CSFM: A Novel Framework for Stratigraphic Forward Modeling of Clastic Systems

Stratigraphic forward modeling (SFM) is a numerical approach used to reconstruct sedimentary basin evolution by simulating the infilling and tectonic evolution process of strata. The challenge is that existing approaches inevitably require trade-offs among modeling fidelity and computational cost. We present a novel clastic stratigraphic forward modeling (CSFM) approach to reducing computational cost while retaining key flow and transport behaviors relevant to stratigraphic architecture. In CSFM, Lagrangian water particles affect momentum and sediment, while a fixed Eulerian grid stores topographic elevation and lithologic fractions. A simplified form of the Navier–Stokes equations is proposed to compute the trajectories of fluid particles, which can greatly reduce the computational cost. Sediment dynamics are represented by coupled suspended load and bedload modules. To validate CSFM, we constructed a synthetic alluvial fan model and performed stratigraphic forward modeling on it. Five lake-level cycles were imposed and results showed that cyclic sand–clay couplets and isolated channel sand bodies were formed during repeated progradation and backstepping. These results are consistent with established sedimentological knowledge, confirming the geological plausibility of CSFM.