3 D Structural Geology Groshong 2006

Richard H. Groshong, Jr.
3-D Structural Geology
A Practical Guide to Quantitative Surface
and Subsurface Map Interpretation
Second Edition

Richard H. Groshong, Jr.

3-D Structural Geology
A Practical Guide to Quantitative Surface
and Subsurface Map Interpretation
Second Edition

With 453 Figures and a CD-ROM

Author
Richard H. Groshong, Jr.
University of Alabama
and
3-D Structure Research10641 Dee Hamner Rd.
Northport, AL 35475
USA
E-mail: rhgroshong@cs.com

Library of Congress Control Number: 2005937627
ISBN-10
ISBN-13

3-540-31054-1 Springer Berlin Heidelberg New York
978-3-540-31054-9 Springer Berlin Heidelberg New York

ISBN

3-540-65422-4 (first edition) Springer Berlin Heidelberg New York

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Preface

Geological structures are three dimensional, yetare typically represented by, and interpreted from, outcrop maps and structure contour maps, both of which are curved
two-dimensional surfaces. Maps plus serial sections, called 2½-D, provide a closer
approach to three dimensionality. Computer technology now makes it possible for
geological interpretations to be developed from the beginning in a fully three dimensional environment. Fully 3-Dgeological models allow significantly better interpretations and interpretations that are much easier to share with other geologists and with
the general public. This book provides an overview of techniques for constructing
structural interpretations in 2-D, 2½-D and 3-D environments; for interpolating between and extrapolating beyond the control points; and for validating the final interpretation. Theunderlying philosophy is that structures are three-dimensional solid
bodies and that data from throughout the structure, whether in 2-D or 3-D format,
should be integrated into an internally consistent 3-D interpretation.
It is assumed that most users of this book will do their work on a computer. Consequently, the book provides quantitative structural methods and techniques that are
designed foruse with spreadsheets, mapping software, and three-dimensional computer-graphics programs. The book is also intended to provide the background for
understanding what interpretive software, for example, a computer contouring program, does automatically. Most techniques are presented in both a traditional format
appropriate for paper, pencil, and a pocket calculator, and in quantitative format foruse with spreadsheets and computer-graphics or computer-aided-design programs.
The methods are designed for interpretations based on outcrop measurements and
subsurface information of the type derived primarily from well logs and two-dimensional seismic reflection profiles. These data sets all present a similar interpretive
problem, which is to define the complete geometry from isolated and...