Three-dimensional geological modelling and direction of hydrothermal alteration of Horne deposit, Blake River Group, Quebec, Canada

The Horne deposit with rich Cu and Au in Noranda region of Black River Group in Quebec has high economic significance.Current researches on Horne deposit are mostly based on two-dimensional maps and statistical data.It is hard to reflect the spatial structure and characteristics of Horne orebody directly.In this paper,GIS was used to digitize the mining plan-view maps at different depths,stope maps,the boundary of the massive sulfide in drilling trajectories as well as the grade data of Au and Cu of Horne deposit.Meanwhile,the authors established the grade attribute database.Subsequently the three-dimensional(3D)geological model and grade attribute model of Horne orebody were established by Geological Object Computer Aided Design(GOCAD).Positions of two vents and directions of hydrothermal alteration in Horne deposit were inferred based on the property of the major fault,characteristics of hydrothermal alteration,the enrichment morphology and spatial distribution of high-grade Cu in the Cu attribute model.

The Importance of Integrating Geological Mapping Information with Validated Assay Data for Generating Accurate Geological Wireframes in Orebody Modelling of Mineral Deposit in Mineral Resource Estimation: A Case Study in AngloGold Ashanti, Obuasi Mine

The basis of accurate mineral resource estimates is to have a geological model which replicates the nature and style of the orebody. Key inputs into the generation of a good geological model are the sample data and mapping information. The Obuasi Mine sample data with a lot of legacy issues were subjected to a robust validation process and integrated with mapping information to generate an accurate geological orebody model for mineral resource estimation in Block 8 Lower. Validation of the sample data focused on replacing missing collar coordinates, missing assays, and correcting magnetic declination that was used to convert the downhole surveys from true to magnetic, fix missing lithology and finally assign confidence numbers to all the sample data. The missing coordinates which were replaced ensured that the sample data plotted at their correct location in space as intended from the planning stage. Magnetic declination data, which was maintained constant throughout all the years even though it changes every year, was also corrected in the validation project. The corrected magnetic declination ensured that the drillholes were plotted on their accurate trajectory as per the planned azimuth and also reflected the true position of the intercepted mineralized fissure(s) which was previously not the case and marked a major blot in the modelling of the Obuasi orebody. The incorporation of mapped data with the validated sample data in the wireframes resulted in a better interpretation of the orebody. The updated mineral resource generated by domaining quartz from the sulphides and compared with the old resource showed that the sulphide tonnes in the old resource estimates were overestimated by 1% and the grade overestimated by 8.5%.

3D geological modeling for mineral resource assessment of the Tongshan Cu deposit,Heilongjiang Province,China

Three-dimensional geological modeling （3DGM） assists geologists to quantitatively study in three-dimensional （3D） space structures that define temporal and spatial relationships between geological objects. The 3D property model can also be used to infer or deduce causes of geological objects. 3DGM technology provides technical support for extraction of diverse geoscience information, 3D modeling, and quantitative calculation of mineral resources. Based on metallogenic concepts and an ore deposit model, 3DGM technology is applied to analyze geological characteristics of the Tongshan Cu deposit in order to define a metallogenic model and develop a virtual borehole technology; a BP neural network and a 3D interpolation technique were combined to integrate multiple geoscience information in a 3D environment. The results indicate： （1） on basis of the concept of magmatic-hydrothermal Cu polymetallic mineraliza- tion and a porphyry Cu deposit model, a spatial relational database of multiple geoscience information for mineralization in the study area （geology, geophysics, geochemistry, borehole, and cross-section data） was established, and 3D metallogenic geological objects including mineralization stratum, granodiorite, alteration rock, and magnetic anomaly were constructed; （2） on basis of the 3D ore deposit model, 23,800 effective surveys from 94 boreholes and 21 sections were applied to establish 3D orebody models with a kriging interpolation method; （3） combined 23,800 surveys involving 21 sections, using VC＋＋ and OpenGL platform, virtual borehole and virtual section with BP network, and an improved inverse distance interpolation （IDW） method were used to predict and delineate mineralization potential targets （Cu-grade of cell not less than 0.1%）; （4） comparison of 3D ore bodies, metallogenic geological objects of mineralization, and potential targets of mineralization models in the study area, delineated the 3D spatial and temporal relationship and causal processes among the ore bodies, alteration rock, metallo- genic stratum, intrusive rock, and the Tongshan Fault. This study provides important technical support and a scientific basis for assessment of the Tongshan Cu deposit and surrounding exploration and mineral resources.

3-D Geological Modeling-Concept,Methods and Key Techniques

3-D geological modeling plays an increasingly important role in Petroleum Geology, Mining Geology and Engineering Geology. The complexity of geological conditions requires different modeling methods in different situations. This paper summarizes the general concept of geological modeling; compares the characteristics of borehole-based modeling, cross-section based modeling and multi- source interactive modeling; analyses key techniques in 3-D geological modeling; and highlights the main difficulties and directions of future studies.

Three-Dimensional Modelling of a Multi-Layer Sandstone Reservoir： the Sebei Gas Field, China

Multi-layer sandstone reservoirs occur globally and are currently in international production. The 3D characteristics of these reservoirs are too complicated to be accurately delineated by general structural-facies-reservoir modelling. In view of the special geological features, such as the vertical architecture of sandstone and mudstone interbeds, the lateral stable sedimentation and the strong heterogeneity of reservoir poroperm and fluid distribution, we developed a new three-stage and six-phase procedure for 3D characterization of multi-layer sandstone reservoirs. The procedure comprises two-phase structural modelling, two-phase facies modelling and modelling of two types of reservoir properties. Using this procedure, we established models of the formation structure, sand body structure and microfacies, reservoir facies and properties including porosity, permeability and gas saturation and provided a 3D fine-scale, systematic characterization of the Sebei multi-layer sandstone gas field, China. This new procedure, validated by the Sebei gas field, can be applied to characterize similar multi-layer sandstone reservoirs.

A 3D Geological Model Constrained by Gravity and Magnetic Inversion and its Exploration Implications for the World-class Zhuxi Tungsten Deposit, South China

The Zhuxi tungsten deposit in Jiangxi Province,South China,contains a total W reserve of about 2.86 Mt at an average grade of 0.54 wt%WO3,representing the largest W deposit in the world.Numerous studies on the metallogeny of the deposit have included its timing,the ore-controlling structures and sedimentary host rocks and their implications for mineral exploration.However,the deep nappe structural style of Taqian-Fuchun metallogenic belt that hosts the W deposit,and the spatial shape and scale of deeply concealed intrusions and their sedimentary host rocks are still poorly defined,which seriously restricts the discovery of new deposits at depth and in surrounding areas of the W deposit.Modern 3 D geological modeling is an important tool for the exploration of concealed orebodies,especially in brownfield environments.There are obvious density contrast and weak magnetic contrast in the ore-controlling strata and granite at the periphery of the deposit,which lays a physical foundation for solving the 3 D spatial problems of the ore-controlling geological body in the deep part of the study area through gravity and magnetic modeling.Gravity data(1:50000)and aeromagnetic data(1:50000)from the latest geophysical surveys of 2016-2018 have been used,firstly,to carry out a potential field separation to obtain residual anomalies for gravity and magnetic interactive inversion.Then,on the basis of the analysis of the relationship between physical properties and lithology,under the constraints of surface geology and borehole data,human-computer interactive gravity and magnetic inversion for 18 cross-sections were completed.Finally,the 3 D geological model of the Zhuxi tungsten deposit and its periphery have been established through these 18 sections,and the spatial shape of the intrusions and strata with a depth of 5 km underground were obtained,initially realizing―transparency‖for ore-controlling bodies.According the analysis of the geophysical,geochemical,and geological characteristics of the Zhuxi tungsten deposit,we discern three principles for prospecting and prediction in the research area,and propose five new exploration targets in its periphery.

Framework system and research flow of uncertainty in 3D geological structure models

Uncertainty in 3D geological structure models has become a bottleneck that restricts the development and application of 3D geological modeling.In order to solve this problem during periods of accuracy assessment,error detection and dynamic correction in 3D geological structure models,we have reviewed the current situation and development trends in 3D geological modeling.The main context of uncertainty in 3D geological structure models is discussed.Major research issues and a general framework system of uncertainty in 3D geological structure models are proposed.We have described in detail the integration of development practices of 3D geological modeling systems,as well as the implementation process for uncertainty evaluation in 3D geological structure models.This study has laid the basis to build theoretical and methodological systems for accuracy assessment and error correction in 3D geological models and can assist in improving 3D modeling techniques under complex geological conditions.

An Approach to Computer Modeling of Geological Faults in 3D and an Application

3D geological modeling, one of the most important applications in geosciences of 3D GIS, forms the basis and is a prerequisite for visualized representation and analysis of 3D geological data. Computer modeling of geological faults in 3D is currently a topical research area. Structural modeling techniques of complex geological entities contain- ing reverse faults are discussed and a series of approaches are proposed. The geological concepts involved in computer modeling and visualization of geological fault in 3D are explained, the type of data of geological faults based on geo- logical exploration is analyzed, and a normative database format for geological faults is designed. Two kinds of model- ing approaches for faults are compared: a modeling technique of faults based on stratum recovery and a modeling tech- nique of faults based on interpolation in subareas. A novel approach, called the Unified Modeling Technique for stratum and fault, is presented to solve the puzzling problems of reverse faults, syn-sedimentary faults and faults terminated within geological models. A case study of a fault model of bed rock in the Beijing Olympic Green District is presented in order to show the practical result of this method. The principle and the process of computer modeling of geological faults in 3D are discussed and a series of applied technical proposals established. It strengthens our profound compre- hension of geological phenomena and the modeling approach, and establishes the basic techniques of 3D geological modeling for practical applications in the field of geosciences.

Alternative 3D Modeling Approaches Based on Complex Multi-Source Geological Data Interpretation

Due to the complex nature of multi-source geological data, it is difficult to rebuild every geological structure through a single 3D modeling method. The multi-source data interpretation method put forward in this analysis is based on a database-driven pattern and focuses on the discrete and irregular features of geological data. The geological data from a variety of sources covering a range of accuracy, resolution, quantity and quality are classified and integrated according to their reliability and consistency for 3D modeling. The new interpolation-approximation fitting construction algorithm of geological surfaces with the non-uniform rational B-spline(NURBS) technique is then presented. The NURBS technique can retain the balance among the requirements for accuracy, surface continuity and data storage of geological structures. Finally, four alternative 3D modeling approaches are demonstrated with reference to some examples, which are selected according to the data quantity and accuracy specification. The proposed approaches offer flexible modeling patterns for different practical engineering demands.

Construction of carbonate reservoir knowledge base and its application in fracture-cavity reservoir geological modeling

To improve the efficiency and accuracy of carbonate reservoir research,a unified reservoir knowledge base linking geological knowledge management with reservoir research is proposed.The reservoir knowledge base serves high-quality analysis,evaluation,description and geological modeling of reservoirs.The knowledge framework is divided into three categories:technical service standard,technical research method and professional knowledge and cases related to geological objects.In order to build a knowledge base,first of all,it is necessary to form a knowledge classification system and knowledge description standards;secondly,to sort out theoretical understandings and various technical methods for different geologic objects and work out a technical service standard package according to the technical standard;thirdly,to collect typical outcrop and reservoir cases,constantly expand the content of the knowledge base through systematic extraction,sorting and saving,and construct professional knowledge about geological objects.Through the use of encyclopedia based collaborative editing architecture,knowledge construction and sharing can be realized.Geological objects and related attribute parameters can be automatically extracted by using natural language processing(NLP)technology,and outcrop data can be collected by using modern fine measurement technology,to enhance the efficiency of knowledge acquisition,extraction and sorting.In this paper,the geological modeling of fracture-cavity reservoir in the Tarim Basin is taken as an example to illustrate the construction of knowledge base of carbonate reservoir and its application in geological modeling of fracture-cavity carbonate reservoir.

Coping with uncertainties through an automated workflow for 3D reservoir modelling of carbonate reservoirs

Reliable 3D modelling of underground hydrocarbon reservoirs is a challenging task due to the complexity of the underground geological formations and to the availability of different types of data that are typically affected by uncertainties. In the case of geologically complex depositional environments, such as fractured hydrocarbon reservoirs, the uncertainties involved in the modelling process demand accurate analysis and quantification in order to provide a reliable confidence range of volumetric estimations. In the present work, we used a 3D model of a fractured carbonate reservoir and populated it with different lithological and petrophysical properties. The available dataset also included a discrete fracture network(DFN) property that was used to model the fracture distribution. Uncertainties affecting lithological facies, their geometry and absolute positions(related to the fault system), fracture distribution and petrophysical properties were accounted for. We included all different types of uncertainties in an automated approach using tools available in today’s modelling software packages and combining all the uncertain input parameters in a series of statistically representative geological realizations. In particular, we defined a specific workflow for the definition of the absolute permeability according to an equivalent, single porosity approach, taking into account the contribution of both the matrix and the fracture system. The results of the analyses were transferred into a 3D numerical fluid-dynamic simulator to evaluate the propagation of the uncertainties associated to the input data down to the final results, and to assess the dynamic response of the reservoir following a selected development plan. The "integrated approach" presented in this paper can be useful for all technicians involved in the construction and validation of 3D numerical models of hydrocarbon-bearing reservoirs and can potentially become part of the educational training for young geoscientists and engineers, since an integrated and well-constructed workflow is the backbone of any reservoir study.

Geological Model of Member 3 of Shahejie Formation Reservoir in Liuzan Oilfield, Eastern Hebei Province

A new geological model of Member 3 of Shahejie Formation reservoir in the Liuzan Oilfield, eastern Hebei Province was constructed by using modem reservoir modeling technology as sequence stratigraphy and conditional simulation combined with traditional geological analysis. The model consists of a stratigraphic framework model, a structural model, a sedimentary model and a reservoir model. The study shows that the reservoir is a relatively integrated nose structure, whose strata can be divided into 4 sets of parasequence, 12 parasequences. The submerged branched channel of fan delta front is the favorable microfacies, which controls the geometric shape and physical properties of reservoir sandstone. Oil is distributed in premium reservoir sandstones at structural high positions. According to the new geological model, not only the geological contradictions appearing during oil field development are resolved, but also the oil-bearing area is enlarged by 2.7km^2 and geological reserves increased by 156.9 million tons. The production capacity of the Liuzan Oilfield is increased by 0.27 million tons per year.

Detailed reservoir inversion addressing geological problems in reservoir development

In the Ken 71 development block, fluvial facies of the Neogene Guantao Formation and delta facies of the Paleogene Dongying Formation are the main pay beds. It is a multiple oil and water system which is complicated by faults. Characteristics of the block include a dense well network, thin reservoirs, complicated horizontal relationships, and small velocity difference between reservoir and non-reservoir. Therefore, it is difficult to conduct detailed reservoir description for subsequent development project adjustment. We demonstrate a stochastic seismic inversion which aims at detailed reservoir description. It is a technology which utilizes multiple wells, seismic data, and geological calibration and integrates with 3D structural interpretation results to build a 3D multi-fault detailed and constrained geological model. On this basis, we adopted stochastic seismic inversion to conduct a multi-stratum parameters inversion such as impedance and lithology. As a result, thin interbedded strata in the block were well resolved and the results demonstrated the importance of detailed reservoir inversion for oilfield development.

Geological characteristics and models of fault-foldfracture body in deep tight sandstone of the second member of Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation in Xinchang structural belt of Sichuan Basin,SW China

In the second member of the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation(T_(3)x_(2))in the Xinchang area,western Sichuan Basin,only a low percent of reserves has been recovered,and the geological model of gas reservoir sweet spot remains unclear.Based on a large number of core,field outcrop,test and logging-seismic data,the T_(3)x_(2) gas reservoir in the Xinchang area is examined.The concept of fault-fold-fracture body(FFFB)is proposed,and its types are recognized.The main factors controlling fracture development are identified,and the geological models of FFFB are established.FFFB refers to faults,folds and associated fractures reservoirs.According to the characteristics and genesis,FFFBs can be divided into three types:fault-fracture body,fold-fracture body,and fault-fold body.In the hanging wall of the fault,the closer to the fault,the more developed the effective fractures;the greater the fold amplitude and the closer to the fold hinge plane,the more developed the effective fractures.Two types of geological models of FFFB are established:fault-fold fracture,and matrix storage and permeability.The former can be divided into two subtypes:network fracture,and single structural fracture,and the later can be divided into three subtypes:bedding fracture,low permeability pore,and extremely low permeability pore.The process for evaluating favorable FFFB zones was formed to define favorable development targets and support the well deployment for purpose of high production.The study results provide a reference for the exploration and development of deep tight sandstone oil and gas reservoirs in China.

A method of reconstructing 3D model from 2D geological cross-section based on self-adaptive spatial sampling:A case study of Cretaceous McMurray reservoirs in a block of Canada

An orthogonal 2D training image is constructed from the geological analysis results of well logs and sedimentary facies;the 2 D probabilities in three directions are obtained through linear pooling method and then aggregated by the logarithmic linear pooling to determine the 3 D multi-point pattern probabilities at the unknown points,to realize the reconstruction of a 3 D model from 2D cross-section.To solve the problems of reducing pattern variability in the 2 D training image and increasing sampling uncertainty,an adaptive spatial sampling method is introduced,and an iterative simulation strategy is adopted,in which sample points from the region with higher reliability of the previous simulation results are extracted to be additional condition points in the following simulation to improve the pattern probability sampling stability.The comparison of lateral accretion layer conceptual models shows that the reconstructing algorithm using self-adaptive spatial sampling can improve the accuracy of pattern sampling and rationality of spatial structure characteristics,and accurately reflect the morphology and distribution pattern of the lateral accretion layer.Application of the method in reconstructing the meandering river reservoir of the Cretaceous McMurray Formation in Canada shows that the new method can accurately reproduce the shape,spatial distribution pattern and development features of complex lateral accretion layers in the meandering river reservoir under tide effect.The test by sparse wells shows that the simulation accuracy is above 85%,and the coincidence rate of interpretation and prediction results of newly drilled horizontal wells is up to 80%.

Research on dynamic updating of three dimensional geological modeling based on the OO-Solid model

The dynamic updating of the model included: the change of space border,addi- tion and reduction of spatial component (disappearing,dividing and merging),the change of the topological relationship and synchronous dynamic updating of database.Firstly, arming at the deficiency of OO-Solid model in the aspect of dynamic updating,modeling primitives of OO-Solid model were modified.And then the algorithms of dynamic updating of 3D geological model with the node data,line data or surface data change were dis- cussed.The core algorithms was done by establishing space index,following the way of facing the object from bottom to top,namely the dynamic updating from the node to arc, and then to polygon,then to the face of the component and finally to the geological object. The research has important theoretical and practical values in the field of three dimen- sional geological modeling and is significant in the field of mineral resources.

Automatic Generation Method of Geological Cross-Sections in Dredging Engineering Based on 3D Solid NURBS Models

An automatic generation method of geological cross-sections in dredging engineering based on 3D geological solid models is presented.The 3D geological models are built applying the non-uniform rational B-splines(NURBS) technique,and a 2D profile can be calculated and generated automatically through Boolean operation to meet the demands of dredging projects.Moreover,an automatic marking method for geological attributes is put forward based on database technology,and the geological attributes include the profile name,scale,horizontal and vertical relative coordinates,geological lithology,and 2D standard lithology legend.At the same time,the automatic marking method can also provide an interactive mode for geological engineers to edit and modify the profile in the modeling system.Practical engineering applications show that the automatic generation method is a simple,flexible,fast and precise visual graphics rendering process that can create 2D standard profiles automatically and efficiently.This method also provides a convenient support tool for geological engineering digital analysis.

Characteristics of dissolved inorganic carbon in produced water from coalbed methane wells and its geological significance

Based on long-term dynamic tracing of dissolved inorganic carbon(DIC)and stable carbon isotope(δ13CDIC)in produced water from 20 coalbed methane(CBM)wells in western Guizhou,the spatial-temporal dynamic variations ofδ13CDIC of the GP well group produced in multi-layer commingled manner were analyzed,and the relationship between the value ofδ13CDIC and CBM productivity was examined.The produced water samples of typical wells in the GP well group were amplified and sequenced using 16S rDNA,and a geological response model ofδ13CDIC in produced water from CBM wells with multi-coal seams was put forward.The research shows that:δ13CDIC in produced water from medium-rank coal seams commonly show positive anomalies,the produced water contains more than 15 species of methanogens,and Methanobacterium is the dominant genus.The dominant methanogens sequence numbers in the produced water are positively correlated withδ13CDIC,and the positive anomaly of v is caused by reduction of methanogens,and especially hydrogenotrophic methanogens.Vertical segmentation of sedimentary facies and lithology in stratum with multi-coal seams will result in permeability and water cut segmentation,which will lead to the segmentation ofδ13CDIC and archaea community in produced water,so in the strata with better permeability and high water cut,theδ13CDIC of the produced water is abnormally enriched,and the dominant archaea is mainly Methanobacterium.In the strata with weak permeability and low water cut,theδ13CDIC of the produced water is small,and the microbial action is weak.The shallow layer close to the coal seam outcrop is likely to be affected by meteoric precipitation,so theδ13CDIC of the produced water is smaller.The geological response model ofδ13CDIC in produced water from multi-coal seams CBM wells in the medium-rank coal reveals the geological mechanism and microbial action mechanism of theδ13CDIC difference in the produced water from the multi-coal seams CBM wells.It also provides effective geochemical evidence for the superimposed fluid system controlled by sedimentary facies,and can also be used for the contribution analysis of the produced gas and water by the multi-layer CBM wells.

Reservoir geological modeling and significance of Cambrian Xiaoerblak Formation in Keping outcrop area, Tarim Basin, NW China

Take the Cambrian Xiaoerblak Formation in the Keping(Kalpin) outcrop area as an example, a 28 km reservoir scale geological model was built based on description of 7 profiles, observation of more than 1000 thin sections, petrophysical analysis of 556 samples and many geochemical tests. The Xiaoerblak Formation, 158–178 m thick, is divided into three members and 5 submembers, and is composed of laminated microbialite dolomite(LMD), thrombolite dolomite(TD), foamy-stromatolite dolomite(FSD), oncolite dolomite(OD), grain dolomite(GD)/crystalline dolomite with grain ghost and micritic dolomite(MD)/argillaceous dolomite. The petrology features show that its sediment sequence is micro-organism layer – microbial mound/shoal – tidal flat in carbonate ramp background from bottom up. The reservoir has 5 types of pores, namely, framework pore, dissolved vug, intergranular and intragranular dissolved pore and intercrystalline dissolved pore, as main reservoir space. It is found that the development of pore has high lithofacies selectivity, FSD has the highest average porosity, TD, OD and GD come second. The reservoir is pore-vug reservoir with medium-high porosity and medium-low permeability. The dolomite of Xiaoerblak Formation was formed in para-syngenetic to early diagenetic stage through dolomitization caused by seawater. The reservoir development is jointly controlled by sedimentary facies, micro-organism type, high frequency sequence interface and early dolomitization. The classⅠand Ⅱ reservoirs, with an average thickness of 41.2 m and average reservoir-stratum ratio of about 25.6%, have significant potential. It is predicted that the microbial mounds and shoals in the middle ramp around the ancient uplift are the favorable zones for reservoir development.

Integrating artificial neural networks and geostatistics for optimum 3D geological block modeling in mineral reserve estimation:A case study

In this research, a method called ANNMG is presented to integrate Artificial Neural Networks and Geostatistics for optimum mineral reserve evaluation. The word ANNMG simply means Artificial Neural Network Model integrated with Geostatiscs, In this procedure, the Artificial Neural Network was trained, tested and validated using assay values obtained from exploratory drillholes. Next, the validated model was used to generalize mineral grades at known and unknown sampled locations inside the drilling region respectively. Finally, the reproduced and generalized assay values were combined and fed to geostatistics in order to develop a geological 3D block model. The regression analysis revealed that the predicted sample grades were in close proximity to the actual sample grades, The generalized grades from the ANNMG show that this process could be used to complement exploration activities thereby reducing drilling requirement. It could also be an effective mineral reserve evaluation method that could oroduce optimum block model for mine design.