6 Undergraduate Research (Posters)
Monday, 16 March 2009
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
SITE DOCUMENTATION OF GLOBAL STRATIGRAPHIC SECTIONS AND POINTS (GSSP) THROUGH METHODS OF THREE DIMENSIONAL GEOLOGIC MODELING. CASE STUDY: THE WAL-MART SECTION OF TEN MILE CREEK, DALLAS TEXAS
Paper number: 6-6
Program: Theme Sessions
Time: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Authors
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Brian BurnhamThe University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX
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Mohammed AlfarhanThe University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX
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Lionel WhiteThe University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX
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Ignacio PujanaThe University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX
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Carlos AikenThe University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX
Abstract
There are various types of three-dimensional modeling techniques which can be used for the creation of accurate geologic models. One of these techniques is through the use of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) in cooperation with Real Time Kinematic (RTK) GPS to globally reference the model. Three dimensional data capture of the former candidate Global Stratigraphic Section and Point (GSSP), for the Coniacian/Santonian boundary located in the Wal-Mart Section of Ten Mile Creek, is an example of a new way to provide documentation as well as a tool where a variety of references can be recorded. GSSPs defined by the International Commission of Stratigraphy are sections which contain geological events and biostratigraphic facies connected to a specific time boundary that can be used to identify such points on a global scale. Creating a detailed virtual model of the section and implementing biofacial, lithofacial, geological events, geochemical analysis and structural data to the model will help to document the site in full, and provides a way to measure changes on the outcrop. Upon completion, the accurately georeferenced model will provide a virtual database that can be globally accessed for future applications.