3rd Edition: Geological Process-Based Forward Modeling

Session 1: Current Status, Challenges, and Emerging Frontiers

Theme: Where are we now, and how are new technologies solving old problems? This session sets the baseline. We will assess the current maturity of process-based modeling across the industry—what works, what does not, and where the critical gaps remain. We then pivot to emerging technologies, specifically looking at how AI and hybrid workflows are addressing persistent challenges like the “Inverse Problem.” As well as the paths toward integration of various processes.

Topics of Interest:

• Status Report: A critical review of current physics engines (FSM, RTM, PSM)—strengths, weaknesses, and appropriate applications.
• The “Grand Challenges”: Addressing the persistent bottlenecks of Equifinality (non-uniqueness), Stationarity (integration with geostatistics), and Scale (basin vs. reservoir).
• AI Utilization: Moving beyond hype—practical applications of Machine Learning surrogates to accelerate physics solvers and enable rapid uncertainty analysis.

Session 2: Model Calibration and Validation: The Multi-Physics Constraint

Theme: How do we know our models are right? Strategies for rigorous calibration. A critical session dedicated to the validation of process-based models against observational data. We welcome studies demonstrating novel calibration workflows using diverse datasets.

Topics of Interest:

• Seismic Integration: Workflows for comparing model outputs with seismic data—ranging from synthetic seismogram generation to constraining models with seismic inversion volumes.
• Chronostratigraphic Constraints: Utilizing biostratigraphy and orbital tuning to validate time-steps and sedimentation rates.
• Multi-Domain Validation: Integrating chemostratigraphy, well logs, and core data to constrain uncertainty and reduce non-uniqueness.
• Validation & QC: Methodologies for blind-testing downscaled models, quantifying uncertainty propagation, and calibrating results against core, logs, and production data.

Session 3: Coupling Basin Dynamics: Integrating FSM with Petroleum Systems for Trap Prediction

Theme: Linking architecture to charge, a workflow for de-risking stratigraphic plays. This session delivers on the promise of including PSM. We focus on the practical integration of Forward Stratigraphic Modeling (FSM) with Petroleum Systems Modeling (PSM) to quantitatively predict and risk stratigraphic and stratigraphic-diagenetic traps. The goal is to define workflows where depositional architecture and facies heterogeneity directly constrain charge timing and migration pathways.

Topics of Interest:

• Workflow Design: Sequentially linking FSM outputs (architecture, facies) → property assignment → PSM (burial, thermal, charge) → trap screening & risking.
• Target Generation: Predicting subtle pinch-outs, diagenetic barriers/enhancements, and combined structural-stratigraphic traps.
• Sweet Spot Analysis: Using coupled model sensitivity analysis to identify optimal charge windows and reservoir quality sweet spots.
• Case Studies: Examples of successful integration and frank discussions of remaining technical gaps.

Session 4: From Basin to Borehole: Practical Applications for Exploration and Field Development

Theme: Applied workflows and real-world success stories for translating process models into drillable decisions. This session bridges the critical gap between basin-scale simulations and the fine-scale detail required for exploration and development. We showcase integrated case studies where process-based modeling was successfully downscaled to inform static property models, predict geomechanical behavior, and solve specific subsurface problems. The focus is on practical workflows, lessons learned, and the tangible value delivered from basin-scale concepts to prospect- and well-scale decisions.

Topics of Interest:

• Downscaling in Action: Case studies demonstrating methodologies for translating coarse FSM outputs into high-resolution, prospect- and field-scale static models with depositional controls.
• Property Prediction & Conditioning: Examples of populating reservoir grids with FSM-derived facies, RTM-derived properties, porosity, permeability, and rock types, calibrated to well and seismic data.
• Applied Geomechanics from Depositional Fabric: Field examples where depositional history and stratigraphic architecture were used to predict mechanical stratigraphy, fracture corridors, borehole stability, and frac-barriers.
• Pore Pressure Prediction in Practice: Real-world examples of coupling sedimentation rates with burial history to predict overpressure ramps and narrow drilling margins.
• Diagenesis and Key Properties: studies that highlight the effect of diagenetic overprint in controlling the spatial distribution of key properties (e.g., porosity, permeability, strength…etc.)
• Characterization at Scale: Integrated case studies highlighting the end-to-end workflow from basin-scale process modeling to field-scale reservoir simulation and geomechanical assessment.
• Reactive Transport Modeling: Upscaling pore-scale chemical processes to basin-scale porosity and permeability evolution.

Session 5: Future Resources: Storage, Geothermal, and Critical Minerals

Theme: Physics-driven de-risking for the Energy Transition and Critical Minerals. This session broadens the scope to the extraction of new energy resources and subsurface storage. We seek papers demonstrating how coupled process models can de-risk extraction (minerals, heat) and containment (carbon, hydrogen).

Topics of Interest:

• Critical Minerals & Brines: Modeling the stratigraphic controls on brine concentration (e.g., Lithium) and the physics of in-situ recovery/solution mining.
• Geothermal Systems: Modeling fracture network evolution, heat flow, and hydrothermal alteration in fractured basements and sedimentary aquifers.
• Subsurface Storage (CCS/H2): 4D modeling of seal integrity, plume migration, and fault stability during injection cycles.