FROM 2D CROSS-SECTIONS TO A 3D HYDROGEOLOGIC FRAMEWORK MODEL: A STREAMLINED TOOLSET FOR INTEGRATED DATA MANAGEMENT, MODELING, ANALYSIS, AND VISUALIZATION

Environmental restoration has been ongoing since the early 1980s at Tinker AFB in Oklahoma City, OK, where a complex network of interbedded sandstones, mudstones, and shales controls groundwater flow and contaminant transport. From 1300 wells installed at the 7 mi² site, the Base geologist has developed over 130 hydrogeologic cross-sections to support engineering evaluation, design, and remedy implementation. Recently, a 3D hydrogeologic framework model was constructed to capture the interpretations and institutional knowledge of the Base geologist in a working model that supports the Base restoration process. The 3D model reflects lithologic interpretations within 6 hydrostratigraphic units (HSUs) and includes potentiometric data/surfaces for 5 HSUs. The model was used to cost-effectively produce digital versions of the original cross-sections (over half of which were hand-drawn), while refining interpretations and ensuring consistency across sections. The model is presently being used to support drilling activities and numerical flow and transport modeling, and will continue to evolve to support Base restoration.

A versatile system integrating 3D modeling with flexible data management was developed to automate data processing and management, model production and QA, and cross-section generation. New data are imported via streamlined tools into the project database and exported automatically to the 3D modeling software. Both model and section production are automated, freeing scientists to focus on model visualization and analysis rather than assembly. Production-quality sections including lithologic, HSU, and potentiometric interpretations along with well data (gamma logs, filter packs, screen intervals), surface features (water bodies, roads, buildings), and a polished layout are generated for any traverse in ten minutes. Next steps include customizing an existing web portal to allow 1) access to the project database and cross-sections in a GIS framework, 2) visualization of well construction and interpretation details, and 3) dynamic model updates and section generation. The tools and methods developed here can be applied readily to other sites to support objectives beyond environmental restoration, including water resource evaluation and carbon sequestration.