Abstract
A three-dimensional (3D) geologic model was developed for Quaternary deposits in southern Walworth County, WI using Petrel, a software package primarily designed for use in the energy industry. The purpose of this research was to better delineate and characterize the shallow glacial deposits, which include multiple shallow sand and gravel aquifers. The 3D model of Walworth County was constructed using datasets such as the U.S. Geological Survey 30 m digital elevation model (DEM) of land surface, published maps of the regional surficial geology and bedrock topography, and a database of water-well records. Using 3D visualization and interpretation tools, more than 1400 lithostratigraphic picks were efficiently interpreted amongst 725 well records. The final 3D geologic model consisted of six Quaternary lithostratigraphic units and a bedrock horizon as the model base. The Quaternary units include in stratigraphic order from youngest to oldest: the New Berlin Member of the Holy Hill Formation, the Tiskilwa Member of the Zenda Formation, a Sub-Tiskilwa Sand/Gravel unit, the Walworth Formation, a Sub-Walworth Sand/Gravel unit, and a Pre-Illinoisan unit. Compared to previous studies, the results of this study indicate a more detailed distribution, thickness, and interconnectivity between shallow sand and gravel aquifers and their connectivity to shallow bedrock aquifers. This study can also help understand uncertainty within previous local groundwater-flow modeling studies and improve future studies.
Highlights
In the northern United States and Canada, Quaternary deposits are being used to meet the growing demand for water resources [1]
The USGS 30-m land surface digital elevation model (DEM) was used as topographic control and as the upper boundary of the surficial New Berlin Member
The Pre-Illinois unit is only found in bedrock valleys where it can reach a modeled maximum thickness Petrel has rarely been used to model sediments [7,8], in this case, it was used effectively of 94 m.toHowever, the lithology of the
Summary
In the northern United States and Canada, Quaternary deposits are being used to meet the growing demand for water resources [1]. Proper management of these resources is improved through building more accurate geologic models [2]. Consultants and planners can make better-informed models and decisions, respectively, when addressing long-term water resource needs. Advances in computer technology have facilitated the construction of 3D geologic models. These models can often more clearly show the thickness and distribution of glacial materials [1,3,4].
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