Implicit geological modeling for the Einstein Telescope (Meuse-Rhine Euroregion)

Abstract

Expectations for geological models for underground characterization rise with complex engineering tasks. In this project we examine a target area as a potential site for the gravitational-wave observatory “Einstein Telescope” in the Meuse-Rhine Euroregion (Netherlands, Belgium, Germany). The Einstein Telescope will be the world’s most sensitive observatory of its kind. It consists of a triangular shaped facility connected by 10 km long arms in 200-300 m depth. A high accuracy 3-D structural geological model is required to constrain the best position of the Einstein Telescope with geophysical and geotechnical methods. We use an implicit modeling approach based on surface points and orientation data for modeling. This data is extracted from seismic surveys and well logs available in the region. The application of probabilistic methods in this workflow allows to propagate uncertainty of the input data into a resulting model suite, allowing to define a measure of uncertainty for the final model. Specific local difficulties that were encountered during the modelling process, including data management, the representation of complex fault networks and scaling issues will be discussed. We will show 3-D geological models for the Meuse-Rhine Eurogregion to significantly improve our geological understanding of the target area. This improved understanding is crucial for finding the optimal position for the Einstein Telescope. Data is managed using the open-source library GemGIS. Models are created using the open-source library GemPy.

Authors 4

1. Nils Chudalla Aachen

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   RWTH Aachen University, Computational Geoscience and Reservoir Engineering, Aachen, Germany

2. Florian Wellmann Aachen Aachen Institute for Advanced Study in Computational Engineering Science (AICES)

   RWTH Aachen University · Aachen Institute for Advanced Study in Computational Engineering Science

   Affiliation as printed

   Aachen Institute for Advanced Study in Computational Engineering Science, RWTH, Aachen, Germany

   RWTH Aachen University, Computational Geoscience and Reservoir Engineering, Aachen, Germany

3. Alexander Jüstel corresponding Aachen

   RWTH Aachen University · Fraunhofer Research Institution for Energy Infrastructures and Geotechnologies IEG

   Affiliation as printed

   Fraunhofer IEG, Fraunhofer Research Institution for Energy Infrastructures and Geothermal Systems, Bochum, Germany

   RWTH Aachen University, Computational Geoscience and Reservoir Engineering, Aachen, Germany

4. Jan von Harten Aachen

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   RWTH Aachen University, Computational Geoscience and Reservoir Engineering, Aachen, Germany