| Abstract |
Three-dimensional models are increasingly used to explore for and develop geothermal energy resources. Such models can help visualize spatial relationships in complex, multi-component 3D geoscience datasets. In addition, 3D models can provide a captivating visual to help communicate with non-technical stakeholders about significant features of a geothermal system. However, there are also important limitations to 3D models. For example, all 3D models of the subsurface, particularly those built in the early stages of exploration, contain large unknown portions and high uncertainty. In addition, quantification and communication of uncertainty in 3D models is difficult and is usually not attempted. This can result in an unfortunate impression among decision-makers that an attractive and colorful 3D model construct implies that we understand more about the subsurface than we actually do. Poor decisions can follow. A central factor in this problem is the practice of constructing a single 3D model in support of decisions. We recommend instead an approach which involves multiple working hypotheses and multiple 3D models. As certain aspects of the models are tested with new data, the uncertainty declines and the differences between the models may decrease. For such a multi-model approach to be viable, the resource team must have the capability to construct 3D models with ease, quickly, and at an affordable cost. In this paper, we provide an overview of the various types of 3D models currently used in geothermal exploration, describe some software tools that are available to facilitate 3D model construction, and discuss the value and limitations of visualizing and modelling data in 3D. |