A Simulator for the Computation of Paleotemperatures During Basin Evolution

The stages of hydrocarbon generation in the various source rocks of a sedimentary basin can be estimated from maturation indices. Computation of maturation index requires the time-temperature history of the formations in the basin. Processes that occur during the formation and development of a basin are quite complex and include subsidence, sedimentation, uplift/erosion, faulting, magmatism, and surface temperature variations during changes in ocean level and climate. These processes have been modeled in our company for a number of years using GOLIATH, a two-dimensional, transient, finite-difference, geological thermal simulator.