Oct 2026· Italian Journal of Geosciences· 0 citations
Abstract
3D geological models provide digital representations of subsurface architecture and are increasingly applied in both academic research and industry. Their construction can follow implicit or explicit approaches, depending on data availability and final modelling applications. While 3D models based on subsurface data are traditionally employed in several fields of study, models derived from outcrop data are increasingly being developed. In this study, newly acquired geological mapping data from the Pasubio Massif (Southern Alps, northern Italy), covering an area of ~36 km² within the geographic extent of the CARG sheet 081 “Rovereto”, were used to develop and test an iterative explicit workflow for 3D geological modelling using Move software. The workflow is based on the construction of a structured grid of geological cross-sections, followed by the interpolation of stratigraphic horizons and fault surfaces through Ordinary Kriging. Field observations indicate that the lithostratigraphic units cropping out in the study area form a gently NW-dipping monoclinal structure, exhibit overall constant thicknesses and are affected by the Schio-Vicenza fault system. Model validation first involved a qualitative comparison between mapped geological boundaries and faults with those obtained from the intersection of the modelled surfaces with the topography (DEM), followed by thickness maps evaluation as an internal consistency check. Where inconsistencies emerged, cross-sections were refined and the model was iteratively updated until geological geometries and thickness trends became consistent with field-mapped evidence. A final quantitative assessment was then performed by analysing thickness deviations from mean unit thicknesses and by measuring the spatial overlap between mapped and model-interpolated geological boundaries and fault traces. Comparison between the preliminary and validated models, supported by thickness deviation statistics, indicates that most residual discrepancies are constrained within ±10–20% of expected thickness values. The results highlight the critical role of iterative validation in ensuring geologically robust 3D models, emphasising common sources of uncertainty in explicit geomodelling workflows. This study provides a methodological framework for producing reliable 3D geological models in data-poor regions, complementing the recently published ISPRA guidelines for the organisation and standardisation of model datasets and supporting future applications in academic research and regional or national geological surveys.
This study reconstructs and compares two major mid-20th-century geological maps of the tectonically complex Zabadani
area (at a 1:50,000 scale) to assess their spatial and lithologic consistency. Modern GIS workflows allow for scanning,
georeferencing, digitizing, and harmonizing using a unique historical sheet legend by Louis Dubertret and Vladimir
Ponikarov. The results of the overlay analysis show that spatial differences accounting for about 20% of the study area
are located along the fuzzy boundaries between the Lower Cretaceous and Upper Jurassic sequences. While Dubertret’s
regional chronostratigraphic continuity, Ponikarov’s structural approach captures much more lithomechanical detail
and fault density. To address these inconsistencies, we applied zonal statistics on NASA’s EMIT Level 2B mineral-fraction
products (60 m resolution). Both maps show the regional carbonate platform. EMIT images show a diverse mineral
landscape at the subpixel scale, including halloysite, Clinochlore, hectorite, muscovite, and dickite. This hyperspectral
fingerprinting confirms Ponikarov’s more detailed stratigraphic subdivisions in a direct way. This integrated workflow
ultimately demonstrates that combining legacy cartography with advanced imaging spectroscopy effectively isolates
real ground-level mineralogical variations from cartographic artifacts, providing an empirical roadmap for future field
verification.
Jean Albert Doumit· Journal of Oil and Gas Resea...· 0 citations
Accurate identification of stratigraphic interfaces and embedded cavities is critical for geological modeling, engineering design, and infrastructure maintenance. However, integrating geophysical and geological data remains challenging due to discrepancies in spatial resolution, signal-to-noise ratio, and geological representation. This study presents a stratigraphic U-Net model that combines geophysical and geological information to improve subsurface interpretation. An initial U-Net model is trained using a preliminary P-wave velocity model derived from conventional seismic inversion. The predicted interfaces, however, show noticeable discrepancies with borehole observations because of manual velocity picking and limited borehole data. To address these limitations, the stratigraphic U-Net model is retrained using the initial predictions together with both drilled and synthetic boreholes. This iterative strategy significantly improves the identification of stratigraphic interfaces, particularly at greater depths. The stratigraphic U-Net model is further integrated with an opening detection model to identify embedded cavities within geological layers. Model evaluation shows that geological diversity captured by borehole data contributes more to prediction accuracy than simply increasing the borehole number. A field case study demonstrates that the proposed framework accurately identifies stratigraphic interfaces and subsurface cavities, providing a robust workflow for reducing geological uncertainty and improving the spatial coverage and reliability of subsurface characterization.
Wenzhao Meng, J. Chong, Wei Wu· Urban Lifeline· 0 citations
Earthen archeological sites may be damaged by rain-induced erosion processes. Huaca Fortaleza (HF; 600–750 AD) is an originally four-level truncated pyramid in the semi-arid Lambayeque region of northern Peru, an area affected by seasonal intense rain due to El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). We use data from a UAV-based photogrammetric survey and generate a Digital Surface Model from which we extract selected geomorphometric parameters and apply a hillslope diffusion model. The obtained data show that HF steep flanks exhibit a marked erosion expressed by a drainage network of parallel rills and gullies with architectural structures controlling pathways for concentrated flow. The southwestern flank is affected by gravity instability. Localized pits at the top of HF cause infiltration of rainwater. The erosion by ENSO rainfall is responsible for extensive architectural loss, with the HF lower platforms now entirely obliterated. We calculate vertical erosion rates of 0.28–0.38 m/century, a range of values comparable with that estimated for river incision. Erosion due to diffusion processes is estimated in the order of ~0.015 m/century. Our approach represents a transferable methodology applicable to other earthen archeological sites affected by erosion worldwide.
Luigi Magnini, Maria Ilaria Panaccione Apa, Robert F. Gutiérrez Cachay et al.· Applied Sciences· 0 citations
Tunnel design in tropical regions requires careful attention to subsurface variability due to intense weathering and complex lithology. The ongoing design of the Jatinegara Diversion Tunnel, with a diameter of 6 meters and a length of 439 meters, relies solely on the 2024 borehole data without considering the recent 2017 data, revealing a contrast subsurface geological characteristic. This study investigates lateral lithological variations along the tunnel alignment by integrating surface geological mapping with multi-year borehole data from 2017 and 2024. The methodology includes geological mapping of a 2.0 × 2.0 km area, corebox analysis, surface-subsurface stratigraphic correlation, and rock mass quality evaluation using the Rock Mass Rating (RMR) system. Results show the tunnel traverses five zones with distinct rock mass characteristics. Zone 1, Zone 3, and Zone 5 consist of andesitic breccia with RMR values ranging from 20.21 – 39.57, indicating poor quality of rock mass. Zone 2 comprises interbedded carbonate sandstone and siltstone overlain by andesitic breccia, with RMR values ranging from 42.82 – 52.40 (fair). Zone 4 consists of interbedded carbonate sandstone and siltstone overlain by massive sandstone with siltstone intercalation with an RMR of 52.43 (fair). Given these rock mass conditions, the recommended excavation method is a top heading and bench approach with 1.0–1.5 meters advance in the top heading with support system consist of rock bolt, shotcrete, and steel set. These findings highlight the importance of integrating multi-year geotechnical data to support an adaptive and safe tunnel design in complex geological environments.
Eka Dhamayanti, H. Setiawan, S. Husein· IOP Conference Series: Earth...· 0 citations
Geomorphological studies conducted by the Geological Survey of Brazil (SGB-CPRM) have evolved since the 1970s, with significant methodological advances over the past two decades in institutional projects. In this context, multiscale mapping of landform patterns has become established as a fundamental approach to terrain characterization and support for territorial planning. Based on the integrated interpretation of remote sensing data, including satellite imagery, drone-derived products, and field validation, the proposed methodology enables landforms to be identified and spatially organized according to their morphology, morphometry, genesis, dynamics, and geological controls at different scales. This article presents the methodological evolution and institutional applications of this approach within the SGB-CPRM, based on a literature review and the experience accumulated through geomorphological mapping projects conducted in different regions of Brazil. The methodology evolved from exploratory surveys at a scale of 1:1,000,000 to progressively more detailed analyses at scales of 1:100,000, 1:25,000, and 1:10,000, enhancing the capacity to represent geomorphological features and processes and their application in studies of geodiversity, susceptibility to natural processes, geotechnics, and municipal geomorphological mapping. As a result of this trajectory, the Multiscale Landform Pattern Library was developed, serving simultaneously as a methodological framework for institutional mapping and as a technical and scientific reference for researchers and professionals in the field. The results demonstrate that this approach produces standardized and consistent geospatial information, constituting an effective tool for territorial planning, environmental management, and disaster risk reduction.
Maria Adelaide Maia, M. Dantas, A. F. Lacerda et al.· Journal of the Geological Su...· 0 citations
The research area was located in the Gua Musang district, and the method employed was Electrical Resistivity Imaging (ERI). Geophysics is the study of physical processes that take place on a variety of scales, from microscopic to planetary and interplanetary. To support the data for interpretations of the underlying structure, geophysical methods were developed. In addition to being very affordable, geophysical technologies may instantly deliver data with excellent precision. Two-dimensional resistivity imaging techniques were employed in this study to look at the geological structures. This approach is reliable for giving precise information on the subsurface, including bedrock depth, overburden material characteristics, and features close to the surface, such as bedding, faults, folds, fractures, and contact zones. Using 2-D resistivity imaging, data is promptly and accurately provided, making it simpler to analyse. Three survey lines were employed to assess the subsurface structural geology of the Felda Chiku 5 area. The first and second survey lines employed a gradient electrode configuration, but the third line used a pole-dipole array with electrode spacing of 5 meters for a 200-meter line spread each. The ABEM Terrameter LS was used to measure resistivity. Following data collection, the activity proceeds to data processing and inversion using the RES2DINV application by projecting resistivity measurements onto a 2D profile and evaluating the resulting data. The pseudosection model displayed variable resistivity values at a depth of inquiry of around 36 meters to 57 meters and a range of 1Ωm to >2500Ωm. According to the model, the research area's structural investigation revealed fault lines in the subsurface region. Subsurface movement was indicated by the fault line. In order to provide the amount of knowledge on underlying geological structures for geoengineering study for site inquiry, this study recommends that additional geophysical investigation (seismic survey) be conducted.
Mahendra Abiyoga Hidayat, M. S. Sulaiman· Journal of Tropical Resource...· 0 citations
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