Geologists and geophysicists -- and others -- have a keen interest in what
lies below our feet. Not having X-ray vision, however, they must rely on a
variety of techniques to explore and explain subsurface features of the
earth. This image is a three-dimensional simulation of underground salt
structures, geologic features of great economic importance because they are
commonly associated with hidden natural reservoirs of gas and oil. Salt
structures are more or less impermeable and often trap or change the
migration paths of oil and gas in the surrounding sedimentary layers.
Knowledge of underground salt structures would therefore be helpful to
those who prospect for gas and oil. This image helps to analyse
seismic data, obtained by exploration geophysicists who use artificial
explosions at the surface, to map underground features.
Three-dimensional computer visualization of physical models is a relatively
new development that helps scientists understand in realistic detail even the
most complicated underground features. If you'd like to learn more about
this kind of work you can go to Texas to see more.
Photo Credit: Giovanni Guglielmo, Bruno Vendeville and Shing-Tzong Lin,
using EarthVision at the Bureau of Economic Geology (Industrial Associates Programs) of the University of
Texas at Austin.
