Automated geological map deconstruction for 3D model construction using map2loop 1.0 and map2model 1.0

Mark Jessell, Vitaliy Ogarko, Yohan De Rose, Mark Lindsay, Ranee Joshi, Agnieszka Piechocka, Lachlan Grose, Miguel De La Varga, Laurent Ailleres, Guillaume Pirot

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

24 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

At a regional scale, the best predictor for the 3D geology of the near-subsurface is often the information contained in a geological map. One challenge we face is the difficulty in reproducibly preparing input data for 3D geological models. We present two libraries (map2loop and map2model) that automatically combine the information available in digital geological maps with conceptual information, including assumptions regarding the subsurface extent of faults and plutons to provide sufficient constraints to build a prototype 3D geological model. The information stored in a map falls into three categories of geometric data: positional data, such as the position of faults, intrusive, and stratigraphic contacts; gradient data, such as the dips of contacts or faults; and topological data, such as the age relationships of faults and stratigraphic units or their spatial adjacency relationships. This automation provides significant advantages: it reduces the time to first prototype models; it clearly separates the data, concepts, and interpretations; and provides a homogenous pathway to sensitivity analysis, uncertainty quantification, and value of information studies that require stochastic simulations, and thus the automation of the 3D modelling workflow from data extraction through to model construction. We use the example of the folded and faulted Hamersley Basin in Western Australia to demonstrate a complete workflow from data extraction to 3D modelling using two different open-source 3D modelling engines: GemPy and LoopStructural.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)5063-5092
Number of pages30
JournalGeoscientific Model Development
Volume14
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 16 Aug 2021

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Automated geological map deconstruction for 3D model construction using map2loop 1.0 and map2model 1.0'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this