Advisor Information
Dr. Harmon Maher
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
1-3-2019 10:45 AM
End Date
1-3-2019 12:00 PM
Abstract
Slim Buttes, located in NW South Dakota, is one of the few areas north of the Black Hills where the geology of the White River Group are well exposed, including the Chadron Formation and the overlying Brule Formation. Cliff exposures of these formations locally stretch semi-continuously for several kilometers. There is a major angular unconformity between the overlying Arikaree Group and faulted Brule Fm. strata. Both units contain evidence of nested river channel complexes, with > 15 m of relief on individual channels. Building upon previous studies at Slim Buttes, drone/UAV technology was used to capture and map some of these formations in order to create 3D virtual outcrops that can be studied offsite and expand/complement previous findings. Collecting photogrammetric information in 3D and being able to model it in a quantifiable format gives the geologic community a powerful tool to add to traditional field work. This data can be ultimately shared with other geology professionals and academic entities. The final product is a high resolution, photo-realistic 3D model from which measurable features can be extracted, including the orientations of fractures and cross beds, stratigraphic thicknesses, and xyz positions. Analysis is presently focused on identifying evidence of river channel morphology and fill architecture, as well as any lateral propagation of these channels. In our case, using UAV photogrammetry to map these geologic features not only provided visual access to normally inaccessible areas, it also provided the ability to gather large amounts of data in a short amount of time.
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Mapping Slim Buttes Stratigraphic and Structural Features by UAV Photogrammetry
Slim Buttes, located in NW South Dakota, is one of the few areas north of the Black Hills where the geology of the White River Group are well exposed, including the Chadron Formation and the overlying Brule Formation. Cliff exposures of these formations locally stretch semi-continuously for several kilometers. There is a major angular unconformity between the overlying Arikaree Group and faulted Brule Fm. strata. Both units contain evidence of nested river channel complexes, with > 15 m of relief on individual channels. Building upon previous studies at Slim Buttes, drone/UAV technology was used to capture and map some of these formations in order to create 3D virtual outcrops that can be studied offsite and expand/complement previous findings. Collecting photogrammetric information in 3D and being able to model it in a quantifiable format gives the geologic community a powerful tool to add to traditional field work. This data can be ultimately shared with other geology professionals and academic entities. The final product is a high resolution, photo-realistic 3D model from which measurable features can be extracted, including the orientations of fractures and cross beds, stratigraphic thicknesses, and xyz positions. Analysis is presently focused on identifying evidence of river channel morphology and fill architecture, as well as any lateral propagation of these channels. In our case, using UAV photogrammetry to map these geologic features not only provided visual access to normally inaccessible areas, it also provided the ability to gather large amounts of data in a short amount of time.