Geologic Interpretation, Modeling, and Representation 179
Geologic Interpretation, Modeling, and Representation 179
Mineralization and ore-body interpretation developed from data posted on the cross-sectional
base (bottom) in Figure 4.2-3
Alteration interpretation developed from data posted on the cross-sectional base (bottom) in Figure 4.2-3
In reality, because of erosion or tectonic events such as limit varied distribution in the geologic resource. The plans
folding and/or faulting, the geologist is commonly working on and sections used to develop the model form the basis for
and evaluating only a portion of a total mineralization system, resource estimation in conventional schemes for calculating
and any model he or she develops from the data should reflect reserves. They provide the input for limiting controls, gen-
this fact. The geologist in turn must recognize the nature and erally as digitized polygons, in computer-assisted method-
complications of this situation and the consequences and ologies and are the primary standard of comparison between
opportunities it presents. conventional and computer-generated resource estimates.
The model provides the limits needed to prevent algorithms
Purpose from estimating resources in unmineralized areas. A well-
The geologic model is constructed to provide a clear picture constructed model ensures that the algorithms are being used
of the 3-D geologic relationship of numerous features that on correlatable units or features.