Computer Applications in Resource Estimation. Prediction and Assessment for Metals and Petroleum

452 Pages·1990·19.218 MB·English

by  G. Gaal and D.F. Merriam (Eds.)

COMPUTERS and GEOLOGY
a series edited by Daniel F. Merriam
1976 Quantitative Techniques for the Analysis of Sediments
1978 Recent Advances in Geomathematics
1979 Geomathematical and Petrophysical Studies in Sedimentology
(edited by D. Gill & D. F. Merriam)
1981 Predictive Geology: with Emphasis on Nuclear-Waste Disposal
(edited by G. de Marsily & D. F. Merriam)
1986 Microcomputer Applications in Geology
(edited by J. T. Hanley & D. F. Merriam)
1990 Microcomputer Applications in Geology, II
(edited by J. T. Hanley & D. F. Merriam)
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COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
IN RESOURCE ESTIMATION
Prediction and Assessment
for Metals and Petroleum
Edited by
GABOR GAÁL
Chief Geologist, Geological Survey of Finland,
and Chairman, COGEODATA
and
DANIEL F. MERRIAM
Endowment Association Distinguished Professor of the Natural Sciences,
Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas
P E R G A M ON P R E SS
Member of Maxwell Macmillan Pergamon Publishing Corporation
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First edition 1990
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Computer applications in resource estimation : prediction
and assessment for metals and petroleum / edited by
Gabor Gaαl and Daniel F. Merriam.
p. cm. - (Computers and geology)
Based on a symposium cosponsored by COGEODATA
and the International Association for Mathematical
Geology, held in Helsinki, Finland, July 21-23, 1988.
Includes index.
1. Prospecting — Data processing — Congresses. 2.
Petroleum — Prospecting — Data processing —
Congresses. I. Gaαl, Gabor. II. Merriam, Daniel Francis.
III. COGEODATA. IV. International Association for
Mathematical Geology. V. Series: Computers & geology.
TN270.A1C635 1990 622'. 1-dc20 90-7896
British Library Cataloguing in Pubiication Data
Computer applications in resource estimation : prediction
and assessment for metals and petroleum.
1. Mineral deposits. Prospecting. Applications of
geophysics. Applications of computer systems
I. Gaαl, Gabor II. Merriam, Daniel F. (Daniel Francis)
622.150285
ISBN 0-08-037245-7
Printed in Great Britain by BPCC Wheatons Ltd, Exeter
List of Contributors
J. Aamisalo, Outokumpu Oy Exploration, Outokumpu, Finland
F.P. Agterberg, Geological Survey of Canada, 601 Booth Street, Ottawa, Ontario KIA
OES, Canada
G.F. Bonham-Carter, Geological Survey of Canada, 601 Booth Street, Ottawa, On­
tario KIA OES, Canada
D. Bonnefoy, Bureau de Recherches Geologiques et Minieres (BRGM), BP 6009,
45060 Orleans Cedex 2, France
H. Burger, Institut fur Geologie, Mathematische Geologie, Freie, Universität Berlin,
Malteserstrasse 74-100, D-1000 Berhn 46, West Germany
H.C. Chou, Department of Geoscience, Pennsylvania State University, University
Park, PA 16802, USA
C.F. Chung, Geological Survey of Canada, 601 Booth Street, Ontario KIA OES,
Canada
J. Dardel, CEA-DAMN, 31-33 rue de las Federation, 75752, Paris Cedex 15, France
M. Eder, Bundesanstalt fur Geowissenschafter und Rohstoffe (BGR), Hannover, West
Germany
W. Eiserbeck, VEB Kombinat Erdol-Erdgas, Stammbetrieb Gommern, GDR
B.R. Figueredo, Instituto de Geochiencias, Unicamp, Brazil
D.J. Forman, Bureau of Mineral Resources, Canberra, Australia 2601
G. Gaál, Geological Survey of Finland, Betonimiehenkuja 4, SF-02150 Espoo Finland
D. Gill, Geological Survey of Israel, 30 Malkhie Israel Street, Jerusalem 95501, Israel
J.C. Griffiths, Department of Geoscience, Pennyslvania State University, University
Park, PA 16802 USA
A. Guillen, Bureau de Recherches Geologiques et Minieres (BRGM), BP 6009, 45060
Orleans Cedex 2, France
N. Gustavsson, Geological Survey of Finland, Betonimiehenkuja 4, SF-02150 Espoo,
Finland
ix
S.M. Habesch, Poroperm-Geochem Ltd., The Geochem Group, Chester Street,
Chester CH14, SRD, UK
J. Harff, Akademie der Wissenschaftern der DDR, Zentral-institut fur Physic det
Erde, Telegrafenberg AI F, Potsdam, DDR-1561
D.P. Harris, Mineral Economics Program & Department of Mining and Geological
Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
U.C. Herzfeld, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Geologie Research Division,
University of California/San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
A.L. Hinde, Bureau of Mineral Resources, Canberra, Austraha 2601
J. Hruska, Intergeo, Olbrachtova 3,14600, Praha 4, Czechoslovakia
Ç. Hu, China University of Geology, Wuhan, China
J. Janatka, Geoindustia Praha, Komunardu 6,170 04 Praha 7, Czechoslovakia
T. Jasko, Quartz Scientific Computing Ltd., 16 Melrose Place, Watford WDl 3LN
England, UK
C. Kliem, Institut fur Geologie/Mathematische Geologie, Freie Universität Berlin,
Malteserstrasse 74-100, D-1000 Berhn 46, West Germany
Ě. Kontio, Geological Survey of Finland, P. O. Box 77, SF-96101 Rovaniemi, Finland
H. Kürzl, Logistik-Management-Service, Gesellschaft mbh, Franz-Josef Strasse 6,
Postfach 070, A-8700 Leoben, Austria
B. Lewerenz, Akademie der Wissenschaftern der DDR, Zentral-institut fur Physik
det Erde, Telegrafenberg AI F, Potsdam, DDR-1561
P. Leymarie, CNRS, URA Geodynamique, Nice - INRIA, route des Lucióles, Sophia
Antipohs, 06560 Valbornne, France
A. Mannaa, Institut fur Geologie, Mathematische Geologie, Freie Universität Berlin,
Matteserstrasse 74-100, D-1000 Berhn 46, West Germany
V.V. Marchenko, International Research Institute for Management Sciencees,
Oktyabria 9,117312 Moscow, USSR
D.F. Merriam, Stratigraphic Studies Group, Box 153, Wichita State University,
Wichita, KS 67208, USA
p. Morávek, Geoindustia Praha, Komunardu 6,170 04, Praha 7, Czechoslovakia
E.A. Nemirovsky, International Research Institute for Management Sciences,
Oktyabria 9,117312 Moscow, USSR
Guocheng Pan, Mineral Economics Program & Department of Mining and Geological
Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
Th. Petropulos, Institut fur Geologie, Mathematische Geologie, Freie Universität
Berlin, Malteserstrasse 74-100, D-1000 Berlin 46, West Germany
D.N. Pilant, Department of Geoscience, Pennsylvaia State University, University
Park, PA 16802, USA
L. Renouard, ISTAR, Les Algorithmes, 2000 route des Lucióles, Sopia Antipolis,
06560, Valbonne, France
J.E. Robinson, Department of Geology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244,
USA
B. Saltikoflf, Geological Survey of Finland, Betonimiehenkuja 4, SF-02150 Espoo,
Finland
E. Sauzay, Informatique Gitologique et Miniere (ICM), Centre de Geologie Generale
et Miniere, Ecole National Superieure des Mines de Paris, 35, rue St. Honore,
77305 Fontainebleau Cedex, France
C. Schejbal, University of Mining and Metallurgy, Ostrava, Czechoslovakia
W. Skala, Institute fur Geologie, Mathematische Geologie, Freie Universität Berlin,
Malteserstrasse 74-100, D-1000 Berhn 46, West Germany
CM. Smith, Department of Computer Science, Pennsylvania State University,
University Park, PA 16802, USA
J. Springer, Akademie der Wissenschaftern der DDR, Zentral-institut fur Physic det
Erde, Telegrafenberg AIF, Potsdam, DDR-1561
S.B. Suslick, Instituo de Geochiencias, Unicamp, Brazil
P.G. Sutterlin, Department of Geology, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS 67208,
USA
T. Tarvainen, Geological Survey of Finland, Betonimiehenkuja 4, SF-02150 Espoo,
Finland
xi
Ç. Teil, Informatique Gitologique et Miniere (ICM), Centre de Geologie Generale et
Miniere, Ecole National Superieure des Mines de Paris, 35, rue St. Honore, 77305
Fontainebleau Cedex, France
M. Vannier, Informatique Gitologique et Miniere (ICM), Centre de Geologie Generale
et Miniere, Ecole National Superieure des Mines de Paris, 35, rue St. Honore,
77305 Fontainebleau Cedex, France
G.S. Visher, Geological Services & Ventures, Inc., 2920 E. 73rd Street, Tulsa, OK
74136, USA
D.F. Wright, Geological Survey of Canada, 601 Booth Street, Ottawa, Ontario KIA
OES, Canada
L. Zanone, Informatique Gitologique et Miniere (ICM), Centre de Geologie Generale
et Miniere, Ecole National Superieure des Mines de Paris, 35, rue St. Honore,
77305 Fontainebleau Cedex, France
V.G. Zolotarev, VNII Zarubezhgeologia, USSR Ministry of Geology, Moscow, USSR
xn
Preface
"Computer Applications in Resource Exploration" was the subject of a symposium
cosponsored by COGEODATA and the International Association for Mathematical
Geology (lAMG) in Helsinki on 21-23 July 1988. The aim of the symposium, convened
by Gabor Gaal and Daniel F. Merriam, was to review modern methods of resource
prediction and resource assessment in exploration. The meeting was attended by 75
scientists from 16 countries and served as an important discussion forum to interna­
tional experts. Thirty eight papers were presented along with several practical
computer demonstrations on such subjects as trend analysis, classification, correla­
tion, expert systems, image analysis, remote sensing, geostatistics, computer map­
ping, and databases. Applications were on all aspects of resource exploration, assess­
ment, characterization, and exploitation including gold, base metals, phosphates,
petroleum, oil shale, and coal.
Applications and the practical aspects of resource exploration prevailed with a
strong emphasis on the statistical approach. The techniques ranged from regression
and trend analysis through association and characteristic analysis to probability
methods. Several papers reported on image analysis and remote-sensing techniques
involving satellite images from the French satellite SPOT and the British-developed
sensor GLORIA. Other papers were concerned with databases and database-manage­
ment systems including the French GEONIX system. Many papers reported results
of regional or national mineral-resource assessments, usually based on geochemical
surveys, for all or parts of Finland, Czechoslovakia, Israel, West Germany, Hungary,
Canada, Austria, Brazil, and the USSR; case studies were given in other papers.
About one-quarter of the papers were petroleum oriented and about 40 percent
concerned with minerals. However, many of the techniques which were reported
could be used for either the exploration or exploitation of hydrocarbons or minerals.
It was obvious from the presentations that most of the computing was done on
microcomputers, which now are widespread in academic, governmental, and indus­
trial organizations. Although no new techniques were revealed, a different approach
to problem solving using true-and-tested methods, were stressed. The papers demon­
strated that predictive techniques and those that optimize are important. It also was
shown that modeling is popular and effective and that before all, the systems ap­
proach and data integration are necessary in todays environment.
xin
GAΑL AND MERRIAM
The contributions in the present volume highlight the spirit and the results of the
meeting. For sake of systematization the topics of the twenty-two papers submitted
have been subdivided into five categories which are:
data integration in mineral exploration by statistical and multivariate tech­
niques,
data integration in mineral exploration by image processing and other tech­
niques,
applications in petroleum exploration,
inventories, and
related statistical techniques.
DATA INTEGRATION IN MINERAL EXPLORATION BY STATISTICAL AND
MULTIVARIATE TECHNIQUES. In their paper on statistical pattern integration
F.P. Agterberg, G.F. Bonham-Carter, and D.F. Wright offer new and original solu­
tions to three important problems (1) how to optimize binary pattern for linear
features associated with mineral deposits, (2) integration of linear structures with
geochemical and lithological features, and (3) quantifying uncertainty because of
missing information. N. Gustavsson andM. Kontio assign ore potential to various
geochemical anomaly patterns using statistical classification techniques on widely
spaced samples in the Precambrian terrain of northern Europe. D.P. Harris and
Goucheng Pan abandon the concept of gridding spatial data and introduce a new
intrinsic sampling methodology which allows the use of genetic relations to integrate
geodata and the optimal discretization of various geofields and deposit-model areas.
U.C. Herzfeld and D.F. Merriam integrate different anomaly patterns of various geos­
cientific maps by applying weighted parameters. J. Janatka and P. Morαvek com­
bine empirical methods, deposit inventory, and multivariate techniques (cluster
analysis and multiple linear regression) in evaluating gold potential of the Bohemain
Massif C. Kliem and Th. Petropulos integrate the exploration knowledge in the
assessment of the mineral resources of parts of Greece and Turkey by various statis­
tical methods. H. Kurzl compiled geological, geochemical, geophysical, and deposit
data in a Geographic Information System and assesses mineral resources by multi­
variate techniques. E.A. Nemirovsky gives a short description of SCANDING, devel­
oped out of the REGION package, a fully integrated resource-assessment software
used in Eastern European countries. E.A. Nemirovsky and V.V. Marchenko present
the principles underlying the use of geological map in quantified resource
assessment. E. Sauzay, H. Teil, Μ. Vannier, and L. Zanone work on the interface
between bibliographic and factual data presenting the GEONIX package for data
integration by various statistical techniques. C. Schejbal and J. Hruska supply a
general overlook on mineral-resource prediction techniques applied in
Czechoslovakia. S.B. Suslick and B.R. Figueredo apply characteristic analysis to
regional geochemical data in part of Brazil for indicating favorable areas for base
metals and bauxite. V.G. Zolotarev formulizes an approach of genetic knowledge of
granitoid-associated hydrothermal ore deposits to estimate precious and base-metal
potential.
xiv
PREFACE
DATA INTEGRATION IN MINERAL EXPLORATION BY IMAGE PROCESSING
AND OTHER TECHNIQUES. In a pragmatic approach, J. Aarnisalo presents the
use of image-processing techniques by Outokumpu Oy, Finland, in integrating satel­
lite, geophysical, and to some extent, geological data for pinpointing exploration
targets. D. Bonnefoy and A.L. Guillen demonstrate a Geographic Information System
MARICA developed by BRGM, France, which is an integrated and interactive pack­
age uniting image-processing techniques, statistical treatment, and expert-system
techniques. P. Leymarie, J. Dardel, and L. Renouard introduce new techniques of
computation for digital elevation models from SPOT stereopairs used through struc­
tural analysis for uranium exploration.
APPLICATIONS IN PETROLEUM EXPLORATION. H, Burger, M. Eder, A. Man­
naa, and W. Skala apply conditional simulation techniques in correlating geological
structures with known oil occurrences. With the SEAPUP computer program, DJ,
Forman and A.L. Hinde simulate drilling and discovery of onshore petroleum traps in
Australia and assess undiscovered crude-oil resources. D. Gill uses geostatistical
methods for modeling the major characteristics and the necessary drilling density in
exploration of oil shale and phosphate deposits. S.M. Habesch uses image-analysis
techniques to measure the geometrical parameters of porosity networks in thin
sections of oil-reservoir rocks. Mathematical modeling of sedimentary structures and
subsidence history is applied to multivariate data in microcomputer to predict
hydrocarbon resources in part of East Germany by J. Harff, J, Springer, B, Lewerenz,
and W. Eiserbeck. T. Jasko estimates probable sizes of undiscovered petroleum
resources by the Monte Carlo and Latin Squares methods on a microcomputer. P.G.
Sutterlin and G.S. Visher demonstrate the usefulness of expert systems in identify­
ing not directly measurable geological features which play an important role in the
discovery of hydrocarbons.
INVENTORIES. After compiling an inventory of mineral resources and lithological
variations of Brazil and China, J.C. Griffiths, H. Hu, and H.C. Chou compare these to
countries on basis of geological diversity and draw conclusions on mineral-resource
development of China and Brazil. D.N. Pilant, J.C. Griffiths ,and M. Smith apply the
GLOBAL data bank for a similar geological comparison of the U.S.S.R. and U.S.A.
using Atkin's Q-analysis. B. Saltikoff and T. Tarvainen demonstrate contents,
structure, and use of explorational databases in the Geological Survey of Finland.
RELATED STATISTICAL TECHNIQUES. Chang-Jo F. Chung presents a new re­
gression technique based upon the maximum likelihood method for utihzation of
geochemical data sets with observations below detection limits. J.E. Robinson points
out the pitfalls of trend-analysis techniques as applied in microcomputer softwares
and demonstrates simple tests to avoid them. The contributions in this volume
XV