3D restoration of complex geological structures by using paleomagnetic vectors.

MªJosé Ramón and Emilio L. Pueyo and Andrés Pocoví and José Luis Briz and José C. Ciria and Luis H. Ros. ( 2011 )
in: Proc. 31st Gocad Meeting, Nancy

Abstract

Paleomagnetism can be of great help in 3D understanding of complex geometries since is the only feasible structural marker that can be undoubtedly known in both the deformed and the non-deformed stages. Therefore the combination of the paleomagnetic vector and the bedding plane is a reliable 3D reference to be used in 3D restoration techniques, particularly significant in complex geometries. Here we present the first 3D restoration algorithm that implements paleomagnetic vectors. It is an unfolding algorithm valid for structures formed under flexural conditions with local deformation but which can be considered globally developable. Theoretical examples and analogue models are developed to test the method. Photogrammetry and Xray CT scanner are used to digitalize the models (later on processed in gOcad). The deformed and undeformed stages are perfectly known: 1) the initial and final volume, areas and lengths are controlled in detail. 2) The distribution of deformation tensor can be known in 3D and its resolution can be adapted as a direct function of density of the orthogonal reference system. 3) The expected orientation of any linear element can be known as well. Comparison between the restoration based on paleomagnetic vectors and results derived from other methods helps validating the proposed algorithm and the use of paleomagnetism as a real 3D reference in 3D restoration.

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BibTeX Reference

@inproceedings{RamonGM2011,
 abstract = { Paleomagnetism can be of great help in 3D understanding of complex geometries since is the only feasible structural marker that can be undoubtedly known in both the deformed and the non-deformed stages. Therefore the combination of the paleomagnetic vector and the bedding plane is a reliable 3D reference to be used in 3D restoration techniques, particularly significant in complex geometries. Here we present the first 3D restoration algorithm that implements paleomagnetic vectors. It is an unfolding algorithm valid for structures formed under flexural conditions with local deformation but which can be considered globally developable.
Theoretical examples and analogue models are developed to test the method. Photogrammetry and Xray CT scanner are used to digitalize the models (later on processed in gOcad). The deformed and undeformed stages are perfectly known: 1) the initial and final volume, areas and lengths are controlled in detail. 2) The distribution of deformation tensor can be known in 3D and its resolution can be adapted as a direct function of density of the orthogonal reference system. 3) The expected orientation of any linear element can be known as well. Comparison between the restoration based on paleomagnetic vectors and results derived from other methods helps validating the proposed algorithm and the use of paleomagnetism as a real 3D reference in 3D restoration. },
 author = { Ramón, MªJosé AND Pueyo, Emilio L. AND Pocoví, Andrés AND Briz, José Luis AND Ciria, José C. AND Ros, Luis H. },
 booktitle = { Proc. 31st Gocad Meeting, Nancy },
 title = { 3D restoration of complex geological structures by using paleomagnetic vectors. },
 year = { 2011 }
}