Checking the consistency of 3D geological models

Abstract

Three-dimensional geological modelling algorithms can generate multiple models that fit various mathematical and geometrical constraints. The results, however, are often meaningless to geological experts if the models do not respect accepted geological principles. This is problematic as use of the models is expected for various downstream purposes, such as hazard risk assessment, flow characterization, reservoir estimation, geological storage, or mineral and energy exploration. Verification of the geological reasonableness of such models is therefore important. If implausible models can be identified and eliminated, it will save countless hours and computational and human resources. To begin assessing geological reasonableness, we develop a framework for checking model consistency with geological knowledge and test it with a proof-of-concept tool. The framework consists of a space of consistent and inconsistent geological situations that can hold between a pair of geological objects, and the tool assesses a model's geological relations against the space to identify (in)consistent situations. The tool is successfully applied to several case studies as a first promising step toward automated assessment of geological reasonableness.