Drainage network analysis and hinterland modelling

Sediment Supply and Distribution - the Key to Reservoir Distribution Projects are developed with the gaol of analysisng modern drainage systems to extract data relevant to the development of drainage systems through time, as a foundation for backwards modelling sediment supply histories. The techniques are primarily focussed on passive margin situations and are particularly relevant to Tertiary plays in data-poor deep water and other frontier areas.

DEM manipulation, Atchafalaya distributary, Mississippi

The quantitative analysis of modern drainage systems and hinterland areas can allow a detailed characterisation and comparison of drainage basins, from which information is extracted of direct relevance to the timing, location and character of sediment input to depositional basins. The work flow makes use of data sources and geomorphological techniques which are not traditionally associated with the petroleum industry and which consequently makes this work innovative and cost-effective. Drainage networks can be extracted from a variety of sources, including map bases and digital elevation models (DEMs), for subsequent analysis and interpretation. Data relevant to modern sediment transport pathways and characteristics provide a framework for backward modelling of the sediment supply regime.