A 3D geological model of a structurally complex Alpine region as a basis for interdisciplinary research
Certain applications, such as understanding the influence of bedrock geology on hydrology in complex mountainous settings, demand 3D geological models that are detailed, high-resolution, accurate, and spatially-extensive. However, developing models with these characteristics remains challenging. Her...
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| Published in: | Scientific data Vol. 5; no. 1; pp. 180238 - 20 |
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| Main Authors: | , , |
| Format: | Journal Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
London
Nature Publishing Group UK
30-10-2018
Nature Publishing Group |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | Get full text |
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| Summary: | Certain applications, such as understanding the influence of bedrock geology on hydrology in complex mountainous settings, demand 3D geological models that are detailed, high-resolution, accurate, and spatially-extensive. However, developing models with these characteristics remains challenging. Here, we present a dataset corresponding to a renowned tectonic entity in the Swiss Alps - the Nappe de Morcles - that does achieve these criteria. Locations of lithological interfaces and formation orientations were first extracted from existing sources. Then, using state-of-the-art algorithms, the interfaces were interpolated. Finally, an iterative process of evaluation and re-interpolation was undertaken. The geology was satisfactorily reproduced; modelled interfaces correspond well with the input data, and the estimated volumes seem plausible. Overall, 18 formations, including their associated secondary folds and selected faults, are represented at 10 m resolution. Numerous environmental investigations in the study area could benefit from the dataset; indeed, it is already informing integrated hydrological (snow/surface-water/groundwater) simulations. Our work demonstrates the potential that now exists to develop complex, high-quality geological models in support of contemporary Alpine research, augmenting traditional geological information in the process.
Design Type(s)
modeling and simulation objective • data integration objective
Measurement Type(s)
geographic feature
Technology Type(s)
digital curation
Factor Type(s)
Sample Characteristic(s)
Western Alps • mountain range
Machine-accessible metadata file describing the reported data
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| Bibliography: | ObjectType-Article-1 SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1 ObjectType-Feature-2 content type line 23 J.M.T. conducted the majority of the work, including sourcing and preparing the input datasets, generating and evaluating the model, preparing the figures, and writing the manuscript. G.M. advised on data processing and participated in the redaction of the manuscript. P.B. contributed the initial idea that a 3D geological model could benefit the planned interdisciplinary research and participated in the redaction of the manuscript. |
| ISSN: | 2052-4463 2052-4463 |
| DOI: | 10.1038/sdata.2018.238 |