Structural modeling using an expert system

A specialized editor has been constructed for some types of fault and fold forward modeling, based on two-dimensional simple shear and fault-bend-fold kinematic models of deformation. Such models, which include bed-length conservative kinematic models, can model structures, although they are computationally simple. They are using a framework developed for the Schlumberger Dipmeter Advisor to build a system that can interactively validate structural interpretation based on seismic and dipmeter data or any user input assumption. The user may choose the trajectory of a borehole through the structure, and the system generates the structural dips and faults, layer boundaries and hinges. The system hence serves as a knowledge base and tutorial for structural geological interpretation. From this approach, rules for a complete interpretation system could be written.