 slip
- Localized uplift
- Localized doming
- Normal faulting
- Reverse faulting
- Deformation of a brittle layer over a ductile substratum
Physical Analog Model Applications
Physical analog models:
- Allow seismic interpreters to see three-dimensional (3D), kinematically and geometrically realistic simulations of geologic structures. Physical analog models are particularly useful for exploring fault system kinematics where real world analogs are not accessible
- Provide quantitative data for input to seismic interpretation and numerical models, including finite element modeling and reservoir simulation
- Can be configured at a range of scales: crustal, basin, field, and outcrop, including structures below the detection limits of seismic methods
- Show geometric development of complex structures (data vital for modeling the petroleum system through maturation, migration, and reservoir charge stages)
- Can be used to test a variety of tectonic histories. By calibrating model results against natural structures, tectonic history can be incorporated into the interpretation of complex structures
- Aid in the interpretation of fractured reservoirs, including information on fracture density and fracture orientation
- Provide understanding of fault geometry in faulted reservoirs or faulted aquifers.
Still photographs are used to document the pre-, syn-, and post-kinematic stages of the experiments. While deformation is active, models are photographed from above at set intervals and with a variety of illumination angles. Photographs are also taken from various angles and magnifications throughout the experiment and are keyed to displacement magnitude. Vertical and horizontal slicing after model deformation allows analysis and photography of the internal structure of the model.
Digital Terrain Models
Right-lateral strike-slip system with right-stepping major fault. Sand deforming above thick ductile substratum.
Cross section of strike-slip fault system above
Pull-apart basin developed between right-stepping, right-lateral strike-slip faults
Elliptical dome developing in claycake during regional extension; clay deforming over active dome
Detail of breaching relay ramp between two en echelon normal faults in sandbox model; grid squares initially 1.5-cm square
Digital terrain model (DTM) created using dynamic structured light (DSL), plan view
DTM as above, oblique view
Photograph of model surface used to create the DTM above; extensional clay model
Mapping of 3D seismic reflection surveys, availability of 3D digital topographic data for Earth's surface (and Mars), and development of computer software for 3D visualization and geologic framework modeling have led to rapid growth in 3D analysis of geologic structures. Detailed measurement of the 3D geometry of physical analog models, however, has lagged behind.
To close this data analysis gap, we are using a new SwRI-developed technique to produce digital terrain models (DTMs) of the deformed model upper surface using patterned light. Digital images of the model upper surface are collected throughout the model deformation and processed near real time to construct 3D DTMs that represent the topography of the model upper surface. These 3D DTMs are used for:
- Extraction of fault cutoff lines
- Export to finite element models
- Extraction of topographic slope
- Extraction of slope aspect information
- Quantitative evaluation of topomorphic evolution
- Production of digital shaded relief models
- Quantitative comparison with real-world examples from digital topographic data, 3D seismic reflection surveys, and geologic framework modeling
physical analog • analog modeling • geologic structures • tectonic history • deformation • seismic interpretation • fault system kinematics • fractured reservoirs • faulted aquifers • digital terrain models • structural geology • tectonic • fault geometry