COURSE OVERVIEW:

Principles of Stratigraphic Forward Modeling (SFM) provides geoscientists with a powerful numerical approach to understanding the evolution of sedimentary basins. Unlike traditional inverse methods that attempt to reconstruct history from current observations, SFM uses physical laws and geological parameters—such as eustasy, subsidence, and sediment supply—to simulate the depositional process through time. This course explores how numerical simulations can predict the distribution of lithofacies, reservoir geometries, and source rock quality in areas with limited data coverage.

The coverage includes the fundamental physical equations governing sediment transport, including diffusion-based and rule-based modeling techniques. Participants will learn how to define initial basin physiography and how to vary accommodation space and carbonate growth rates to match observed seismic and well data. The scope addresses the use of SFM to reduce exploration risk by predicting "sweet spots" in complex stratigraphic plays where traditional correlation methods are prone to high uncertainty.

Furthermore, the course addresses the calibration of forward models against real-world datasets and the sensitivity analysis of various input parameters. Attendees will explore the integration of SFM results into 3D geocellular models and its role in evaluating the impact of paleoclimate and sea-level fluctuations on reservoir architecture. By the end of the course, participants will be able to set up, run, and interpret stratigraphic simulations that provide a process-based foundation for subsurface prediction and risk assessment.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

• Define the core concepts of numerical Stratigraphic Forward Modeling (SFM).
• Distinguish between Deterministic, Rule-based, and Process-based modeling.
• Quantify the roles of Eustasy, Tectonic Subsidence, and Sediment Supply (A/S ratio).
• Utilize SFM to predict lithology distribution in frontier basins.
• Analyze the sensitivity of reservoir architecture to changes in accommodation space.
• Model Carbonate platform growth and the development of "keep-up" vs "catch-up" facies.
• Simulate Clastic transport from fluvial systems to deep-water fans.
• Calibrate SFM outputs against actual well logs and seismic profiles.
• Utilize forward modeling to identify stratigraphic traps and pinch-outs.
• Assess the impact of paleoclimate on sediment flux and grain size distribution.
• Evaluate the non-uniqueness of stratigraphic simulations.
• Integrate SFM results into static reservoir modeling workflows.
• Use SFM to predict source rock enrichment and preservation patterns.
• Formulate a modeling strategy to address specific geological uncertainties.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

Exploration Geologists, Sedimentologists, Basin Modelers, and Geomodellers seeking to enhance their predictive capabilities in complex basins.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximise the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.