A 3-D GEOLOGICA MODEL OF MOUNT TIMPANOGOS, WASATCH RANGE, UTAH

We created a 3-D geological model of Mt. Timpanogos in the Wasatch Range, northern Utah, using Earthvision software. The purposes of the model were to explore the subsurface geometries of glacial and landslide features, particularly the Big Baldy slide, to determine structural geometries, and to develop methods to create a geological model of shallow features in an area of very high relief (over 7000 feet) using only surficial data (the geologic map). Timpanogos is in the Wasatch Range, a Basin and Range horst, bounded on the west by the Wasatch normal fault. Strata are primarily of the Pennsylvanian Oquirrh Mountain Group. The peak was glaciated above 8000 feet, and the west side has experienced significant landsliding in and around the Manning Canyon Shale. Modeling shallow surficial features like landslides and glacial deposits depends strongly on model resolution, in this case specifically grid node spacing. We determined the minimum areal extent we could model was several (6-10) times the grid node spacing. We created glacial deposit model units by estimating thickness by projecting nearby slopes under the deposit, and closely digitizing map contacts. We created the Big Baldy slide by estimating the basal detachment’s shape based on its mapped surface contact. The model also shows imbricated thrust faults on the northwest side of the mountain and a minor graben on the east.