Reservoir Analogues - Virtual Outcrop Models

GRL has pioneered innovative methods to construct high-precision virtual outcrop models that serve as detailed analogues for your sub-surface reservoir rocks. We offer a bespoke service to capture your chosen outcrops, and we customise our workflows so that the level of detail, type of geological data, methods of interpretation, and data formats all meet your exact needs. Our quantitative 3D models effectively bridge the gap between small-scale structures seen in outcrop, and those large enough to be imaged seismically. By capturing geological reality, we are able to bring a new level of detail to reservoir characterization.

Incorporate virtual outcrop models into your E&P workflow:

create virtual models that act as analogues for your reservoir rocks
show detailed 3D sedimentary architectures and structural geometries
capture quantitative data to show the effect of sub-seismic scale structures
quantify 3D fracture anisotropy for use in fluid flow modelling
maximise the benefit of field excursions by using virtual models during briefing and de-briefing (see below)
you know of an excellent reservoir analogue, but it's located in a dangerous, inhospitable or remote field area? ... reduce costs and H&S overhead by running a virtual field-trip.

Quantitative Analogues

Using streamlined methods to build virtual outcrop models, we can offer you unparalleled ability to quantify 3D structural geometries and sedimentary architectures from regional scale down to sub-seismic resolutions. Our seamless workflows combine a range of geospatial survey and mapping technologies, including Lidar laser-scanning and Real Time Kinematic GPS, to give high-precision results. Using non-parametric 3D statistical analysis we can quantify 3D fracture characteristics (including orientation, interconnectivity, anisotropy etc.) and improve the quality of input for your fluid-flow modelling and basin analysis.

(right: Riegl LMS-Z420i scanner)

laser-scanning channel geometries

Stacked channel turbidites, Olson, Ainsa, Spanish Pyrenees

virtual outcrop model

Integration of sedimentological data with topography, Olson, Ainsa, Spain. From Labourdette & Jones 2007.

lidar data from Arkitsa Fault

Virtual Outcrop Model from the Arkitsa Fault, Greece. Fault scarp shown in here is ca. 900m long. Note olive groves and pylons in foreground for scale.

virtual outcrop model

Quantitative outcrop model of fracture arrays in damage zone of 90 Fathom Fault, Permian sandstones, NE England

Basin-scale to sub-seismic in a single model

Our outcrop models can give as much regional perspective as you wish. We combine digital datasets from a range of sources including satellite data, aerial photography, digital photogrammetry and digitised regional geology to give a wide geospatial context to your multi-scale model. Zoom in and out from basin scale right down to outcrop analogue in a single sweep. We can deliver models in various formats for display in a variety of 3D visualisation environments.

(left: N.Scotland and West Orkney Basin, displayed
in Schlumberger's Inside Reality software)

Maximise the effectiveness of field-trips

Our experience has shown that exploring virtual models prior to a field trip is an extremely effective way to introduce key geological aspects of an area, and to let participants identify their own points of interest to be examined in more detail on the outcrop.

In addition, virtual outcrop models represent an effective way for the geologist to remember more detail from outcrops they have visited.

After a field excursion, further analysis is possible by geologists who have a virtual copy of outcrops they have seen in reality. Virtual models allow the geologist to access parts of the outcrop not accessible in reality (e.g. high up a cliff-face).

(right: post-processing outcrop data in Gocad)

Other services: Survey & Mapping Tectonic Synthesis 3D Visualisation