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Forward and Inverse Stratigraphic Models

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Encyclopedia of Mathematical Geosciences

Part of the book series: Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences Series ((EESS))

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Synonyms

Optimization; Simulation

Definition

A stratigraphic model is a conceptual, physical or mathematical representation of the succession of sedimentary layers beneath the surface of the Earth. Historically such models were static representations of the shape, location, and content of existing layers. Such models were initially built through observation of outcrops, drill holes, and excavations, and have been supplemented since the 1920s by remote petro- and geophysical measurements.

Stratigraphic models have formed the basis not only of academic studies, but a significant proportion of the global economy since pre-Roman times, with rock quarrying, gold, copper, and lead mining, and more recently hydrocarbon extraction and carbon sequestration.

“Forward” and “inverse” models can be both intuitive and formal, mathematical, ways of examining and testing the inductive and deductive reasoning behind stratigraphic model building.

The traditional “inductive” process of geological...

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Predictive Geoscience, StrataMod Pty. Ltd., Greenmount, WA, Australia

    Cedric M. Griffiths

  2. Department of Exploration Geophysics, Curtin University, Perth, Australia

    Cedric M. Griffiths

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  1. Cedric M. Griffiths
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Correspondence to Cedric M. Griffiths .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. System Science & Informatics Unit, Indian Statistical Institute- Bangalore Centre, Bangalore, India

    B. S. Daya Sagar

  2. Insititue of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Beijing, China

    Qiuming Cheng

  3. School of Natural and Built Environment, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK

    Jennifer McKinley

  4. Canada Geological Survey, Ottawa, ON, Canada

    Frits Agterberg

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Griffiths, C.M. (2022). Forward and Inverse Stratigraphic Models. In: Daya Sagar, B.S., Cheng, Q., McKinley, J., Agterberg, F. (eds) Encyclopedia of Mathematical Geosciences. Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-26050-7_117-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-26050-7_117-1

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