A 3-D genetic approach to high-resolution geological modelling of the volcanic infill of a paleovalley system. Application to the Volvic catchment (Chaîne des Puys, France)

A novel 3D geological model of the Volvic catchment, part of France's Chaîne des Puys - Limagne fault tectonic arena (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), reveals the complex volcanic infill of a paleovalley system. The study combines genetic and geometric approaches to reconstruct the morphology of both the crystalline bedrock and overlying lava flows, emitted between 75,000 and 10,000 years ago. Using data from 99 boreholes, geoelectric profiles, morphologic clues, and petrographic analysis, researchers achieved high-resolution reconstruction despite challenges like variable borehole density and limited geological descriptions. The model provides insights into the chronology of volcanic events, though precision is constrained by the homogeneity of lava flow compositions and data gaps.

Rouquet, S., Boivin, P., Lachassagne, P., & Ledoux, E. (2012). A 3-D genetic approach to high-resolution geological modelling of the volcanic infill of a paleovalley system. Application to the Volvic catchment (Chaîne des Puys, France). Bulletin de La Société Géologique de France, 183(5), 395–407. https://doi.org/10.2113/gssgfbull.183.5.395