3D Geological Implicit Modeling Method of Regular Voxel Splitting Based on Layered Interpolation Data

In view of the problems in traditional geological modeling methods, such as the insufficient utilization of geological survey data, the inaccurate expression of a stratigraphic model, and the large amount of model data, a 3D geological model cannot be smoothly loaded and rendered on the web end. In this paper, a 3D geological implicit modeling method of regular voxel splitting based on hierarchical interpolation data is proposed. This method first uses the boreholes and geological section data from a geological survey for data conversion and fusion, compares the applicability of different interpolation algorithms through cross-validation research, and uses the best fitting algorithm to interpolate and encrypt discrete points in the formation. Then, it constructs the regular voxels, designs five different regular voxel split types, and divides the voxels. In addition, the data structure design of the voxel split model is implemented, and the irregular voxel metadata structure is analyzed and displayed through Three.js. Using this method, based on the survey data of an area in Zhengzhou, the global workflow from data processing to model construction and visualization is demonstrated. The experimental results show that the model can integrate multisource hierarchical interpolation data; express different stratum structures accurately and smoothly, and can realize the fast rendering, spatial query and analysis of the internal information of a geological body in a browser.

3D implicit modeling applied to the evaluation of CO2 geological storage in the shales of the Irati Formation, Paraná Basin, Southeastern Brazil

The Paris Agreement established global ambitious targets for reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, requiring the rapid and extensive development of low carbon technologies, and one of the most efficient is CO2 geological storage. Among the deep geological formations used for CO2 storage, the shale layers have been a new emerging topic showing to be efficient because they are abundant and have a high content of organic matter, being favorable for CO2 retention. However, one of the challenges in evaluating a location for possible reservoirs is the adequate geological characterization and storage volume estimates. This research evaluated the Irati Formation of the Paraná Basin, through the information from hydrocarbon exploration wells in Southeastern Brazil, where most stationary sources of carbon emissions are located. Three-dimensional (3D) implicit modeling techniques were applied not only for the volume calculation purpose, but also in the site selection stage, generating thematic 3D models of thickness, depth, structures, and distance to aquifer systems. The limestones, shales, and black shales of the Irati Formation were locally divided into six units according to geological composition and spatial continuity. The E black shale unit was considered for CO2 geological storage indicating a theoretical capacity of 1.85 Gt of CO2. The potential of the achieved capacity is promising not only for been greater than the total of CO2 locally produced but also for supporting the implantation of new projects in this region.

3D implicit modeling applied to the evaluation of CO2 geological storage in the shales of the Irati Formation, Paraná Basin, Southeastern Brazil

The Paris Agreement established global ambitious targets for reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, requiring the rapid and extensive development of low carbon technologies, and one of the most efficient is CO2 geological storage. Among the deep geological formations used for CO2 storage, the shale layers have been a new emerging topic showing to be efficient because they are abundant and have a high content of organic matter, being favorable for CO2 retention. However, one of the challenges in evaluating a location for possible reservoirs is the adequate geological characterization and storage volume estimates. This research evaluated the Irati Formation of the Paraná Basin, through the information from hydrocarbon exploration wells in Southeastern Brazil, where most stationary sources of carbon emissions are located. Three-dimensional (3D) implicit modeling techniques were applied not only for the volume calculation purpose, but also in the site selection stage, generating thematic 3D models of thickness, depth, structures, and distance to aquifer systems. The limestones, shales, and black shales of the Irati Formation were locally divided into six units according to geological composition and spatial continuity. The E black shale unit was considered for CO2 geological storage indicating a theoretical capacity of 1.85 Gt of CO2. The potential of the achieved capacity is promising not only for been greater than the total of CO2 locally produced but also for supporting the implantation of new projects in this region.

Characterization of a Shallow Coastal Aquifer in the Framework of a Subsurface Storage and Soil Aquifer Treatment Project Using Electrical Resistivity Tomography (Port de la Selva, Spain)

Water percolation through infiltration ponds is creating significant synergies for the broad adoption of water reuse as an additional non-conventional water supply. Despite the apparent simplicity of the soil aquifer treatment (SAT) approaches, the complexity of site-specific hydrogeological conditions and the processes occurring at various scales require an exhaustive understanding of the system’s response. The non-saturated zone and underlying aquifers cannot be considered as a black box, nor accept its characterization from few boreholes not well distributed over the area to be investigated. Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) is a non-invasive technology, highly responsive to geological heterogeneities that has demonstrated useful to provide the detailed subsurface information required for groundwater modeling. The relationships between the electrical resistivity of the alluvial sediments and the bedrock and the difference in salinity of groundwater highlight the potential of geophysical methods over other more costly subsurface exploration techniques. The results of our research show that ERT coupled with implicit modeling tools provides information that can significantly help to identify aquifer geometry and characterize the saltwater intrusion of shallow alluvial aquifers. The proposed approaches could improve the reliability of groundwater models and the commitment of stakeholders to the benefits of SAT procedures.