3D modeling from outcrop data in a salt tectonic context: Example from the Inceyol minibasin, Sivas Basin, Turkey
We have developed a 3D modeling strategy of the encased minibasin of Inceyol in Sivas (Turkey). The challenge lies in the combination of sparse outcrop data and the complex interpretive geometry of geologic structures that come from salt tectonics. We have succeeded in modeling the convoluted salt surface using an explicit indirect surface patch construction method followed by a manual mesh improvement. Then, we modeled the minibasin sediments with an implicit approach. The result highlighted the remarkable geometry of the convoluted salt horizon and its associated minibasin by extending in 3D the geologist’s interpretive 2D sections. This case study proved that building complex geometries is feasible with the existing tools and a good expertise in the various geomodeling techniques. Our work also underlined the need for new methods to ease the modeling of such tectonic features from sparse data. We have developed a 3D view of the model thanks to WebGL technology, as well as downloadable data to constitute a reference case study.