Practical and Efficient Three Dimensional Structural Restoration using “Geological Knowledge-Oriented” Earth Models

@inproceedings{RUNKJRM65,
 abstract = { We present a workflow that uses an adaptation of the UVT transformation implemented in SKUA®
to complete a three-dimensional structural restoration. The complete stratigraphy is restored using a
transformation constrained only by the datum horizon. By scaling the “T” coordinate (which is vertical in
the restored space and by definition has no metric relationship to “Z”) to depth in a manner that preserves
volume or layer thickness, we obtain a geometric restoration approximately consistent with principles of
global strain minimization. This balanced restoration provides a geometrically plausible representation of
the geologic structure(s) at the time when the datum horizon was deposited, in contrast to the global
volume flattening performed by conventional application of SKUA®, in which all horizons are
simultaneously unfaulted and unfolded. Restorations are independent of mechanical rock properties, and
may be informed by growth strata to the extent they are represented in the earth model. Once an
appropriate SKUA® model has been constructed, time required for restoration is minimal. We
demonstrate the validity of our solution by restoring a laboratory sandbox model with substantial
structural complexity, and discuss how the tool can be used with a natural example. },
 author = { Medwedeff, D. A. AND Jayr, Stanislas AND Lovely, Peter J. },
 booktitle = { 2016 RING Meeting },
 publisher = { ASGA },
 title = { Practical and Efficient Three Dimensional Structural Restoration using “Geological Knowledge-Oriented” Earth Models },
 year = { 2016 }
}