PRESERVING THEIR JOURNEYS: PHOTOGRAMMETRIC PRESERVATION OF THE FOSSIL TRACKS WITHIN ZION NATIONAL PARK, UTAH, USA

Zion National Park possesses extensive geologic features that compose the dramatic landscape of the Zion Canyon. The geologic record within Zion National Park (Lower Permian–Upper Cretaceous) contains a diversity of fossil types including trace fossils, invertebrate and vertebrate body fossils, and plant fossils. Surveys from 2012 highlighted a total of 21 paleontologic sites selected for routine monitoring, 16 of which are fossil tracksites. Zion National Park is an erosionally active area, where rockfall caused by erosion is a major geologic hazard. At the center of the Zion Canyon, the Virgin River has carved out 400 m of sediment within the last 1 million years. The severe erosional processes within Zion National Park put the 16 fossil tracksites outlined for monitoring at risk.

To preserve this paleontologic data, photogrammetric models of each tracksite were made. We used Agisoft Metashape Professional (version 1.7) to produce 3D and digital elevation models (DEMs) of the 16 fossil tracksites outlined for monitoring. These models were then uploaded to the 3D digital data archive MorphoSource. Photogrammetric models allow for remote study to occur regardless of the condition of a site following model generation. Tracksite condition can also be better measured through future model generation, overlap, and analysis. Furthermore, physical models of photogrammetry can be made via 3D printers, allowing for replica material to be made for museum exhibits. By applying photogrammetry to tracksite monitoring at Zion National Park, tracksite data can be better preserved for future research and the enjoyment of all park visitors.