Development of a Cross-Border 3D Geological Model for the Lausitz: Methodology and Applications

Intensive lignite mining in the Lausitz region has significantly influenced both the environment and local communities over the past 150 years, shaping a unique cultural landscape. The region now faces a range of complex challenges – geotechnical, hydrogeological, hydrological, and energy-related – that affect not only human settlements but also the natural ecosystem. The Lausitz deposits are characterised by Cenozoic sequences resting on a northward-dipping pre-Tertiary bedrock. Tertiary strata were shaped by repeated marine transgressions interacting with paralic and terrestrial systems. Overlain by Quaternary glacial and interglacial deposits associated with eroding channels and extensive glacial deformation zones.

The study area covers an area of 11,500 km² (7,450 km² Brandenburg and 4,050 km² Saxony) and represents a sediment thickness of up to 350 m. The aim of the Project is to provide a detailed 3D model of the geological situation independent of national borders and associated political responsibilities. It will provide a spatially resolved representation of the Quaternary and Tertiary successions, serving as a fundamental tool for subsequent modelling – such as groundwater flow simulations for transboundary groundwater management in Saxony and Brandenburg.

In the current phase of the project, the focus is on developing the methodological approach, data management, statistical analysis and technical data processing. Integrating data from various sources to create accurate representations of geological formations. More than 178,000 boreholes are currently available for quantification and qualification, supported by layer information including lithological parameters and stratigraphic interpretation. Existing geological model approaches will be updated and optimized for further processing.