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Stratigraphic forward modeling allows the realization at basin scale of 3D deterministic carbonate facies models by simulating in time and space sedimentologic-stratigraphic processes from initial conditions (amongst others: Bosence and Waltham, 1990; Kendall et al., 1991; Bosscher and Schlager, 1992; Granjeon and Joseph, 1999; Warrlich et al., 2002; Burgess and Wright, 2003; Burgess et al. 2006; Schlager and Warrlich, 2008; Seard et al., 2013).

This computer stratigraphic simulation method (implemented with the IFPEN Dionisos software) requires input parameters characterizing the modeled basin and its evolution through time: initial 3D sea bottom topography (altimetry and bathymetry), initial sea level, 3D subsidence evolution, eustatic sea level history, carbonate production and erosion rates and water driven transport coefficients. An important aspect of this method is that the input parameters, and the subsequent models, are dependent upon local and global factors (climate, geodynamic, carbonate factories) obtained respectively from subsurface (seismic and wells) and outcrop data in the area of interest and from global knowledge. Modeled processes, such as carbonate production, can be calibrated by analogue, ancient or modern carbonate systems. Ideally, this stratigraphic forward modeling is part of an iterative workflow implying the comparison between real and synthetic seismic obtained from the stratigraphic model. In the context of subsurface carbonate prediction, this approach improves significantly the coherency between numerical models, subsurface data and geological concepts ( Figure 1).