Fault orientation modeling of Sonda- Jherruck coalfield, Pakistan

Abstract

Faults are the most critical tectonic factors in geological structures, which have major economic impacts on mining economics. Thus it is necessary to understand faults in order to identify the actual risks and complications associated with mining. In the preliminary investigation of the Sonda-Jherruck coalfield, 3D geological modeling was not performed. The purpose of this work was to perform fault orientation modeling in order to document pre-mine planning information and discuss the obstacles that may cause problems in mine planning and development stages. Using the drill hole data, 3D fault models based on the calculation of dip angle and dip direction were established. In the first step, surface models of coal seams were established by applying the triangulation method to the coal seam roof elevations. Then an appropriately oriented grid was overlain to regularize the data and to find the unknown points. The calculation of dip and dip direction was done using an algorithm. The models showing the variation in the dip and dip direction were generated using the inverse distance squared weighted (ID2W) interpolation technique. The generated 3D models were compared with the pre-existing fault lines (based on the aerial map). An attempt was made to create comprehensive models that demonstrate a better understanding of the faults in the studied area.