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Three-dimensional sedimentary architecture of Quaternary sand and gravel resources: a case study of economic sedimentology (SW Germany)

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Abstract

Quaternary sands and gravels form important, yet often highly heterogeneous economic deposits. Detailed 3-D analysis of the sedimentary structure and stratigraphy of these deposits allows for an accurate estimation of exploitable material. This paper presents a case study in SW Germany reconstructing the 3-D distribution of glacial sediments based on a high-resolution, process-orientated sedimentary facies classification and lithostratigraphy integrated within the geo-modelling package gOcad. Situated along the maximal ice-extent of the Rhine glacier during the last glaciation, the study area is characterised by a morphologically prominent terminal moraine and its associated sandur, which form the stratigraphically youngest sediments of a glacial basin, partially exposed in two gravel pits. These outcrops helped to reconstruct the complex sedimentary architecture of the northern part of the glacial basin. The regional analysis is based on core data, as well as geoelectric and geomagnetic surveys. All data were integrated into km-scale, high-resolution geological 3-D models, depicting the large-scale dynamics of multiple glacier advances and retreats during the Early to Late Pleistocene. These models allow quantifying the thickness and volume distribution of exploitable sandy gravel and help to evaluate the occurrence of non-exploitable interbedded diamicton horizons. The high quality and quantity of gravels particularly north of the terminal moraine classifies the investigated area as very prospective for raw materials exploitation in the future.

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Acknowledgments

We want to acknowledge the collaboration with the Landesamt für Geologie, Rohstoffe und Bergbau Baden-Württemberg. In particular, we wish to thank Drs. W. Werner, D. Ellwanger and J. Heinz for their support and helpful discussions. The gravel pit operators Weimar GmbH & Co.KG and Kieswerk Wagenhart GmbH & Co.KG are thanked for giving us permission to access their sites and to use existing core data. This study was funded by the German Research Foundation (grant awarded to G. Teutsch, P. Dietrich and T. Aigner, Te 155/13-1 and Di 833/4-3). The comments of reviewers C. Schlüchter and H. v. Eynatten are gratefully acknowledged.

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  1. Boris Kostic

    Present address: Badley Ashton & Associates Ltd., Winceby House, Winceby, Horncastle, LN9 6PB, UK

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  1. Institute of Geosciences, University of Tübingen, Sigwartstrasse 10, 72076, Tubingen, Germany

    Boris Kostic, M. Peter Süss & Thomas Aigner

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Correspondence to Thomas Aigner.

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Kostic, B., Süss, M.P. & Aigner, T. Three-dimensional sedimentary architecture of Quaternary sand and gravel resources: a case study of economic sedimentology (SW Germany). Int J Earth Sci (Geol Rundsch) 96, 743–767 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00531-006-0120-8

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