Patent ID: 7542037
Filing Date: 2009-06-02
Classification: G01V

Abstract:
1. A method of modeling geological structures in an Earth formation using a computer system, the method comprising: modeling one or more fault planes in said Earth formation using a group of pillars in three dimensions, wherein the group of pillars describes the one or more fault planes, wherein a fault plane of the one or more fault planes has a base level, a middle level, and a top level, a pillar of the group of pillars being a spline curve defined by at least three node points that intersect the fault plane at the base level, the middle level, and the top level of the fault plane, respectively, and wherein a shape of the pillar is adjustable by changing at least one of the at least three node points defining the pillar, wherein each pillar of the group of pillars has a horizon node describing a horizon near the pillar, and wherein an elevation of the horizon node on the pillar is determined by interpolation using a plurality of input points within a user specified distance from the pillar.