Research on Methods of Thermal History Reconstruction

Abstract

This paper centers on methods for thermal history reconstruction. By outlining the development of the basin simulation system, it points out that a complete basin simulation framework includes the sedimentation history, thermal history, organic maturation history, and basin fluid model. Different dimensions of models are required at various exploration stages, and such models have wide applications in the field of petroleum geology. The core focuses are two categories of methods for thermal history reconstruction: First category: lithospheric-scale forward thermal–geodynamic modeling(geodynamics approach). Based on heat transfer principles and basin evolution characteristics, mathematical models are used to simulate lithospheric structure and thermal effects to recover the thermal history. This approach is suitable for the exploration-early stage of basins, but it suffers from high parameter uncertainty and relatively low accuracy. Second category: basin-scale paleotemperature (geotherm) inversion modeling. By inverting the thermal history with various paleotemperature indicators, this category details the principles, applicability, and advantages and disadvantages of multiple specific methods. The abstract also proposes a new basin thermal modeling pathway that combines the two methodologies. It identifies the current mainstream approaches and the development trends of basin thermal modeling and emphasizes the need for integrated methods and consideration of multiple factors to accurately reconstruct the thermal evolution history of basins, thereby supporting descriptions of oil and gas accumulation and resource assessment.