Challenges in 3D modelling of complex geologic objects.

Eric de Kemp and Mark Jessell. ( 2013 )
in: Proc. 33rd Gocad Meeting, Nancy

Abstract

The task of 3D modelling of geologic features in more complicated terrains with heterogeneous multi-scale mixtures of dense and sparse data sampling is a challenge. Yet it is precisely this situation in which we find ourselves when we attempt to do mineral exploration beyond the mine head frame. Characterization of the level of difficulty and the critical challenges in modelling for many of these situations is necessary to move forward to regional 3D and 4D mapping of the lithosphere. Most geology in metallogenic domains is poly-phasic in character resulting from the combined effects of metamorphic, deformational and intrusive processes. The complex patterns that emerge from these processes are difficult to discern and to reconstruct in 3D when undersampling is the norm with current technology. Examples are presented to demonstrate the need for developing approaches to estimate behaviors in non-stationary domains constrained by data from structural elements, known geological relationships and system knowledge. Complex systems theory may help us tackle these scenarios using spatial agents which have proved useful in other complex domains such as urban design and molecular biology.

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BibTeX Reference

@inproceedings{DeKempGM2013,
 abstract = { The task of 3D modelling of geologic features in more complicated terrains with heterogeneous multi-scale mixtures of dense and sparse data sampling is a challenge. Yet it is precisely this situation in which we find ourselves when we attempt to do mineral exploration beyond the mine head frame. Characterization of the level of difficulty and the critical challenges in modelling for many of these situations is necessary to move forward to regional 3D and 4D mapping of the lithosphere. Most geology in metallogenic domains is poly-phasic in character resulting from the combined effects of metamorphic, deformational and intrusive processes. The complex patterns that emerge from these processes are difficult to discern and to reconstruct in 3D when undersampling is the norm with current technology.
Examples are presented to demonstrate the need for developing approaches to estimate behaviors in non-stationary domains constrained by data from structural elements, known geological relationships and system knowledge. Complex systems theory may help us tackle these scenarios using spatial agents which have proved useful in other complex domains such as urban design and molecular biology. },
 author = { de Kemp, Eric AND Jessell, Mark },
 booktitle = { Proc. 33rd Gocad Meeting, Nancy },
 title = { Challenges in 3D modelling of complex geologic objects. },
 year = { 2013 }
}