Geostatistical Modelling

Semi-Variogram Properties

• A semi-variogram is by definition symmetrical. That is, a similar result is obtained whether the calculation is performed from right to left or from left to right.
• For sample distances of 0 apart (that is, when samples are coincident) the semi-variogram value is also 0 given minute point samples.
• For small distances the semi-variogram value is non-zero.
• For larger distances there is a bigger value (h).

A semi-variogram is of interest because it incorporates several geological features that are important in ore deposit evaluation, such as continuity of mineralisation, the zone of influence , and dissimilarities of mineralisation in different directions (anisotropy).

Note that from this point on the term variogram will be taken to mean semi-variogram in the strict sense.