Global Sensitivity Analysis through Polynomial Chaos Expansion of a basin-scale geochemical compaction model

Keywords

Code:
13/2012
Title:
Global Sensitivity Analysis through Polynomial Chaos Expansion of a basin-scale geochemical compaction model
Date:
Tuesday 14th February 2012
Author(s):
Formaggia, L.; Guadagnini, A.; Imperiali, I.; Lever, V.; Porta, G.; Riva, M.; Scotti, A.; Tamellini, L.
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Abstract:
We present a model-driven uncertainty quantification methodology based on the use of sparse grids sampling techniques in the context of a generalized Polynomial Chaos Expansion (GPCE) approximation of a basin-scale geochemical evolution scenario. The approach is illustrated through a one-dimensional example involving the process of quartz cementation in sandstones and the resulting effects on the dynamics of the vertical distribution of porosity, pressure and temperature. The proposed theoretical framework and computational tools allow performing an efficient and accurate Global Sensitivity Analysis (GSA) of the system states (i.e., porosity, temperature, pressure and fluxes) in the presence of uncertain key mechanical and geochemical model parameters as well as boundary conditions. GSA is grounded on the use of the variance-based Sobol indices. These allow discriminating the relative weights of uncertain quantities on the global model variance and can be computed through the GPCE of the model response surface. Evaluation of the GPCE of the random model response is performed through the implementation of a sparse grid interpolation technique in the space of the selected uncertain quantities. As opposed to a standard Monte Carlo sampling, the use of sparse grids polynomial interpolants renders computationally affordable and reliable evaluations of the required indices. GPCE can then be employed as a surrogate model of the system states to quantify uncertainty propagation through the model in terms of the probability distribution (and its statistical moments) of target system states.
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Computational Geosciences