A 3-D finite element numerical model of the Piceance Basin

A finite element numerical model of the Piceance Basin is being developed to better understand the petroleum systems and geothermal potential of this complex basin. Located in northwest Colorado, the Piceance Basin has a complex tectonic and depositional history which includes multiple depositional styles and phases of tectonic uplift, subsidence, and erosion, making it an excellent natural laboratory to study the impact of basin evolution on petroleum systems and geothermal potential. Modeled units were defined structurally by mapping key horizons from outcrop into the subsurface to create a robust structural framework. This framework is populated with lithologies from new paleogeographic maps for each depositional unit created from core, outcrop, well cuttings, and well log data. The geologic history of the basin was modeled and calibrated to new vitrinite reflectance data and thousands of corrected bottom hole temperature measurements. The result is a geologically robust three-dimensional model of the Piceance Basin that quantifies maturity of potential source rocks and geothermal potential within the basin. This study offers insights into the evolution of the Piceance Basin and emphasizes the value of large-scale subsurface data integration for resource evaluation.