Development History and Future Trends in Reservoir Architecture Research

Abstract

Architecture research is both a popular and challenging topic in current reservoir research. This study discusses the formation history of this discipline, its practical importance through time, and summarizes the research history and trends in reservoir architecture. Methodology in reservoir architecture research has changed from conventional field outcrop descriptions and sedimentation analyses to new techniques, such as 3D seismology, ground penetrating radar, flume experiments, and numerical simulations. Notable improvements in methods include stratigraphic constraints, model fitting, multi-dimensional interactions, and seismic sedimentology. Research subjects have also changed from traditional meandering river sedimentation to delta, deep-water, and carbonate rock reservoirs. Reservoir architecture research has become progressively more sophisticated and quantitative. Finally, this study also introduces and discusses some hot topics in current reservoir architecture research, such as subsurface architecture analyses, seismic responses of architecture and associated mechanisms, composite sand body architecture, and well-to-well distances in well placement.