Conditional stochastic simulation of the geological configuration at El-Arish Coastal Area, Egypt

Abstract EN

This paper presents a newly developed methodology for characterization of the geological formation applied at El-Arish coastal area in Egypt.

The methodology is based on two-dimensional Markov chain theory which is described by transition probabilities between various rock types in two perpendicular directions.

A description of the theory is presented and its application is shown.

Comparison between model simulations of the geological patterns and the geological structures predicted by geological expertise is also displayed.

The results show good agreement between the simulated subsurface structures and the geological structures described by expert geologists.

Conditioning was performed using 13 boreholes to support the presented methodology.

Geological knowledge (in terms of geological principles, expertise) needs to be incorporated in the Markov chain methodology to improve model predictions with optimum number of boreholes.