Three-dimensional sedimentary architecture of Quaternary sand and gravel resources: a case study of economic sedimentology (SW Germany)

Quaternary sands and gravels form important, yet often highly heterogeneous economic deposits. Detailed 3-D analysis of the sedimentary structure and stratigraphy of these deposits allows for an accurate estimation of exploitable material. This paper presents a case study in SW Germany reconstructing the 3-D distribution of glacial sediments based on a high-resolution, process-orientated sedimentary facies classification and lithostratigraphy integrated within the geo-modelling package gOcad. Situated along the maximal ice-extent of the Rhine glacier during the last glaciation, the study area is characterised by a morphologically prominent terminal moraine and its associated sandur, which form the stratigraphically youngest sediments of a glacial basin, partially exposed in two gravel pits. These outcrops helped to reconstruct the complex sedimentary architecture of the northern part of the glacial basin. The regional analysis is based on core data, as well as geoelectric and geomagnetic surveys. All data were integrated into km-scale, high-resolution geological 3-D models, depicting the large-scale dynamics of multiple glacier advances and retreats during the Early to Late Pleistocene. These models allow quantifying the thickness and volume distribution of exploitable sandy gravel and help to evaluate the occurrence of non-exploitable interbedded diamicton horizons. The high quality and quantity of gravels particularly north of the terminal moraine classifies the investigated area as very prospective for raw materials exploitation in the future.