Three dimensional geological modeling and survey-grade geospatial documentation of GSSPs: Using the Silurian System as a case study for the Geologic Time Scale
Final Report Abstract
Often it is impractical or impossible to compare one author’s measured section and data precisely against another author’s geographically identical measured section and data due to discrepancies in the measured thicknesses of units, variations in the assignments of litho- and chronostratigraphical terms, and/or the precise line of measured sections between authors. The Digital Integrated Stratigraphy Project (DISP) aims to integrate virtually any type of geologic/stratigraphic data into a visual, digital, cross-referenced system built upon 3D photorealistic models of outcrops. In 2011 we have scanned four sections in Wales, including the base Aeronian and base Telychian GSSPs, and four sections in England, including the base Gorstian (base Ludlow) and base Ludfordian GSSPs. These sections have been cleaned because of the International Silurian Subcommission Meeting, which was held Ludlow. Now, the project is in its second phase (not part of this application), and we are currently developing a web-based open access digital library with various resources (3D models and graphical user interfaces). Once available online as a permanent web-based digital resource for stratigraphy, researchers will be able to access the program and digital models of scanned exposures where they will have the means to log their sample positions directly onto the digital exposure while in the field, thus allowing unambiguous stratigraphical reference for future comparison. The Digital Integrated Stratigraphy Project represents the next generation of stratigraphical standard and can serve as the protocol for the future of high-resolution Palaeozoic Earth history research.
Publications
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(2012): The Digital Integrated Stratigraphy Project (DISP). Bulletin of Geosciences, 87(4), 705‐712
Munnecke, A., Cramer, B.D., Boon, D.P., Kharwat, R., Aiken, C.L., Schofield, D.I.
