Towards a balanced 3D kinematic model of a faulted domain - the Bergheim open pit mine, Lower Rhine Basin

Abstract

In the context of the investigation of the sedimentary and structural evolution of the Cenozoic Lower Rhine Basin, the construction of a volume-balanced kinematic model of a small faulted domain with detailed spatial information on strata and fault geometry from a set of parallel geological sections is under development. A 3D geometry model is built that allows for relative movements of blocks at fault surfaces. Rouby’s method of restoration in the map plane is used to determine horizontal displacement fields. The 3D and 3D(t) geometry models are supported by the object-oriented geometry database tool GeoToolKit for storage and retrieval of selected parts of the model using queries referring to spatial and temporal criteria, while visualization is based on key frame technique.