Abstract
A new method of simulation modeling was introduced to petroleum geology in late 1950s. Since then the method of the simulation modeling had given an incredible impact to the petroleum geologists.
Geology is based on inductive method in which a scientific fact can be found from the pile of descriptive records, whereas geophysics is based on deductive method where a physical or mathematical model is developed assuming a uniformitarialism in the past before we extract a scientific fact through the model calibration. The model used in inductive method is called “Backward Model, ” whereas one used in deductive method is called “Forward Model.” The concept of forward modeling was introduced into geology through the application of simulation models. Geochemical models could give a big advantage to exploration geologists by which one can provide a reasonable map showing a history on oil/gas generation and migration. However, as we apply models for real exploration problems, we recognize a limit of model applications.
It would be another advantage of forward modeling that we can experience many types of regional geology through using a model. This is called “educational effect” in which we can understand geological process rather than simulating a real world. If we define a first generation as people who have developed models by themselves, a second generation of basin modeler (users) can take in the “educational effect” most efficiently.
If geologists, who have had a thinking based on inductive method, would acquire an additional deductive thinking by this “educational effect”, then it would produce new insight on the petroleum exploration and would result in a discovery of new oil/gas fields. The situation today is just before it when the number of second generation of basin modelers is getting increased.
