Space/time mathematical framework for sedimentary geology

@inproceedings{Mallet02GM,
 abstract = { Looking for the roots of a polynomial Pn(x) of degree n is a classical problem in mathematics. If a
trivial root x? is known, then it is wise to divide Pn(x) by (x − x?) to obtain a simpler polynomial of
degree (n − 1) whose roots are identical to the remaining roots of Pn(x).
Looking for an interpolation of physical properties in the sub-surface is also a recurrent problem
in geology. In sedimentary geology, the geometry of the layers is known with a precision which is,
generally, several orders of magnitude better than the precision than one can reasonably expect for the
properties. As a consequence, similarly to mathematics, it may be wise to model first the geometry of
the layers and then, “simplify the geologic equation” by removing the influence of the geometry of these
layers. This is actually what it is proposed in this article: a new space is introduced where all the horizons
are horizontal planes and where faults, if any, have disappeared. It is conjectured that this new space is
the best place to model physical properties of the subsurface whatever the method used for that purpose. },
 author = { Mallet, Jean-Laurent },
 booktitle = { Proc. $22^{nd}$ Gocad Meeting, Nancy },
 title = { Space/time mathematical framework for sedimentary geology },
 year = { 2002 }
}