Implications of spatial and temporal evolutions of thermal parameters in basin modelling

This paper presents the Paris Basin numerical modelling at a high sequential resolution scale (1-5 my). Simulations were carried out from the computation of thermal gradients and conductivities varying with the burial of genetic units. Geologic heating rates are also calculated throughout the burial of the stratigraphic sequences. Thermal energies are then deduced. The Paris Basin is well known for its hydrocarbon potential in Liassic sediments. This study is focused on an east-west cross-section through the basin. The results show spatial and temporal variations of thermal parameters from the western to the eastern part of the profile. The reactivation of Hercynian fracture systems during the Mesozoic may be responsible for the computed variations in thermal conductivities and thermal gradients. Major geodynamic events also played a role in the simulated thermal history. Variations of the thermal energy are observed and are well correlated with the burial history of the basin. We suggest linking the simulated thermal energies to the thermal cracking of the organic matter. Our results are consistent with the prediction of hydrocarbon potential in the Cretaceous period. Consequently, this approach provides new insights to improve petroleum generation modelling issues. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.