A new subsampling methodology to optimize the characterization of two-dimensional bedrock fracture networks. (February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ovaskainen, Nikolas; Nordbäck, Nicklas; Skyttä, Pietari; Engström, Jon
• Is Part Of: Journal of structural geology. Volume 155(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-02
• Subjects: Fracture network -- Subsampling -- Geostatistics -- Software; Geology, Structural -- Periodicals; Géomorphologie structurale -- Périodiques; Geology, Structural; Periodicals; 551.805
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jsg.2022.104528
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0191-8141

Abstract

Abstract: This paper introduces a new subsampling method to determine the empirical relationships between the areal sampling coverage and the topological-geometric parameters resulting from characterization of two-dimensional outcrop fracture networks. We further developed these relationships into correlations between the total sampling coverage and variance of the characterization result, hence providing insight to the objective uncertainties related to fracture network characterization. The analyses were conducted using two new open-source Python packages: fractopo and fractopo-subsampling, designed for fracture network analysis and subsampling, respectively. We conducted the study on the well-exposed crystalline outcrops of Getaberget, Åland Islands, Finland, where a total of 42499 fracture traces were manually digitized from 13 circular target areas. For the purposes of subsampling, we conducted fracture network characterization for randomly located and sized subsample areas, which locate within the larger target areas. Based on our subsampling results we provide recommendations for the preliminary optimization of areal coverage used in outcrop fracture sampling and the use of our subsampling method for assessing the precision related to the areal fracture network characterization in other previously uncharacterized areas. As an example, we recommend using a total sampling area of 8000 m 2 with 8 circular sampling areas to define the power-law exponents of fracture traces when conducting outcrop fracture network characterization with drone-based methodology done with similar initial sampling setup in comparable geological environments, as this coverage has shown an acceptable level of precision. Highlights: Fractopo and fractopo-subsampling are open-source Python packages for the analysis of fracture networks. A dataset of outcrop fracture traces was remotely digitized from the Getaberget shoreline of Åland Islands, Finland. Subsamples of the traces are analyzed to investigate the uncertainty related to fracture network characterization. Recommendations on the extent of fracture sampling coverage are given and subsampling is recommended for further usage.