7 Geologic mapping in the digital age: products, workflows, and methodologies (Posters)

This session will highlight geologic maps and their derivatives, showcasing products that leverage innovative digital methods and workflows, novel application of remote sensing data, and integration of advanced data processing techniques.

Sunday, 22 March 2026
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
CCC, Ballroom C

Find another fold: Multifaceted approach to mapping geologic structures leveraging lidar-derived imagery

Paper number: 7-4
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 8:00 AM – 8:00 AM

Authors

Abstract

The Broad Top coal field is a synclinal outlier of Pennsylvanian strata within the Valley and Ridge physiographic province in south central Pennsylvania. While the stratigraphic framework shares affinities with the nearby Main Bituminous Field, structure within the coal field is more like the Anthracite fields of northeastern Pennsylvania. The degree of deformation increases from east to west across the coal field, with the structure within the western third of the coal field characterized by densely spaced, narrow wavelength folds and faults. Since the Pennsylvanian strata are very poorly exposed, characterizing this structure is challenging when employing traditional field methods alone.

Recently published mapping by the Pennsylvania Geological Survey in the western portion of the Broad Top coal field utilized lidar-derived imagery in conjunction with field and mine map data to resolve the structure within the study area. Fold structures were identified by their geomorphic expression in lidar imagery prior to and during field mapping efforts. Preliminary fold mapping based on lidar was consistent with field observations and structure contours from coal mine elevation data. Mapping efforts identified over 60 folds at 1:24,00 scale or larger. Approximately 40 of these structures are new features. Additionally, the axial traces of previously mapped structures were modified to conform with lidar and newly collected field data. Leveraging lidar imagery, in addition to integrating observations from multiple datasets, permitted detailed mapping in a structurally complex region.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 58, No. 2

doi: 10.1130/abs/2026NE-411189

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