SIMSAFADIM-CLASTIC: A new approach to mathematical 3D forward simulation modelling for terrigeneous and carbonate marine sedimentation

Authors

  • O. GRATACÓS Centre Mixt d’Investigació GEOMODELS – Group of Geodynamics and Basin Analysis, Facultat de Geologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB) C/Martí i Franqués s/n, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
  • K. BITZER Universität Bayreuth, Germany. Geowissenschaften. Abteilung Geologie. Centre Mixt d’Investigació GEOMODELS – Group of Geodynamics and Basin Analysis, Facultat de Geologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB) C/Martí i Franqués s/n, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
  • L. CABRERA Dept. Estratigrafia i Paleontologia, Facultat de Geologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB)C/Martí i Franqués s/n, 08028 Barcelona, Spain. Centre Mixt d’Investigació GEOMODELS – Group of Geodynamics and Basin Analysis, Facultat de Geologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB) C/Martí i Franqués s/n, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
  • E. ROCA Dept. Geodinàmica i Geofísica, Facultat de Geologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB)C/Martí i Franqués s/n, 08028 Barcelona, Spain. Centre Mixt d’Investigació GEOMODELS – Group of Geodynamics and Basin Analysis, Facultat de Geologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB) C/Martí i Franqués s/n, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1344/105.000001390

Keywords:

Forward modelling, Process-based, Diffusion, Advection, Sediment transport, Mixed terrigenous-carbonate sedimentation

Abstract

Most sedimentary modelling programs developed in recent years focus on either terrigenous or carbonate marine sedimentation. Nevertheless, only a few programs have attempted to consider mixed terrigenous-carbonate sedimentation, and most of these are two-dimensional, which is a major restriction since geological processes take place in 3D. This paper presents the basic concepts of a new 3D mathematical forward simulation model for clastic sediments, which was developed from SIMSAFADIM, a previous 3D carbonate sedimentation model. The new extended model, SIMSAFADIM-CLASTIC, simulates processes of autochthonous marine carbonate production and accumulation, together with clastic transport and sedimentation in three dimensions of both carbonate and terrigenous sediments. Other models and modelling strategies may also provide realistic and efficient tools for prediction of stratigraphic architecture and facies distribution of sedimentary deposits. However, SIMSAFADIM-CLASTIC becomes an innovative model that attempts to simulate different sediment types using a process-based approach, therefore being a useful tool for 3D prediction of stratigraphic architecture and facies distribution in sedimentary basins. This model is applied to the neogene Vallès-Penedès half-graben (western Mediterranean, NE Spain) to show the capacity of the program when applied to a realistic geologic situation involving interactions between terrigenous clastics and carbonate sediments.

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Published

2009-01-11

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