A comprehensive approach to the 3D geological modelling of sedimentary basins: example of Latvia, the central part of the Baltic Basin

Abstract

This paper presents a semi-automatic approach adapted to the modelling of the geological structure of sedimentary basins. The modelling approach is based on developing the algorithm of the main geological processes so that the geometrical relationship is automatically defined between model elements. The algorithm is based on the assumption that sedimentary basins are formed as a result of the repeated sequence of sedimentation, faulting and erosion. This approach allows of successful modelling of the geological structure of the sedimentary basins with limited data coverage: stratigraphic intervals from well logs describing the thicknesses of sedimentary strata and a limited amount of structural data. Sedimentary layers are handled by modelling assuming non-eroded thickness distribution and using geometrical adjustment from the known fault displacements. As a result geometrical relationships of the model layers are deduced automatically in the presence of unconformities. An application of this methodology, a 3D geological model of Latvia, the central part of the Baltic Basin, is presented. The results show that this model is geologically reasonable for achieving the structural and stratigraphic concepts.