New paradigms in subsurface prediction

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Characterisation of the shallow subsurface has become increasingly important as civil, geotechnical, and environmental applications rely on precise definitions of geomechanical and geohydrological properties. Understanding subsurface conditions benefits governments, industry, and individuals alike. The late 1980s saw the emergence of subsurface geological modelling as an economic and technological reality, driven by research in 3-D geoscientific information systems, particularly in the petroleum exploration sector. Investigations in the shallow subsurface have introduced additional requirements that are now technically and economically feasible. The urban underground environment, where many infrastructure and utility elements reside, poses significant characterisation challenges. Subsurface modelling techniques have advanced alongside modern database concepts, and the evolution of Internet and Web-browser technologies has enhanced information transmission and dissemination. These models are increasingly integrated with decision-support systems to predict technical and economic performance. However, even the most advanced models still carry some uncertainty in geological interpretation, prompting the development and evaluation of various techniques to assess this uncertainty.