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

3D Interactive Interpretive Geologic Mapping in a Digital Framework: Methodology and Application in the Eastern Brooks Range, Northern Alaska

Paper number: 7-10
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 8:00 AM – 8:00 AM

Authors

Abstract

The Upper Marsh Fork area in the eastern Brooks Range of northern Alaska contains numerous kilometer-scale folds that are exposed in nearly profile view. The region exhibits a structural style characterized by asymmetric and thrust-truncated asymmetric folds. Previous field work comprising traditional geologic mapping combined with a novel surveying technique, published in the work of Jadamec and Wallace (2014), provides constraints on the mechanisms controlling this transition, but questions remain regarding the three-dimensional connectivity of geologic structures due to gaps in data between mapped subregions. The field area is contained within the remote Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, requiring helicopter access for certain locations and inaccessible cliff-forming outcrops. Outcrop exposures are nonetheless excellent, making the region a promising candidate for remote observation. We present a 3D interpretive bedrock map for the region based on the digitization of conventionally obtained field data and its implementation into the Google Earth Pro virtual framework. These ground truth data are used in combination with remote sensing imagery to inform the generation of a 3D interactive interpretive geologic map that intuitively communicates the structural complexity of stacked, thrust-truncated folds in the Lisburne group limestone. This visualization method delivers a virtual environment that facilitates the inference and contextualization of new observations, and may allow further constraint of mechanisms controlling the character of thrust-truncated folding in foreland fold-and-thrust belts.

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

doi: 10.1130/abs/2026NE-411502

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