Creation and delivery of Multi-scalar GOCAD™ Models for the UK 3D National Geological Model : examples and issues from Scotland

摘要

AbstractudThe depth dimension of conventional geological maps is very difficult for non-geologists to appreciate. As a result, decision makers rarely take full account of subsurface geoscience issues in planning and development; nor do they fully exploit potential subsurface assets. With the advances of 3D software and ever increasing hardware processing power, it is now possible to combine large quantities of disparate geoscience data types for a wide range of applications, to display these data effectively and in ways that non-geologists can easily understand, to inform their decisions.udUsing several 3D modeling packages, but primarily GOCAD® workflows, we have created 3D models designed to ‘nest’ within each other. Lower resolution regional and catchment models (1:50,000 to 1:250,000-scale equivalent) provide the context for higher resolution (1:10,000-scale equivalent), and site-specific, models, mainly of urban areas and infrastructure corridors. The geological framework models have been attributed with a wide range of parameters such as permeability, aquifer productivity and various engineering properties. They have also been exported to flow modelling packages to model time-series processes such as recharge and flow of groundwater, and will be used to model migration of contaminant plumes and carbon dioxide. Man-made objects, such as tunnels and mine workings have been embedded as 3D objects and placed into the 3D geological framework so their relationships to faults and other geological structures can be examined.udThese multi-scalar models form an important component of the BGS’s National Geolological Model. However, the greatest remaining challenge is both delivering such models in a format that a wide range of non-specialist users can understand, their use in risk management and conveying the varying certainty on any modeled surface.