IMPLEMENTATION OF MODERN TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES FOR DIGITAL MAPPING IN THE LOWER MOUNT ROGERS FORMATION, SW VIRGINIA

The lower Mount Rogers Formation (LMRF) in SW Virginia comprises > 760 m.y. old clastic sedimentary deposits intermixed with bimodal volcanic rocks, now metamorphosed to low grade. These rocks record initial, aborted rifting of the Rodinian supercontinent that occurred some 200 m.y. before successful rifting and opening of Iapetus. Preliminary mapping indicates that the LMRF is dominated by alluvial fan deposits, possibly formed in a rifting environment with pronounced horst and graben topography. This comprises a complex environment in which to perform geologic mapping. An alternative approach to traditional geologic mapping involves the use of accurate GPS systems and sophisticated geographic information systems to increase productivity and add a new dimension of data computation to geologic mapping. In the field we used a GPS system to track our location and to determine precise locations of outcrops. We then incorporated the data collected in the field into GIS software using ArcMap and ArcScene. ArcScene brings the capability of creating 3D models that accurately show geologic data in their correct geographic locations. ArcMap allows for data to be compiled in one database system that can be queried to find specific desired information, such as rock types, mineralogy, and structural data. After creating our geologic maps in ArcGIS they can then be displayed in Google Earth, which allows for a more user-friendly interface. The implementation of these geospatial systems allows for the data to be presented in two different ways, one using a platform capable of doing complex computations, and another employing a more user-friendly straightforward geospatial system.