Geological continuity is a fundamental characteristic of any geological interpretation. The difference between actual and interpreted continuity directly impacts the risk to any decision based on the interpretation, often with huge financial implications. Examples include decisions related to exploration targeting, resource delineation and categorization, and geotechnical hazards in mining. Unfortunately continuity is the characteristic of a sub-surface geological model that is typically the hardest to interpret with certainty.
One of the best tools for understanding continuity is structural geology, which constrains possible interpretations and often brings realistic expectations back into a geological model. Modern 3-D modelling tools and the ability to integrate multiple old and new technologies into one decision making environment also helps improve interpretation of continuity. The presentation will discuss why structure is important, suggest some structural modelling workflows and provide some tools that can be used for effective communication of continuity to decision makers.
