A combined stochastic and process-based approach has been developed for modelling fluvial meandering channels at the hydrocarbon-reservoir scale. The model is based on the spatial evolution of the channel in time, and deposition of the associated sediment bodies. The different elements have been implemented taking into account physical results and case study reports. The three-dimensional evolution of the channel stems from equations developed in hydraulic studies and proven to generate realistic twodimensional shapes. Modifications have been made to account for the vertical evolution of the longitudinal profile. A stochastic algorithm linked with physical parameters allows the simulation of chute cut-off, levee breaching and avulsions. Where appropriate, the model allows for the generation of the different elements of fluvial deposits: point bars, crevasse splays, overbank alluvium, sand and mud plugs as well as organicrich deposits in low areas.
To be operational, a limited number of key parameters are user-specified. These allow for the building and testing of different architectures, e.g. allowing the sinuosity and connectivity of sand bodies to vary with avulsion frequency, or reproducing external forcing (aggradation or incision). The resulting model is simple but robust and computationally fast. It depends on a limited number of key parameters, but it is also able to represent various architectures, and can be used to produce one or multiple realizations of a reservoir. It produces detailed three-dimensional blocks that makes it easy to test hypotheses on architecture, and to extract training images or virtual wells as input data for other simulation techniques.