Geological Mapping

Edgar Leonardo Galvn Aguilar, Omar Esteban Chvez eaguilar@slb.com, ochavez@slb.com Schlumberger Information Solutions, MCA-MXM Introduction A geologic map shows the distribution of geologic features, including different kinds of rocks, faults and tectonic structures. A geologic map is usually printed on top of a basemap to help you locate yourself on the map. The basemap should be printed with light colors, so it doesnt interfere with seeing the geologic features on the map. The geology is represented by colors, lines, and special symbols unique to geology features. Most of our activities end with the creation of a map that reflects all the information processed, interpreted and analyzed. That is why the importance of making maps constantly representing geological features that we want to emphasize, a map can be structural, stratigraphic, or can represent the history of production wells, understanding these features will allow you to understand much of the geology shown in almost any standard map.

What is a geological map? A geologic map is a map made to show geological features. Rock units or geologic formations are shown by color or symbols to indicate where they are exposed at the surface. Bedding planes and structural features such as faults, folds, foliations and alignments are shown with strike and dip or trend and plunge symbols which give these features three-dimensional orientations. Stratigraphic contour lines may be used to illustrate the surface of a selected geologic horizon illustrating the subsurface topographic trends of the strata. Isopach maps detail the variations in thickness of stratigraphic units.

Figure 1. A facies map showing the lithological variations on a Cretaceous Play in the Gulf of Mexico Basin (GOM) Page | 1

Components of a geological map The quality of a map design affects its reader ability to extract information and to learn from the map. The symbology has been developed in an effort to describe the geological elements accurately and effectively deliver information to the map reader. A legend explains the pictorial language of the map, known as its symbology. The title indicates the region the map portrays; the map image portrays the region and so on. Although every map element serves some purpose, convention only dictates inclusion of some elements, while others are considered optional. A menu of map elements includes the neat line, compass rose or north arrow, overview map, bar scale, projection and information about the map sources, accuracy and publication. Map coloring is also very important. How the interpreter displays the data in different hues can greatly affect the understanding or feel of the map. Different intensities of hue portray different objectives the interpreter is attempting to get across to the audience. Using color this way, the darkness and intensity of the color is evaluated by the eye as a measurement of any property. Today, personal computers can display up to 16 million distinct colors at a time. This fact allows for a multitude of color options for even for the most demanding maps. Moreover, computers can easily hatch patterns in colors to give even more options.

Figure 2. A map showing the structural setting of a project in the Gulf of Mexico Basin (GOM)

Value of Geological Mapping Geologic maps are tools portraying interpretative, threedimensional views of rocks, sediments and cultural data that illustrate their distribution and relationships. Geologic maps provide a context for testing theories, hypotheses and models. Geologic mapping at appropriate scales creates a framework within which structural, stratigraphic, and other data can be considered in the context of geologic information, yielding increased understanding and encouraging further multidisciplinary studies. The preparation of geologic maps is a fundamental skill unique to the geology science.

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Figure 3. A Structural setting map showing the infrastructure available for a project in the Gulf of Mexico Basin (GOM). Geologic maps and their subsequent derivative products have immense economic and societal value, they support our ability to locate and develop oil, mineral and water resources; measure and assess reservoir quality; locate infrastructure and hazardous facilities; and identify and prepare for evaluate and mitigate risks. Geologic maps can also show how the physical environment has been impacted by human activity. Geologic maps enhance our ability to identify hazards; to locate infrastructure of roads and highways, railroads, pipelines, utilities, dams and locks, buildings, and foundations; and to make more informed and planning decisions. Geologic maps are fundamental elements for informing the policy decisions of federal, state, and local agencies. Conclusions The geological maps are key tools to display the results of our integrated studies basically are the result of all the work of processing and interpretation of subsurface data, so it is very important to maintain a very high quality in the elaboration of these maps. Decisions on the deposits to assess will be given using these maps, so that the data, projections, symbology, map scale and design must be appropriate to display all available geological information and the risks associated with geological structures must also be evaluated and displayed on the maps.

References http://www.nature.nps.gov/geology/usgsnps/gmap/gmap1.html http://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ngmdb/ngmdb_home.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cartography http://geology.utah.gov/online_html/pi/pi-66/index.htm

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