Conference Agenda

In this virtual fieldtrip we will review and discuss three case studies carried out at Utrecht University utilizing virtual reality (VR) and virtual field observations (VFO) across a range of scales for the study of geologic features such as fold and fault or shear zone structures. At the laboratory scale, state-of the art Virtual Reality (VR) provides an unprecedented level of detail for the observation of the surface expression of tectonic deformation in analogue models and provides opportunities for bringing the laboratory into real world virtual environments. An outcrop-scale case-study of the sheared Rosas granodiorite in the eastern Pyrenees will be presented to demonstrate how 2D & 3D drone mapping can aid geologists in understanding relations between intermediate scale structures not directly recognizable in the field. Moreover, it will be briefly discussed how 3D drone maps can be used to extract high quality quantitative field measurements. Lastly, an educational virtual field-trip case study will be presented from the ‘Cap de Creus’ area (Pyrenees), which serves as a data science project within the Dutch component of the European Plate Observing system (EPOS-NL) project, to emphasize how a virtual environment can be used to study complex deformation structures that resulted from multiple deformation events.

Training courses in industry are being moved from face-to-face events to virtual equivalents for cost reasons but also for convenience, ie availability of online training where and when needed. This effort also comprises geological fieldtrips which in addition pose significant safety risks. On the other hand, acquiring 3D panoramic images, as well as drone footage in geological outcrops is nowadays inexpensive and easy to process due to hard- and software developments during the last decade.

This has triggered the development of virtual fieldtrips for various purposes, mainly training and development, project support via outcrop analogues often difficult to access and knowledge management. Virtual outcrop stops have been created, in which the learner can interactively interrogate the geology and conduct exercises, like what would traditionally be done at the outcrop stop during a field visit. The digital data from the outcrop locations can be combined into virtual geological fieldtrips. The Dorset coastline in the UK was selected for the first virtual fieldtrip in Shell L&D as it covers outcrops which are relevant to the hydrocarbon discoveries made in the area, like the Wytch Farm and Kimmeridge oil fields. In addition, they can also be used to explain the North Sea Petroleum systems. This is supported by available outcrops presenting source rocks, reservoirs, seals and also structures trapping hydrocarbons. The examples presented are part of a basic training set which is delivered for non-geologists (e.g. reservoir engineers, petrophysicists etc.) which is supported by a set of so-called learning nuggets, ie short training videos to complement the experience and understanding.

In the meantime, this Dorset training set has been donated to the EAGE for further use in their training programs on offer. The example clearly demonstrates the diversity of use cases for virtual field stops and the need for a global database of such outcrops documenting various depositional environments and structural regimes with their respective reservoir architectures.

Training courses in the industry are changing from face-to-face events to virtual equivalents. Although real-life field experience is missing in virtual trips, the main benefit is the availability of online training where and when needed, without travel and logistics costs.

Acquiring 3D panoramic images for this purpose, as well as drone footage in geological outcrops, has nowadays become more and more accessible and easy to process, due to fast developments in hard- and software during the last decade. This has triggered the creation of virtual fieldtrips, mainly for training and development, but also for knowledge management and project support via difficult to access outcrop analogues.

Virtual outcrop stops have been created, in which the learner can interactively gain knowledge about the geology and conduct exercises, almost like what would traditionally be done at the outcrop stops during a field visit.

Carbonates in Oman were selected for the second virtual fieldtrip in Shell L&D, as they provide essential learning points for understanding carbonate reservoirs, applicable to many of the oil fields in Oman and the Middle East. The short videos presented here are part of a basic training set for geoscientists who follow the Shell Geosciences Training Programme, which is supported by a set of “learning nuggets” to complement the experience and understanding.

This virtual fieldtrip will lead the participants into the geopark „Vulkaneifel“. The aim of the fieldtrip is a) to introduce the geopark; b) to highlight the abilities of the smartphone app OutcropWizard and c) to show the most spectacular landforms and outcrops within the geopark.

The UNESCO global geopark „Vulkaneifel“ is located in western Germany. The Eifel mountains situated to the west of the Rhine and are part of the Rhenohercynian Zone. Hence the basement rocks are Devonian sediments. These rocks are exposed in several well-known outcrops across the region. However, the landforms where the name of the geopark is derived from are volcanic in origin. This volcanism is the result of two volcanic phases. Volcanic activity started around 45 million years ago and lasted for ca 10 million years. the second phase is Quaternary and the last eruption is only ca 10 000 years ago. CO₂-degassing vents indicate ongoing subsurface magmatic activity. The Eifel has more than 350 volcanic eruption centres. World-famous are the maar-craters, whose international type locality is the Eifel. These spectacular landforms are in most cases water-filled lakes nowadays. These are locally referred to as the “eyes of the Eifel”.