3D exploratory analysis of descriptive lithology records using regular expressions

Abstract

This paper presents an interactive approach for analyzing a database of descriptive lithology records to locate a specific lithology feature in three-dimensional space. The method uses a regular expression to search individual lithology records, assigning a match score to indicate the relative strength of a search result. Spatial analysis of the resulting match scores generates a three-dimensional representation of the search results, which indicates the likely locations of the lithology feature. The method enables direct analysis of lithology descriptions, which are often characterized by inconsistencies in terminology, accuracy, level of detail, and spatial distribution. Using regular expressions, the approach circumvents the need for manual interpretation and classification of lithology records. The method was applied to a case study area in Western Australia to delineate the extent of three lithology features (clay, calcareous sediments, and iron-rich sediments). The approach is generally applicable for layered lithology features that are regularly documented in a lithology database.