In three-dimensional (3-D) implicit geological modeling, the bounding surfaces between geological units are automatically constructed from lithological contact data (position and orientation) and the location and orientation of potential faults. This approach was applied to conceptualize a karst aquifer in the Middle Triassic Muschelkalk Formation in southwest Germany, using digital elevation data, geological maps, borehole logs, and geological interpretation. Dip and strike measurements as well as soil-gas surveys of mantel-borne CO₂ were conducted to verify the existence of an unmapped fault. Implicit geological modeling allowed the straightforward assessment of the geological framework and rapid updates with incoming data. Simultaneous 3-D visualizations of the sedimentary units, tectonic features, hydraulic heads, and tracer tests provided insights into the karst-system hydraulics and helped guide the formulation of the conceptual hydrogeological model. The 3-D geological model was automatically translated into a numerical single-continuum steady-state groundwater model that was calibrated to match measured hydraulic heads, spring discharge rates, and flow directions observed in tracer tests. This was possible only by introducing discrete karst conduits, which were implemented as high-conductivity features in the numerical model. The numerical groundwater flow model was applied to initially assess the risk from limestone quarrying to local water supply wells with the help of particle tracking.

在三维（3-D）隐式地质建模中，地质单元之间的边界面是根据岩性接触数据（位置和方向）以及潜在断层的位置和方向自动构建的。使用数字高程数据，地质图，井眼测井和地质解释方法，将该方法用于概念化德国西南部中三叠世Muschelkalk组的岩溶含水层。壁炉架传播的CO _2的倾角和走向测量以及土壤气体测量进行了验证以确认是否存在未映射的故障。隐式地质建模可以对地质框架进行直接评估，并可以快速更新输入数据。沉积单元，构造特征，水力压头和示踪剂测试的3D可视化同时提供了对岩溶系统水力学的认识，并有助于指导概念性水文地质模型的制定。将3-D地质模型自动转换为数字单连续稳态地下水模型，并对其进行校准，以匹配在示踪剂测试中观察到的测得的液压头，弹簧排量和流向。仅通过引入离散的岩溶导管是可能的，该导管在数值模型中被实现为高电导率特征。