Contains practical techniques for constructing and validating 3-D structural interpretations in 2-D and 3-D environments. Designed for professionals, this book focuses on interpreting data collected from outcrop measurements, wells, and 2-D profiles. It includes a CD which supplements the text in several ways.
A Practical Guide to Quantitative Surface and Subsurface Map Interpretation
Geological structures are inherently three-dimensional but are often represented through two-dimensional outcrop and structure contour maps. To enhance this representation, 2½-D maps and serial sections offer a more accurate approach. Advances in computer technology now enable the development of geological interpretations directly in a fully three-dimensional environment, leading to improved interpretations that are easier to share with both geologists and the public. This resource outlines techniques for constructing structural interpretations in 2-D, 2½-D, and 3-D environments, as well as methods for interpolating and extrapolating beyond control points and validating final interpretations. The core philosophy emphasizes that structures are three-dimensional solid bodies and that data from various formats should be integrated into a cohesive 3-D interpretation. The book is designed for users working on computers and includes quantitative methods suited for spreadsheets, mapping software, and 3-D computer graphics. It also aims to provide foundational knowledge for understanding interpretive software, such as computer contouring programs. Techniques are presented in both traditional formats suitable for manual calculations and in quantitative formats for digital applications.