Submit your papersSubmit Now
For Enquiries: [email protected]
IIARD LogoIIARD

The Application of GemPy to Improve Students' Skills in the Implicit Creation of Complex Geological Models

Ugochukwu G. Nnaemena

Abstract

Three-dimensional geological modelling has become an essential component of modern geoscience education, mineral exploration, groundwater assessment, petroleum exploration, and engineering geology. Advances in computational geoscience have introduced software applications that simplify the visualization and interpretation of complex geological structures. Among these applications, GemPy has emerged as an open-source Python library that supports implicit three-dimensional geological modelling using structural and stratigraphic data. This paper examines the application of GemPy in improving students' skills in the implicit creation of complex geological models. The study explores the educational benefits of integrating GemPy into undergraduate geoscience instruction by examining its influence on conceptual understanding, computational thinking, geological visualization, and practical modelling competence. The paper argues that GemPy provides students with opportunities to develop analytical and programming skills while improving their understanding of subsurface geological relationships through interactive modelling. It further examines the pedagogical advantages and implementation challenges associated with the adoption of open-source geological modelling software in higher education. The study concludes that incorporating GemPy into geoscience curricula can strengthen students' practical competencies in geological modelling, enhance interdisciplinary learning, and improve digital literacy required for contemporary geoscience practice.

Keywords

GemPygeological modellingcomputational geosciencegeoscience educationimplicit modellingPython programming.

References

Bond, C. E. (2015). Uncertainty in structural interpretation: Lessons to be learnt. Journal of Structural Geology, 74, 185–200. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsg.2015.03.003 Calcagno, P., Chilès, J. P., Courrioux, G., & Guillen, A. (2008). Geological modelling from field data and geological knowledge: Part I. Modelling method coupling 3D potential-field interpolation and geological rules. Physics of the Earth and Planetary Interiors, 171(1–4), 147–157. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pepi.2008.06.013 Caumon, G., Collon-Drouaillet, P., de Veslud, C., Viseur, S., & Sausse, J. (2009). Surface-based 3D modelling of geological structures. Mathematical Geosciences, 41(8), 927–945. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11004-009-9244-2 Caumon, G. (2018). Geological objects and physical parameter fields in the subsurface: A review. In B. S. Daya Sagar, Q. Cheng, & F. P. Agterberg (Eds.), Handbook of Mathematical Geosciences (pp. 567–588). Springer. de la Varga, M., Schaaf, A., & Wellmann, F. (2019). GemPy 1.0: Open-source stochastic geological modeling and inversion. Geoscientific Model Development, 12, 1–32. https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-12-1-2019 Frank, T., Tertois, A. L., & Mallet, J. L. (2007). 3D reconstruction of complex geological interfaces from irregularly distributed and noisy point data. Computers & Geosciences, 33(7), 932– 943. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cageo.2006.11.014 Grose, L., Aillères, L., Laurent, G., Caumon, G., Jessell, M., & Armit, R. (2017). Structural data constraints for implicit modelling of folds. Journal of Structural Geology, 104, 80–92. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsg.2017.09.013 Hillier, M. J., Schetselaar, E. M., de Kemp, E. A., & Perron, G. (2014). Three-dimensional modelling of geological surfaces using generalized interpolation with radial basis functions. Mathematical Geosciences, 46(8), 931–953. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11004- 014-9540-3 Jessell, M. W., Ailleres, L., de Kemp, E. A., Lindsay, M., & Wellmann, J. F. (2014). Next generation three-dimensional geologic modeling and inversion. Journal of Structural Geology, 74, 1–5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsg.2015.02.006 Kolb, D. A. (1984). Experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development. Prentice Hall. Lajaunie, C., Courrioux, G., & Manuel, L. (1997). Foliation fields and 3D cartography in geology: Principles of a method based on potential interpolation. Mathematical Geology, 29(4), 571–584. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02775087 Laurent, G., Aillères, L., Grose, L., Caumon, G., Jessell, M., & Armit, R. (2016). Implicit modelling of folds and overprinting deformation. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 456, 26–38. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2016.09.040 Laurent, G., Caumon, G., Bouziat, A., & Jessell, M. (2013). A parametric method to model three- dimensional displacements around faults with volumetric vector fields. Tectonophysics, 590, 83–93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2013.01.015 Piaget, J. (1972). The psychology of the child. Basic Books. Van Rossum, G., & Drake, F. L. (2009). Python 3 reference manual. CreateSpace. Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Harvard University Press. IIARD International Journal of Geography & Environmental Management Wellmann, J. F., & Caumon, G. (2018). 3-D structural geological models: Concepts, methods, and uncertainties. Advances in Geophysics, 59, 1–121. https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.agph.2018.09.001 (RWTH Publications) Wellmann, J. F., Horowitz, F. G., Schill, E., & Regenauer-Lieb, K. (2010). Towards incorporating uncertainty of structural data in 3D geological inversion. Tectonophysics, 490(3–4), 141– 151. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2010.04.022 Wellmann, J. F., Lindsay, M., Poh, J., & Jessell, M. W. (2014). Validating 3D structural models with geological knowledge for improved uncertainty evaluations. Energy Procedia, 59, 374–381. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egypro.2014.10.390 Wellmann, J. F., Thiele, S. T., Lindsay, M. D., & Jessell, M. W. (2016). pynoddy 1.0: An experimental platform for automated 3D kinematic and potential field modelling. Geoscientific Model Development, 9, 1019–1035. https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-9-1019- 2016

More Articles from IIARD INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT