A 3D geological-hydrogeological modelling framework for southern Ontario

Presented by Hazen Russell (GSC and NRCan), at EPEX 2025: OPI's 62nd Conference and Trade Show - May 29, 2025, at the Best Western Lamplighter Inn and Conference Centre.

Download models:
Hydrostratigraphic model of southern Ontario (free online viewer): https://geo3d.pgi.gov.pl/Ontario/inde...
Bedrock model of southern Ontario (free online viewer): https://geo3d.pgi.gov.pl/Big_Data/Ont...
Surface sediment model (free online viewer): https://geo3d.pgi.gov.pl/Big_Data/Ont...
Download Hydrostratigraphic Model for Leapfrog Viewer: https://doi.org/10.4095/331098
Download Lithostratigraphic Model for Leapfrog Viewer: https://doi.org/10.4095/315045
Purchase 3D printed models: https://www.ogsrlibrary.com/3d-models

Abstract:
Divisive and competing land use and subsurface management issues in southern Ontario require an integration of disparate datasets and a coordinated geological–hydrostratigraphic–numerical flow modelling framework. This data integration provides a necessary tool for understanding an international transboundary watershed with greater than 20 percent of Canada’s population and GDP in an area of intense agriculture. The resulting consolidated framework is critical to addressing societal needs under cumulative land-use pressures, and climate change scenarios. The first step toward this endeavour was the identification of a knowledge base for the geological systems and data management challenges. This was complemented by an assessment of data support, data QA/QC processes and the representation in datasets of geological features. Following this assessment a modelling strategy was developed considering geological system scale, geographic variability, and unit heterogeneity for the bedrock and surficial geology. The outcome of data integration is a formation scale, 55-layer, bedrock lithostratigraphic model. The model domain covers 110,000 km2 with a modelled volume of over 75,000 km3. The modeling involved an iterative process of model development, model QA/QC and both data correction and review of model workflow and protocol including a confidence estimation for each bedrock layer. Following completion of the lithostratigraphic model, a similar, though simpler process was undertaken to generate a reclassified 15-layer hydrostratigraphic model. Independently, an eight-layer surficial geological model was developed for a similar terrestrial extent. In addition to borehole and geophysical data, the surficial model incorporates subsurface information from existing sub-regional (less than 10,000 km2) 3-D models. In parallel with geological modelling, a physics based, fully coupled groundwater–surface water flow model was developed in HydroGeoSphere by Aquanty Inc. A coarse model version extends to Precambrian bedrock and honours 4th order streams and a higher-resolution, 3rd order stream model extends to the base of brackish water. The framework has subsequently been applied by the Ontario provincial government for watershed groundwater modelling, the Canadian federal government for resource assessments, and regional water storage change assessments. Additional work has been completed to ensure model accessibility through application of 3D printer technology, augmented reality, virtual reality with the Ontario Oil, Gas and Salt Resources Library, and 3D model viewing in a web viewer developed by the Polish Geological Institute. These models are a demonstration of federal–provincial collaboration, recognition of jurisdictional responsibilities and commitments, institutional capacity and expertise, and the value of framework geoscience initiatives accompanied by government open data policies.
---------------------
Ontario Petroleum Institute http://www.ontariopetroleuminstitute.com
OGSR Library Website: http://www.ogsrlibrary.com
Instagram:   / ogsrlibrary  
Facebook:   / oilgasandsaltresourceslibrary  
Linkedin:   / ogsrlibrary  

All information contained herein is provided to users "as is". In no event shall OPI, OGSR Library or any third parties mentioned in the video be liable for any damages whatsoever (including, without limitation, direct, incidental or consequential damages, lost profits, or damages resulting from lost data or business interruption). Before acting on the information in this video you must verify it with a competent authority. Mention of various companies or governments in any video does not constitute an endorsement by these entities.

With Thanks to:
Hazen Russell (presenter)
Matt Dupont (video editor)
Ben “DJ Benane” Somers (outro music)
#geology #hydrogeology #3dmodeling #groundwater