Stochastic Facies Modeling of the Lower‐Burdekin Delta Aquifer Based on Lithological Interpretation From Legacy Boreholes

Abstract The spatial heterogeneity of aquifer properties plays an important role in the movement of groundwater and contaminants. The characterization of heterogeneity from field observations is often needed to develop groundwater models used to inform management decisions. This research presents a new stochastic facies‐modeling algorithm to represent the heterogeneous deltaic sediments deposits of the Lower Burdekin Delta (LBD) (Australia). The method involves an open‐source, fit‐for‐purpose data and knowledge‐driven approach to improve the heterogeneous representation and spatial modeling of the aquifer. Lithological summary statistics are extracted from legacy boreholes to calibrate the algorithm parameters. The resulting calibrated algorithm generates models that reproduce global facies proportions and global cumulative distribution functions of facies thicknesses. The stochastic simulation of sediment distributions is expected to provide novel inputs to groundwater models of the LBD, which are needed to assess the movement of various solutes, including seawater intrusion, within this important aquifer system.