Creating three-dimensional channel bodies in LiDAR-integrated outcrop characterization: A new approach for improved stratigraphic analysis

Abstract

In light detection and ranging (LiDAR)-integrated outcrop characterizations, coupled utilization of LiDAR-generated virtual outcrop models and the ArcGIS platform has been rarely pursued. As a consequence, there exists a limited appreciation of this coupled approach in stratigraphic analysis. This study presents a novel approach of three-dimensional (3-D) mapping of fluvial channel sand bodies in the Cretaceous Blackhawk Formation outcrops in Utah by exporting quantitative information from a high-resolution (~10 cm) virtual outcrop model into ArcGIS. The adjoining and near-circular character of six contiguous cliff faces in our virtual outcrop model provided both upstream and downstream data sets, allowing us to gather adequate spatial data points (x, y, and z coordinates for each point) for both basal and top bounding surfaces of individual channel sand bodies. For each sand body, these data points were manipulated in ArcGIS to generate a 3-D geobody, which is a realistic reconstruction of the stratigraphic preservation of that channel sand body in a sedimentary basin. The high resolution of our data set allowed the creation of this 3-D channel body down to individual channel-story level (single-story vs. multilateral). By creating and then populating all channel sand bodies of the entire Blackhawk Formation for our studied outcrop window, this technique generates a robust set of results that is useful for improved understanding of fluvial sand-body organization at a range of spatial scales, over both the short-(single to tens of thousands of years) and long-term (hundreds of thousands to millions of years). Our results are also important for improved reservoir and aquifer exploration and production strategy.

Zircon (U-Th)/(He-Pb) double-dating constraints on the interplay between thrust deformation and foreland basin architecture, Sevier foreland basin, Utah

“…Similar DZ He ages have been reported from proximal Canyon Range Conglomerate and Indianola Group samples (Pujols et al, 2020). Eastward sediment transport is also supported by NE-, ESE-, and ENE-directed paleocurrent data from the Blackhawk, Castlegate Sandstone, and Bluecastle Tongue units, respectively (e.g., Lawton, 1986b;Yoshida, 2000;Edwards et al, 2005;Lawton et al, 2007;Sahoo and Ganid, 2015). Derivation of sediment from the Charleston-Nebo salient in northern Utah is supported based on the following lines of evidence: (1) There is a relatively high percentage of Paleozoic DZ He ages (30%) in the Book Cliffs (up to 40% in the Price River Canyon), which is higher than that observed in the Canyon Range bedrock (<25%) and Campanian Pass Canyon Member wedgetop deposits (<10%) (Fig.…”

“…The quartz-rich nature of the Castlegate Formation is in agreement with proximal equivalents, including the Sixmile Canyon and Castlegate-Price River (proximal conglomerates) Formations, and the Leamington Canyon and Pass Canyon Members (Lawton, 1986b;Horton et al, 2004;Lawton et al, 2007). Although compositional and paleocurrent data in the Wasatch Plateau and Book Cliffs clearly indicate an overall western derivation (e.g., Fouch et al, 1983;Lawton, 1986a;Horton et al, 2004;Sahoo and Ganid, 2015), the source of the major mineral fractions in the distal foreland basin deposits cannot be further resolved, as both the Canyon Range and Charleston-Nebo salient contain compositionally equivalent strata (Lawton, 1986b;Lawton et al, 2003;Horton et al, 2004;Lawton et al, 2007). Numerous other regional provenance studies have employed DZ U-Pb geochronology to more distal Cordilleran foreland strata on the Colorado Plateau, including the Book Cliffs, with the purpose of tracing sediment sourcing from the Sevier orogenic belt, the magmatic arc, and Mogollon Highland sources (e.g., Gehrels, 2008a, 2009a;Lawton and Bradford, 2011;Dickinson et al, 2012;Bartschi et al, 2018;Pettit et al, 2019).…”

Predictable patterns in stacking and distribution of channelized fluvial sand bodies linked to channel mobility and avulsion processes

“…2D) and geographic information system (GIS) application. For procedures of lidar acquisition and processing, and 3-D sand body mapping, see the Supplemental Material, and Sahoo and Gani (2015). Lidarbased sand body mapping and architectural analysis were constrained by paleocurrent, facies, and architectural data of sand bodies collected from accessible parts of the cliff faces ( Fig.…”

Geological Analysis of Martian Rover‐Derived Digital Outcrop Models Using the 3‐D Visualization Tool, Planetary Robotics 3‐D Viewer—PRo3D

“…Recent advances in 3‐D Digital Outcrop Model (DOM) data collection, visualization, and tool development have greatly improved analysis techniques and understanding of terrestrial data sets (Adams et al, ; Buckley, Howell, et al, ; Buckley, Vallet, et al, ; Buckley et al, ; Enge et al, ; Fabuel‐Perez et al, ; Hodgetts, ; Pringle et al, , ; Rarity et al, ; Sahoo & Gani, ; van Lanen, ; van Lanen et al, ; Verwer et al, ; Viseur et al, ). These studies rely on multiple data sets derived from LiDAR scanning, photogrammetry, digital photography, as well as field collected data and are typically used to populate statistical models to assist in hydrocarbon and mineral exploration.…”