USE OF LARGE DATA SETS FOR IMPROVED INSIGHT INTO THE SUBSURFACE

In recent years with the increased power of the computer and data-capture devises, the speed at which the amount of available data can be processed for exploration and exploitation of mineral resources has expanded exponentially. Techniques in petroleum exploration have progressed through surface mapping, random drilling, to advanced geophysical methods and have become highly sophisticated. In addition to improved techniques, conversion of historical data from visual files have added to the vast knowledge database being rapidly accumulated. With availability of mathematical and statistical techniques, improved computing capabilities, and vast stores of data, new approaches have been developed to the study of geological problems. Major improvements have been made in mapping - with remote sensing, visualization, and 4D - that give new insight into understanding the subsurface. Sophisticated numerical modeling and graphic display of the results has heightened the ability of the explorationist and exploitationist to understand the regional and local geology to make better predictions. Examples are cited from Kansas in the Continental Interior of the U.S.