What is 3D Geological Modelling?

Geological modelling is a computerised representation of lithological, structural, geochemical or geophysical data, on and below the Earth's surface. These models are a way of interpreting, viewing, understanding and working with geological data in a 3D environment.

Geological models are usually represented as a framework of lines defining the extents of the model and are referred to as a wireframe. Anyone with the right software knowledge can create a wireframe; however, what makes a good geological model is a proper understanding the geology. This includes understanding the deformation history of the area, past and current stress fields, where thermal and hydraulic processes that affected rocks, faults planes and movement directions, fractures and so on.