Method of seeking hydrocarbons in a geologically complex basin, by means of basin modeling

A method of mapping a sedimentary basin comprising sedimentary layers and fractures, including an architecture and layer nature resultant from a deformation of subsoil over geological time, between a geological time t and a current time, with a grid representative of a current architecture of the basin being constructed, comprising the steps:

• constructing past architectures of the basin, from the current time to the geological time t, by deforming the grid to construct a succession of Lagrangian grids, using a three-dimensional structural restoration wherein the deformation of the basin is calculated by solving equations representing continuous media mechanics using a finite-element method;
• simulating geological and geochemical processes governing formation of a petroleum reservoir, the simulation being performed in the Lagrangian grids from the geological time t to the current one;
• and
• mapping the sedimentary basin from the simulation to identify zones of the basin where hydrocarbons may have accumulated.

A petroleum exploration method for predicting location of hydrocarbon reservoirs and an economic interest of the reservoirs within a sedimentary basin comprising:

• acquiring data relative to the sedimentary basin;
• mapping the sedimentary basin comprising sedimentary layers and fractures, including an architecture and layer nature resultant from a deformation of subsoil over geological time, between a geological time t and a current time, wherein a grid representative of a current architecture of the basin is constructed comprising constructing past architectures of the basin, from the current time to the geological time t, by deforming the grid to construct a succession of Lagrangian grids, using a three-dimensional structural restoration wherein the deformation of the basin is calculated by solving equations representing continuous media mechanics using a finite-element method, simulating geological and geochemical processes governing formation of a petroleum reservoir, the simulation being performed in the Lagrangian grids from the geological time t to the current one, and mapping the sedimentary basin from the simulation to identify zones of the basin where hydrocarbons may have accumulated;
• analyzing the mapping to identify zones of the basin where hydrocarbons may have accumulated;
• and
• carrying out drilling in the zones.