CATSÂ -Â A process-based model for turbulent turbidite systems at the reservoir scale

The Cellular Automata for Turbidite systems (CATS) model is intended to simulate the fine architecture and facies distribution of turbidite reservoirs with a multi-event and process-based approach. The main processes of low-density turbulent turbidity flow are modeled: downslope sediment-laden flow, entrainment of ambient water, erosion and deposition of several distinct lithologies. This numerical model, derived from (Salles, 2006; Salles et al., 2007), proposes a new approach based on the Rouse concentration profile to consider the flow capacity to carry the sediment load in suspension. In CATS, the flow distribution on a given topography is modeled with local rules between neighboring cells (cellular automata) based on potential and kinetic energy balance and diffusion concepts. Input parameters are the initial flow parameters and a 3D topography at depositional time. An overview of CATS capabilities in different contexts is presented and discussed.