Constrained by Geology: Reducing Sub-Seismic Uncertainty with Depositional Analogues and Synthetic Data

Presented by: Boyan Vakarelov (Founder SEDBASE)

Abstract: Many critical subsurface decisions depend on predicting fluid flow through stratigraphic architectures that occur below typical seismic resolution, or in areas with sparse well control. This sub-seismic uncertainty can be meaningfully reduced through following a geology-first approach, where depositional variability is constrained by process understanding and calibrated against natural analogues. Such an approach should embrace multiple geologically valid solutions and focus on the architectural scale most relevant to the decision at hand.

This presentation draws on insights from an extensive depositional analogue database compiled over the past two decades, highlighting how process regime and system type control the architecture of shallow marine and fluvial successions. We will then demonstrate how forward stratigraphic and object-based modelling workflows can generate geologically realistic scenarios in data-limited settings. These models not only improve uncertainty quantification and ultimately flow prediction but also provide physics-informed synthetic datasets for training AI neural network models.

Details for the event:

5:30 to 6:00pm – pre-talk drinks and canapes

6:00 to 7:00pm – evening talk and Q&A

7:00 to 7:30pm – post-talk drinks in the bar

PESA SA/NT will provide a selection of canapes. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are available and can be purchased from the bar.

Ticket prices: Students Free, Members $30, Non-Members $40, Fluvial Stratigraphy Workshop attendees free

Please note that ticket sales will close on Wednesday 22 July 2026 5:00pm