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Manitoba's Mineral Resources

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Geological Survey

Three-Dimensional (3-D) Geological Model of Manitoba

Introduction

The Manitoba Geological Survey (MGS) is constructing a 3-D geological model of the province. The MGS is taking advantage of the latest developments in computer technology to create a model that has applications for groundwater modelling, oil and gas assessments and industrial mineral management.


  
Content Links
dIntroduction
d2-D View
dVideo Clips (.avi)
dHydrogeological Applications

The construction of the 3-D model required the compilation of digital topography, bathymetry, offshore seismic data (Lake Winnipeg), and seamless 1:250 000 surficial geology. Quaternary stratigraphy and some additional bedrock information was gleaned predominantly from the Manitoba Conservation waterwell database (GWDRILL).

The pre-Quaternary portion of the model is based on the Manitoba Stratigraphic Map Series, which was constructed from the following drillhole databases:

  • Manitoba Stratigraphic Database
  • Manitoba Oil and Gas Well Information System
  • the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin database

2-D View

Visit our 2-D View page for a 2-D representation (stacked polygons) of the data that provided the foundation for the construction of the 3-D model.


Video Clips (.avi)

The following videos display a 2-D representation of the stacked polygons (Video 1), and a 3-D view of the first of six 2° by 3° tiles that comprise the 3-D model of Manitoba south of 55° (Video 2).

Viewing Instructions

To view the videos, you must install the TSCC codec, which can be downloaded free of charge from the TechSmith Download Center.

The videos can be viewed using either the Windows Media Player, a standard with Windows operating systems, or, the Real Player available to download free of charge.

Movie camera

Video 1 (2636 kb): Geological layers are progressively removed from the Quaternary back to the Precambrian, more than 550 million years ago. Images depict present-day distribution of the geological layers, not their original extent.

Video 2 (8485 kb): Rotating 3-D block model of the geology of southeastern Manitoba.

PLEASE NOTE:

  • File sizes for some of the 3-D model images and video clips are large and have been identified for the convenience of the user.

  • Refer to the legend on the Surficial Geological Map of Manitoba to identify geological units.

  • The 3-D model will only function properly with Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher. Netscape version coming soon.

Hydrogeological Applications

Title Partner Status
1.) Groundwater flow and transport model of the Red River/Interlake area in southern Manitoba
by Paula Lynn Kennedy		 University of Manitoba, Dept. of Civil Engineering, Ph.D thesis Published Spring, 2003

 
2.) Heterogeneous Transmissivity Fields for the Upper Carbonate and Winnipeg Formation Aquifers in the Winnipeg Region University of Manitoba, Dept. of Civil Engineering Available for download
3.) Vulnerability of the Assiniboine Delta Aquifer under Climate Change University of Manitoba, Dept. of Civil Engineering Submitted proposal
4.) Groundwater chemistry of Southern Manitoba Government of Manitoba, Water Branch In progress

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