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 Research 10641 Dee Hamner Rd. Northport, AL 35475 USA E-mail:
[email protected]
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, yet are 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-D geological 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. The underlying 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 for use 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