3-D Structural Geology: A Practical Guide to Surface and Subsurface Map Interpretation

This book contains practical techniques for constructing and validating 3-D structural interpretations in 2-D and 3-D environments. Designed for professionals, the focus is on interpreting data collected from outcrop measurements, wells, and 2-D profiles. Methods are presented for use with spreadsheets, mapping software, and three-dimensional computer-graphics programs, as well as for paper, pencil, and pocket calculator. Topics covered include location and bed thickness in deviated wells, constructing structure contour maps, mapping folds and faults in 3-D, fault magnitude and slip distribution, constructing faulted surfaces, predictive cross sections, quality control techniques, cross section restoration, and predicting the geometry of fault-related folds.The second edition has been reorganized to follow the typical interpretation workflow more closely. A significant amount of new material has been added, in particular numerous examples of 3-D models and techniques for using kinematic models to predict fault and ramp-anticline geometry. The new edition includes a CD which supplements the text in several ways. Text figures are reproduced in color and complete Tecplot models are provided for a number of representative figures. For those interested in working exercises in mapping software, xyz input files are provided in text format for many of the map-based exercises. Answers to selected exercises are included.