Three-Dimensional Geological Models (3D Gms) and Their Spatial Analysis Methods for Mineral Prospectivity Modelling (MPM)

Abstract

A comprehensive review of three-dimensional geological models (3D GMs) and their spatial analysis and statistics methods for mineral prospectivity modeling (MPM) is presented. Firstly, we explore both explicit and implicit 3D geological modeling techniques and examine data structures of 3D GMs. The primary challenge of representing and modeling complex geological structures remains still unresolved. The ultimate objective of 3D geological modeling is to facilitate further spatial analysis and practical applications. Thus, constructing 3D GMs with essential geological characteristics necessitates the abstraction, selection, and integration of multi-resource data. Secondly, 3D GMs can undergo further spatial analysis and statistics methods within 3D geographical information systems (GIS). In the realm of geological variable construction, commonly employed spatial analysis methods include interpolation analysis, stochastic simulation, distance analysis, direction analysis, iso-surface analysis, gradient analysis, spatial auto-correlation analysis, and clustering analysis. Moreover, when investigating the relationships among geological variables, techniques such as cross-correlation analysis and spatial regression analysis are commonly employed.