Improved Understanding of Fluvial Architecture Using Three-Dimensional Geological Models: A Case Study of the Westphalian a Silkstone Rock, Pennine Basin, UK

  1. Michael D. Blum5,
  2. Susan B. Marriott6,
  3. Suzanne F. Leclair7
  1. Kevin J. Keogh†,
  2. John H. Rippon‡,
  3. David Hodgetts,
  4. John A. Howell§,
  5. Stephen S. Flint

Published Online: 17 MAR 2009

DOI: 10.1002/9781444304350.ch25

Book Title

Fluvial Sedimentology VII

Fluvial Sedimentology VII

Additional Information

How to Cite

Keogh, K. J., Rippon, J. H., Hodgetts, D., Howell, J. A. and Flint, S. S. (2009) Improved Understanding of Fluvial Architecture Using Three-Dimensional Geological Models: A Case Study of the Westphalian a Silkstone Rock, Pennine Basin, UK, in Fluvial Sedimentology VII (eds M. D. Blum, S. B. Marriott and S. F. Leclair), Blackwell Publishing Ltd., Oxford, UK. doi: 10.1002/9781444304350.ch25

Editor Information

  1. 5

    Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA

  2. 6

    School of Geography and Environmental Management, University of the West of England, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK

  3. 7

    Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Tulane University, Dimwiddie Hall, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA

Author Information

  1. STRAT Group, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GP, UK

  1. †

    Statoil ASA, TEK F&T UTV TOS, Forushagen, 4035 Stavanger, Norway

  2. ‡

    IMC Ltd, Common Road, Huthwaite, Nottinghamshire, NG17 2NS, UK

  3. §

    Geologisk Institutt, Universitetet i Bergen, 5007 Bergen, Norway

Publication History

  1. Published Online: 17 MAR 2009
  2. Published Print: 15 FEB 2005

Book Series:

  1. Special Publication Number 35 of the International Association of Sedimentologists

Book Series Editors:

  1. Ian Jarvis

Series Editor Information

  1. School of Earth Sciences and Geography, Centre for Earth and Environmental Science Research, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston-upon-Thames KT1 2EE, UK

ISBN Information

Print ISBN: 9781405126519

Online ISBN: 9781444304350

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Keywords:

  • improved understanding of fluvial architecture using three-dimensional geological models;
  • Westphalian - A Silkstone Rock, Pennine Basin, UK;
  • modelling methodology;
  • understanding fluvial architecture using three-dimensional geological models;
  • deterministic mapping of coal seams;
  • Westphalian A and B of Pennine Basin - intensely studied sedimentary successions in UK;
  • three-dimensional model clarifying stratal relationships

Summary

The Westphalian A and B of the Pennine Basin is one of the most intensely studied sedimentary successions in the UK owing to its economic importance in the coal and hydrocarbon industries. Previous studies of this interval have utilized the wealth of mining data available to accurately correlate sand bodies and deterministically map their regional extents in a two-dimensional framework. This paper expands on one particular study by taking the same data used by previous workers and digitally processing them into a format that is readable by an oil industry reservoir modelling programme (IRAP-RMS). A three-dimensional deterministic model has then been constructed to allow visualization and analysis of the resulting facies geometries in three dimensions, with the aim of gaining an improved understanding of the geometry and architecture of a major multistorey fluvial sandbody. Application of these techniques has allowed for enhanced visualization and interrogation of the Pennine Basin interval, previously not possible using traditional two-dimensional techniques. Understanding of the Silkstone Rock and its relationship to other facies has improved, because erosion at the base of the unit can be demonstrated to truncate coals and single-storey channel-fills that represent an earlier depositional phase. The visualization of this relationship is not possible from a single two-dimensional section, and the three-dimensional model therefore clarifies stratal relationships.

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