The topology of geology 1: Topological analysis. (October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Thiele, Samuel T.; Jessell, Mark W.; Lindsay, Mark; Ogarko, Vitaliy; Wellmann, J. Florian; Pakyuz-Charrier, Evren
• Is Part Of: Journal of structural geology. Volume 91(2016:Oct.)
• Page Start: 27
• Page End: 38
• Publication Date: 2016-10
• Subjects: Topology -- Geological modelling -- Connectivity -- Model characterisation -- Visualisation; Geology, Structural -- Periodicals; Géomorphologie structurale -- Périodiques; Geology, Structural; Periodicals; 551.805
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jsg.2016.08.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0191-8141

Abstract

Abstract: Topology has been used to characterise and quantify the properties of complex systems in a diverse range of scientific domains. This study explores the concept and applications of topological analysis in geology. We have developed an automatic system for extracting first order 2D topological information from geological maps, and 3D topological information from models built with the Noddy kinematic modelling system, and equivalent analyses should be possible for other implicit modelling systems. A method is presented for describing the spatial and temporal topology of geological models using a set of adjacency relationships that can be expressed as a topology network, thematic adjacency matrix or hive diagram. We define three types of spatial topology (cellular, structural and lithological) that allow us to analyse different aspects of the geology, and then apply them to investigate the geology of the Hamersley Basin, Western Australia. Graphical abstract: