Applied Three-Dimensional Subsurface Geological Mapping: With Structural Methods, 3rd Edition

Chapter 6. Cross Sections^*

* For all figures in this chapter (in the printed book only), see the preface for information about registering your copy on the InformIT site for access to the electronic versions in color.

Introduction

A contour map depicts the horizontal plan view configuration of a single attribute of a stratigraphic unit, such as structure, thickness, and percent porosity. In contrast, a cross section depicts the configuration of many units as typically viewed in a vertical plane. Since a map or cross section alone cannot represent the complete subsurface geological picture, both must be used to conduct a complete and detailed study.

Geological cross sections constitute a very important geological exploration and exploitation ...