution of stratal pattern in Malay Basin has been done using this forward
simulation. It is to investigate the main factor that controls the sedimentation in the
basin. From previous study using overpressure modelling, sedimentation rate has
caused the compaction and subsidence in the basin as well controlled the architecture
of the Malay Basin. Two dimensional forward modelling (SEDP AK) that developed
by the Stratigraphic Modelling Group at the University of South Carolina is used to
reconstruct a depositional history of the Malay Basin, in verifying that subsidence
plays a major role in the development of the basin. It has been reconstructed with
response to changing rates of tectonic movements/subsidence, eustasy and also
sediment supply by using present day observed seismic stratigraphic section. The
input value for the parameters in this trial-an-error process are manipulated by
logic/rules and iteratively corrected until there was an agreement between modelling
results and the observed geometries in the seismic cross sections. As a result, the
stratal geometries have been created using simulation technique are comparable to the
observed data where the most controlling factor of this basin's stratal pattern
development is subsidence. This simulation also revealed the differential subsidence
produce different system tract because it achieved to demonstrate that reactivation of
a normal fault has created an accommodation space for deposition of the lowstand fan
system. It is important to understand the controlling factors of sequence development
of this basin because enable us to predict possible target play. However, there is
limitation in using the program such that is only as good as assumptions that go into it
and encompass preconceived concepts and biases of designer.