A 3-D EARTH MODEL OF MT. TIMPANOGOS, WASATCH RANGE, UTAH

We constructed a three-dimensional subsurface model of Mt. Timpanogos in the Wasatch Range, northern Utah, using EarthVision software. The objective of this research was to examine the subsurface relations between various generations and types of faults and the role of strata in deformation. Typically, 3-D models are constructed from subsurface well and/or seismic data, but we constructed this model solely from published geologic maps. The challenge in modeling this way is making viable subsurface geologic interpretations in a large, unsampled volume that honor the surface data, including dips of strata and faults. The model area is between American Fork and Provo canyons, and includes normal, thrust, and landslide detachment faults in Paleozoic units, largely the Oquirrh Group. The Provo segment of the Wasatch fault bounds the model on the west. We modeled all formations shown on the geologic maps, but had to simplify some thrust splays into one representative fault to meet our deadlines. The model shows the north-south-trending Aspen Grove graben on the east side of the mountain, and the large Mt. Baldy landslide block on the west side. The Manning Canyon Shale provided the slip plane for the landslide block, in which a significant section of the Oquirrh Group strata was detached from near the top of the mountain and settled onto the shale. Sevier thrusts on the west side of the mountain have small displacements compared to the Charleston-Nebo thrust that underlies this part of the Wasatch Range at a depth below our model.