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Advances and Trends in Reservoir Architecture Characterization of Continental Clastic Rocks: From Outcrop to Intelligent Modeling

Qinxu Zhu
Frontiers in Science and Engineering, (2026), Vol.6, No.1, pp.115-126
Published: January 24, 2026
DOI: 10.54691/xv413j80
PDF: Download Full Text PDF
Abstract

As most continental oilfields in China enter the high water-cut stage, the distribution of remaining oil becomes highly dispersed and fragmented. Traditional reservoir characterization based on "layer-sand group" levels is no longer sufficient to meet the precision requirements for potential tapping.To address the challenges of sub-seismic resolution and inter-well uncertainty, this paper systematically reviews the theories, methods, and development trends of sandbody architecture characterization. First, the hierarchical architecture theories are synthesized, clarifying the correspondence between Miall’s outcrop elements and subsurface flow units. Second, key characterization technologies are critically evaluated, highlighting the "Well-Seismic-Modeling" integration strategy. Specifically, the applications of seismic sedimentology in lateral boundary detection and the role of multiple-point statistics (MPS) in reproducing complex geological patterns are discussed. Furthermore, the emerging paradigm shift driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI), such as deep learning-based boundary recognition and GAN-based stochastic modeling, is elaborated. The review indicates that 3rd to 5th-order architectural interfaces (e.g., lateral accretion surfaces) act as dominant flow barriers controlling remaining oil distribution.Future research should focus on the construction of quantitative digital outcrop knowledge bases, the development of "Geology-Engineering" integrated dynamic models, and the deep fusion of AI with physical geological laws to achieve intelligent and precise reservoir descriptions.

Keywords: Reservoir Architecture, Continental Clastic Rocks, Remaining Oil, Seismic Sedimentology, Deep Learning, Geological Modeling.
APA Citation: Qinxu Zhu (2026). Advances and Trends in Reservoir Architecture Characterization of Continental Clastic Rocks: From Outcrop to Intelligent Modeling. Frontiers in Science and Engineering, 6(1), 115-126. https://doi.org/10.54691/xv413j80

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