The aim of the structural approach is not just to describe, but to predict the unseen parts of the system and to be able to use the structural development to predict changes through geological time. Structure modelling is the core skill at the heart of all Midland Valley activities. Our approach is based on expertise built up over 20 years as leaders in this technology.

The challenge we have faced has been to develop tools and workflows that work routinely with industry data and which are accessible to the generalist as well as the specialist. In this we have been guided not only by our own experience through commercial project work around the world, but also from the close relationships we have built with our clients' expert and business unit teams and academics around the globe. The tool sets we provide are the result of this marriage of practical need and the best technical and scientific approach.

The basic input for all of our analysis is the well, seismic interpretation and geometric data that is routinely available to industry geoscientists. The techniques we have developed for structure modelling allow the deformation and development of the structure to be analysed and visualised from sediment deposition to final present day configuration.

Palinspastically restored geometries

Our restoration tools are commonly used to predict palaeo- basin architecture and palaeo- seafloor relief. During such a restoration the effects of compaction, isostasy, folding and faulting are removed to arrive at a robust prediction of past basin geometry. These palaeo-geometries are used as input into sediment modelling and hydrocarbon migration analysis.

Facilitates the real time geo-steering of wells in complex structures

For the specialist the techniques are compatible with and complimentary to analogue and physical property approaches, but have the key commercial advantage of being fast to use and modify in the light of changing data inflow. This facilitates the real time geo-steering of wells in complex structures, as well as on longer term projects.

Strain and detailed structural analysis allow geologists to identify missing interpretational components and include them in the model. Alternative algorithms can be applied to build up an understanding of the uncertainty and alternatives and thereby identify the key elements of the model which are sensitive to the commercial outcome.