GigaGeology: VIRTUAL FIELD TRIPS IN A Web2.0 WORLD

For most geologists, nothing beats the thrill of observing geological materials and processes in their natural habitat. Often, however, actual field experiences are impractical or impossible for a variety of reasons (cost, weather, accessibility, etc.). Web-based virtual field trips offer a widely-distributable alternative that can be more accessible and focused, yet still offer the opportunity for creative exploration and discovery. Moreover, web-based virtual field trips offer the ability to deliver some types of information that are not easily conveyed in the field, thus they offer a valuable supplement even when actual field experiences are available.

Innovative web-based technologies such as GigaPan photography, web video, and virtual globes can be combined in ways that make the delivery of virtual field trips more engaging, interactive and richly detailed than ever before. Utilizing this meeting's theme "from volcanoes to vineyards", a virtual field trip that illustrates Mount Rainier volcanic hazards, built utilizing these technologies, has been created and will be demonstrated. The touring capability of Google Earth serves as an organizing medium for the field trip, both spatially and chronologically, however some features of the virtual field trip are not yet fully functional in Google Earth tours and require the capabilities of a standalone web browser. GigaPans are used in both guided and interactive ways to illustrate and compare static rock and mineral relations at scales from the outcrop to the microscopic. Web video is employed to illustrate dynamic geologic processes such as river and lahar movement.

Further information about the techniques used in creating this virtual field trip as well as a compilation of other useful digital geoscience resources can be found at: http://www.outcrop.org/digitalgeology/