Petroleum Systems Model Scenarios for the Vulcan Sub-basin, Offshore Western Australia

Several scenarios of a 3D petroleum systems model for the Vulcan Sub-basin were simulated using PetroMod 3D V.10 software. The modelling study, sourced from the Australian Ocean Data Network, confirms the timing of hydrocarbon generation and present-day maturity from prior work while incorporating new PhaseKinetic models for source rocks. Results include predictions for source rock transformation, bulk generation rates, and fluid compositions, highlighting areas of higher maturity and untested potential accumulations.

Use Cases

• Predict hydrocarbon generation timing and present-day maturity based on source rock transformation ratios and bulk generation rates.
• Identify potential exploration targets by comparing predicted accumulation locations with proven field locations.
• Assess exploration risks related to source rock presence, trap definition, and cap rock properties as outlined in the model results.
• Compare fluid compositional predictions and physical properties across different modelled scenarios.

Strengths

• Model results are validated against a prior published study (Fuji et al., 2004), confirming key findings on generation timing and maturity.
• The study incorporates PhaseKinetic models for individual source rock formations, enabling compositional predictions of fluids.
• Results provide specific geographical insights, identifying the Central Swan Graben as more mature than the Cartier Trough.

Limitations

• Description metadata is limited; actual data quality requires manual inspection after download.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• The model resolution is noted as low, which may affect the precision of predicted accumulation sizes and column heights.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network

Collection Method

Simulated using PetroMod 3D V.10 software on scenarios of an original 3D petroleum systems model.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-06-23 01:01:11.665981; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Vulcan Sub-basin, Offshore Western Australia