Building simple multiscale visualizations of outcrop geology using virtual reality modeling language (VRML)

Thurmond, John B.; Drzewiecki, Peter; Xu, Xueming

doi:10.1016/j.cageo.2005.03.007

Cited by 44 publications

(15 citation statements)

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“…3A, step 5) and as virtual reality modeling language (VRML) object files. VRML files are extremely versatile multiplatform, interactive objects that can be viewed in active or passive stereo and combined with other VRML files and various other data types for versatile visualization format (Thurmond et al 2004). VRML viewing applications are web-browser-type plug-in files or standalone software for cross-platform 3D model viewing.…”

Section: Data Acquisition Processing and Interpretationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Digital Outcrop Models: Applications of Terrestrial Scanning Lidar Technology in Stratigraphic Modeling

Bellian¹,

Kerans²,

Jennette³

2005

Journal of Sedimentary Research

351

246

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Laser ranging is extremely accurate and efficient. Terrestrial scanning lidar (light detection and ranging) applied to outcrop stratigraphic mapping enables researchers to capture laser range data at a rate of thousands of individual X, Y, Z and laser-intensity points per second. These data, in conjunction with complementary remotely and directly sampled data, are used to conduct high-precision facies characterization and to construct 3D geological computer models. Outcrop data are presented here to explain our workflow and to discuss the construction of rock-based 3D Digital Outcrop Models (DOMs). Reproducibility and quantification are the drivers of this methodology. High-resolution terrestrial lidar acquisition, processing, interpretation, and visualization are discussed and applied to mapping of geological surfaces in three dimensions. Laser-generated models offer scientists an unprecedented visualization medium in a quantitative 3D arena. Applications of this technology include constructing and visualizing complex 3D Earth models from outcrops for improved reservoir modeling, flow simulation in hydrocarbon and aquifer systems, and property modeling to constrain forward seismic modeling.

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Section: Data Acquisition Processing and Interpretationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Digital Outcrop Models: Applications of Terrestrial Scanning Lidar Technology in Stratigraphic Modeling

Bellian¹,

Kerans²,

Jennette³

2005

Journal of Sedimentary Research

351

246

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“…Virtual models allow for interaction with representations of many scientific phenomena. For example, anatomists can be found dissecting virtual organs (Grantcharov, et al, 2004), geologists building virtual representations of outcrop formations (Thurmond, Drzewiecki & Xu, 2005), and biochemists viewing virtual ligand binding sites (Anderson & Weng, 1999). Current hardware and software technologies allow learners and researchers to interactively manipulate, navigate, and create digital renderings of high fidelity scientific visualizations.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of interface and spatial ability on manipulation of virtual models in a STEM domain

Barrett

Hegarty

2016

Computers in Human Behavior

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Virtual models are increasingly employed in STEM education to foster learning about spatial phenomena. However, the roles of the computer interface and students' cognitive abilities in moderating learning and performance with virtual models are not yet well understood. In two experiments students solved spatial organic chemistry problems using a virtual model system.Two aspects of the virtual model interface were manipulated: display dimensionality (stereoscopic vs. monoscopic displays) and the location of the hand-held device used to manipulate the virtual molecules (co-located with the visual display vs. displaced). The experimental task required participants to interpret the spatial structure of organic molecules and to manipulate the models to align them with orientations and configurations depicted by diagrams in Experiment 1 and three-dimensional models in Experiment 2. Co-locating the interaction device with the virtual image led to better performance in both experiments and stereoscopic viewing led to better performance in Experiment 2. The effect of co-location on performance was moderated by spatial ability in Experiment 1, and the effect of providing stereo viewing was moderated by spatial ability in Experiment 2. The results are in line with the abilityas-compensator hypothesis: participants with lower ability uniquely benefited from the treatment, while those with higher ability were not affected by stereo or co-location. The findings suggest that increased fidelity in a virtual model system may be one way of alleviating difficulties of low-spatial participants in learning spatially demanding content in STEM domains.

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“…A pair of three-dimensionally modeled surfaces was displayed in the context of using virtual reality modeling language (VRML) to represent outcrop geology. They postulated that the mudstones represent carbonate mud mounds resulting from either hydrodynamic processes or construction by a cryptic organism (Thurmond and Drzewiecki 2003;Thurmond et al 2005).…”

Section: Geologic Settingmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Lastly, Thurmond et al (2005) mapped a part of the study interval using Real-Time Kinetic GPS receivers and recorded vertical transects through the outcropping units. A pair of three-dimensionally modeled surfaces was displayed in the context of using virtual reality modeling language (VRML) to represent outcrop geology.…”

Section: Geologic Settingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Architectural Characterization and Three-Dimensional Modeling of a Carbonate Channel Levee Complex: Permian San Andres Formation, Last Chance Canyon, New Mexico, U.S.A.

Phelps¹,

Kerans²

2007

Journal of Sedimentary Research

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Complete understanding of outcrop-scale stratal architectures requires extrapolation of two-dimensional depositional cross sections into three dimensions. This study integrates a high-resolution digital outcrop model with outcrop observations to create a three-dimensional geologic model of distal outer-ramp carbonate stratigraphy. Data were taken from sinuous canyon-wall exposures of the Permian San Andres Formation of Last Chance Canyon, New Mexico. A series of laterally extensive carbonate benches previously interpreted as constructional sponge mud mounds are here modeled as a channel-levee complex that is characterized by an alternating history of aggradation punctuated by erosional sediment bypass. Levee mudstones have an erosional base, contain dolomitized peloidal thin beds, and have limited faunal constituents. Primary levees were initiated as a carbonate apron and transformed into a low-relief channel-levee system as a result of deposition by dilute turbidity currents. Subsequent sediment bypass incised through the pre-established channels and into the underlying facies. The fill consists of skeletal packstone lags and fine peloidal packstones, which are correlated to coral-and sponge-bearing secondary levee deposits that drape the primary levees. Debrites, also found within some channelized areas, are thought to represent channel-margin oversteepening and slumping. Channel widths range from approximately 300 to 800 m, and channel-to-levee relief reaches up to 40 m.Three-dimensional surface models representing architectural elements of the channel-levee complex confirm outcrop observations. Surfaces that were modeled as a best fit to the three-dimensional outcrop tracings reveal development of lowsinuosity channels in previously established bathymetric lows created by earlier phases of sediment bypass and erosion. Sequence stratigraphic interpretations suggest that the channel-levee complex developed during the highstand part of a longterm transgression. The overall transgressive setting led to generation of substantial quantities of carbonate mud in more proximal areas of the ramp. Accumulated mud in the source region was transported down depositional dip during highstand parts of high-frequency cycles and resulted in growth of the levees. Carbonate channel-levee complexes are not likely to form during highstand sequences in which the source sediment is grain-dominated. Leveed channels are a viable component of deepwater carbonate settings and may be more common than has been previously recognized. Complex stratal architectures found in this channel-levee complex could be analogous to apparently gullied slopes of muddy carbonate ramps, especially those developed in transgressive sequences.

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Building simple multiscale visualizations of outcrop geology using virtual reality modeling language (VRML)

Cited by 44 publications

References 1 publication

Digital Outcrop Models: Applications of Terrestrial Scanning Lidar Technology in Stratigraphic Modeling

Digital Outcrop Models: Applications of Terrestrial Scanning Lidar Technology in Stratigraphic Modeling

Effects of interface and spatial ability on manipulation of virtual models in a STEM domain

Architectural Characterization and Three-Dimensional Modeling of a Carbonate Channel Levee Complex: Permian San Andres Formation, Last Chance Canyon, New Mexico, U.S.A.

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