Three-dimensional modelling of a complex metamorphic nappe stack from field survey only: the case study of the Aosta Valley (Italian NW-Alps)

Three-dimensional structural modelling of complex metamorphic settings is an extremely challenging task. In these settings, rocks sequences record multiple ductile and brittle events, leading for instance to refolded fold structures, isoclinal folds and dense network of faults. In this contribution, we build a 3D structural model of a portion of the highly deformed core of the Alpine orogeny in the North-Western Italian Alps, by using field data (1:10,000 geological map and a dense database of structural stations) as unique input source. Our model area has an extension of ca. 1,300 km² and a vertical elevation difference between the highest mountains (e.g., Cervino-Matterhorn) and the valley floors of ca. 4,000 meters, reflecting a truly three-dimensional dataset.

Our workflow expects a first phase of orientation statistics study of the structural field database, followed by structural interpretation in vertical cross-sections and 3D interpolation using implicit surfaces and structural constraints. The implicit approach allows us to propagate field data and geological interpretation through mathematical constraints and to obtain structural interfaces reflecting observations.

After introducing the new 3D structural model of the portion of the North-Western Alps, we discuss the difficulties related to geomodelling using input surface data only, by qualitatively addressing the uncertainty aspects of our workflow. We also focus on the range of geological and structural constraints that fieldwork allows us, reasoning on the distinction between observed and interpreted geological information.