Three-Dimensional Geologic Modelling

Published on 19 Mar 2021. Written by Reddy Shekar

Geological modeling process advanced into many stages like paper recording and charting. In the past, interpretation and analysis of geological data are done with the representation of 2-dimensional models. This procedure was more time consuming and tedious.

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The geologist needed to use their imagination to visualize things with more details. With the development of computer technology, geologists can make good use of Three-Dimensional geological modeling for better conceptualize the data.

About Geological Modelling

Three-dimensional geological modeling or geomodelling is the art of creating computerized models to represents the details of different portions of Earth’s crust based on geophysical and geological information collected from on and below the Earth surface. The success of the exploration and interpretation of geological data always depends upon the comprehensive understanding of geoscience. This knowledge can be gained easily and quickly with the help of 3D models.

In a three-dimensional model, complex geological bodies display many characteristics, such as composite structures. Multi-dimensional visualizations of this information can also be obtained with the help of accurate 3D geological models. The realistic representation of geological structures using 3D models provides a new research method for geologists, which may facilitate the analysis of geological phenomena, internal structures and any additional information related to geological bodies.

Softwares used:

1. Subsurface Viewer
2. GSI3D
3. Geomodeller
4. Avizo Earth

The procedure for creating 3D geological modelling,

1. Geological data collection:- To build the 3D geological model, different types of data such as digital elevation models(DEMs), geological data description, geological maps with diverse scales, etc.. has to be collected.
2. Data format adopted:- The collected geological data cannot be entered into the software, the files have to be prepared in desired formats (example:- *.gvs).
3. Creation of cross-section:- After the files loaded in the software, cross-section created to the join the different points in data.
4. Construction of fence diagrams:- Using the created cross-section, fence diagram should be constructed.
5. Final 3D model:- Based on the constructed fence diagrams, the 3D geological formation layer was created layer by layer.

Benefits:

1. Better interpretation and analysis of data.
2. Provide all the relevant exploration data in a 3D platform.
3. Improve resource definition by constraining and domain geology effectively.
4. Has the ability to work with multiple datasets, to evaluate previously identified targets.
5. Less tedious compared to 2D modelling methodology.
6. Improve the understanding of geological data.

Conclusion: Three-dimensional modelling facilitate the unified expression and description of basic geometric objects, topographical relationships and additional information of geological bodies.

Kit required to develop Three-Dimensional Geologic Modelling:

• No kit is required

Technologies you will learn by working on Three-Dimensional Geologic Modelling:

• 3d modeling
• Geoscience

Any Questions?