An approach to computer 3D modeling of horizon with complex faults

Abstract

The 3D modeling of horizon based on complex faults has always been a difficult issue. Adequately considering the barrier effect of faults, the deficiency of data on some horizon subset zones and previous research results, this paper proposes a new modeling method based on fault plane. This method firstly generates fault plane by fault line, then fits horizon based on fault plane data, that is to say, uses fault plane data as reference data to assist to compute when there are deficient data on some subset blocks of horizon. The effect of practical application using this method shows that this method well handles the model of horizon with complicated distribution of faults, which may include normal fault, reverse fault, cross fault or their mixture, and perfectly represents the distribution of horizon. © 2013 Springer-Verlag.