WORKSHOPS
Pre-Meeting
W1. Clastic Sedimentology Workshop—Applications and Examples from the Energy Industry (Students, K–12 Teachers, and Geoscience Educators)
Thur., 8 June.
Canceled.
W2. Digital Field Methods for Sed/Strat and Structural Geology: Use of Tablet-Based Apps for Mapping and Measurements in Undergraduate Courses
1–5 p.m., Thur., 8 June. Cost $30.
Principal Organizer: Lawrence Malinconico, Lafayette College, malincol@lafayette.edu.
Description: This half-day workshop will explore the use of tablet applications for digital field mapping. We will demo and test some of the different applications listed: (1) Compasses: GeoCompass 2, Lambert, Field Compass; (2) Vertical measurements: Theodolite; (3) Mapping Programs: Clino, GeoFieldBook; and (4) Stratigraphic programs: Stratlogger. Several iPads will be available; however, participants are encouraged to bring their own iPads with apps installed. Additionally, participants will be encouraged to share their favorite geologic field apps with the group. This workshop will explore one component of "how" geologists work towards solving problems "in the field."
W4. Using Virtual Field Experiences (VFEs) to Enhance Learning in Undergraduate Geology Courses
8 a.m.–1 p.m., Thur., 8 June.
Canceled.
Post-Meeting
W3. Planning for the future of the Canadian Cordillera Array and EarthsCAN
Sun., 11 June. Cost $30.
Principal Organizers: Dave Eaton, University of Calgary, eatond@ucalgary.ca; Jeff Freymueller, University of Alaska Fairbanks, jfreymueller@alaska.edu; Rick Aster, Colorado State University, rick.aster@colostate.edu; Katherine Boggs, Mount Royal University, kboggs@mtroyal.ca; Julie Elliott, Purdue University, julieelliott@purdue.edu; Roy Hyndman, Natural Resources Canada, Roy.Hyndman@canada.ca; Lucinda Leonard, University of Victoria, lleonard@uvic.ca, Kristin Morell, University of Victoria, kmorell@uvic.ca, Mike Schmidt, University of Calgary, michael.schmidt@ucalgary.ca; Derek Schutt, Colorado State University, derek.schutt@colostate.edu.
Description: In the spirit of the collaboration that was central to coordinating the Lithoprobe transects, during this workshop we will be planning out the initial phases of the Canadian Cordillera Array. This workshop is intended to expand on the presentations from session T1. From Earthscope to EarthsCAN and the Canadian Cordillera Array. Are you curious? Would you like to be involved? Do you have suggestions for innovative sensors or applications for an array of telemetered observatories? If so, please come to this workshop.
W5. Virtual Geological Tours - 3-dimensional Geological Modeling of Outcrops utilizing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Sun., 11 Jun. Cost $30.
Principal Organizers: Rudy Strobl (Executive Director, EnerFox Enterprises); Milovan Fustic (Adjunct Professor, University of Calgary); Rob Davies (Director of Field Operations, Automated Aeronautics).
Description: This half-day course provides an introduction to the application of 4k video and 3-dimensional models created with the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV’s). UAV’s appropriately equipped with specialized cameras provide low cost, reliable, timely, comprehensive images and data for all outcrops regardless of size or dimension. Images and data obtained from UAV’s are particularly effective for studying exposures, which are steep, inaccessible and remote.
Scientific applications are presented using high-resolution video and 3-d models of the Lower Cretaceous McMurray Formation oil sands. These exposures represent large-scale tidally influenced fluvial point bar successions. Previous studies were challenged by nearly vertical exposures 70m high and 1.6 km long limiting our ability to measure geological features or accurately map the associated stratigraphy. Detailed sedimentology, statistics on bed lengths, measurements of geological features and reservoir characterization over the length of the outcrop are now possible with the complementary UAV images and data.
Teaching applications with examples of shoreface, tidal delta, and distributary mouth bar successions of the Upper Cretaceous Castlegate and Blackhawk Formations (Eastern Utah Book Cliffs) will also be highlighted. Comprehensive sedimentological studies and nearly ideal visualization are now possible with the 3-dimensional models created.
The course will include practical tips and tools, how to use UAV’s safely, and an introduction to appropriate software and processing of these data and images. A brief summary of aviation protocol and licensing requirements for operating UAV’s will also be addressed.
Virtual geological tours and 3-dimensional modeling are now possible with current technology. Join this course to learn more about this rapidly growing scientific research and teaching tool.