The Tanami 3-D geological model ? integrating geology and potential field data

Abstract

This study presents a 3-D model of the regional geology of the Tanami region, Northern Territory. The Tanami region consists of large areas of shallow cover material obscuring multiply deformed Archaean and Palaeoproterozoic metasediments and granites. The model consists of a skeleton of 19 serial geological cross-sections that have been tested by potential field modelling. The sections were located to cross geophysical anomalies at right angles to simulate a 2-D modelling environment, while crossing regions of outcropping basement geology. The process of potential field modelling necessitated continuous reappraisal of the existing geological data and possible interpretations. Modelled sections and basement interpretation maps were captured, spatially arranged and used to interpolate regional structures and features in 3-D space. Modelled sections, interpolated surfaces, basement maps and other datasets were then combined in a 3-D space to produce the final web-accessible model. The final model provides a unique 3-D view of the main geological structures and elements of this poorly exposed domain. In doing so, the model provides a framework to better constrain the gross crustal architecture of the region.