Department of Mines, Minerals and EnergyDepartment of Mines, Minerals and EnergyDivision of Mineral ResourcesDivision of Mineral Resources
Virginia’s geological survey since 1835Virginia’s geological survey since 1835
Key Responsibilities
Geologic Mapping
Mineral Resource Studies
Geohazards
Geologic Research
Development of underlying geologic framework
Maintain Repositories and Archives
Publish and Disseminate Geo-Information
Act as geologic advisors to state agencies
DMME - Division of Mineral Resources
Accurate elevation data and topo maps are essential for geologic studies
Topographic maps provide the base upon which geologic maps are created
Allows three-dimensional calculations of featuresRock formations, contacts, faults, ore bodies, overburden,
trends, etc
DMME - Division of Mineral Resources
DMR Criteria for Useful/Ideal Elevation Data
Bare-earth digital elevation data
High resolution
Scalable
Ability to generate contours to USGS standards
Can reacquire periodically for monitoring change
Defines detailed features on steep slopes
Detects holes, pits, and local subsidence
Detects faults and other linear trends
DMME - Division of Mineral Resources
DMME - Division of Mineral Resources
1962-72 DMR/USGS co-op program expanded Virginia 1:24,000 topographic map coverage from 10% to 100%.
DMME - Division of Mineral Resources
The updates are photorevisions that updated the culture but not the contours
DMME - Division of Mineral Resources
Existing topographic contours useless in areas of rapid man-made alteration such as coal mining
DMME - Division of Mineral Resources
DMME - Division of Mineral Resources
TVA did not use the same standards as the USGS when creating contours and topographic maps.
DMME - Division of Mineral Resources
Additional DMR Uses for Detailed Digital Elevation Data
Geohazards
Mineral Resource Studies
Geologic Mapping
DMME - Division of Mineral Resources
Mapping of slope susceptibility to landslides and debris flows
Geohazards
Improved mapping of historical landslides and debris flows
1969 Nelson Co• Occurred at night
•150 Dead
• $116+ million property damage
1995 Madison Co• Occurred during the work day
• 1 Dead
• $100+ million property damage
0
2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
14,000
16,000
18,000
20,000
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2006 est
County Population by Decade
Po
pu
lati
on
Nelson CountyMadison CountyGreene County
1969 Nelson
1995 Madison
DMME - Division of Mineral Resources
DMME - Division of Mineral Resources
Nelson County - 1969 Hurricane Camille
DMME - Division of Mineral Resources
North Carolina Landslide Hazards Program
In 2004, Hurricanes Frances and Ivan triggered landslides in NC’s western mountains.
Impact: 5 deaths
16 homes destroyed
140 total landslides
Response: a series of digital county maps to enable communities to evaluate and reduce the risks of building homes and other
structures in landslide-prone areas of the NC mountains.
High-resolution LiDAR and post-hurricane imagery, along with decades of previous soil and geologic mapping are critical data sets needed to make the maps.
DMME - Division of Mineral Resources
Assessment of unstable slopes above surface water impoundments in coalfields, and others
Assess potential for “blowouts” from underground coal mines
Subsidence related to mining
Karst-related sinkholes and potential for their development
Mapping of slope susceptibility to landslides and debris flows
Geohazards
Improved mapping of historical landslides and debris flows
Improve Mine Rescue Planning
Assessment of trends and controls of mineral occurrences
DMME - Division of Mineral Resources
Mineral Resource StudiesMineral Resource Studies
Accurate locations of coal outcrop lines
Accurate locations of surface mines
Accurate surface elevations for 3D modeling of SW VA coalfield
Mapping surface fracture systems impacting production and safety
3D models aid planning for drilling coalbed methane and unconventional gas targets
Reclamation of Reclamation of Abandoned Mine Lands Mine Lands
Before and after photographs ofStraight Hollow Gob Pile Project
DMME - Division of Mineral Resources
Elevation data is necessary to assess the difference between current and Approximate Original Ground contours, as required by SMCRA
Accurate elevation data enable volumetric calculations of Accurate elevation data enable volumetric calculations of spoil piles, tailings, and valley fills, reducing the cost of spoil piles, tailings, and valley fills, reducing the cost of reclamation to state and the operator.reclamation to state and the operator.
Geologic Mapping
Identification and accurate location of contacts, faults, other surface features
Differentiation between surface and bedrock geology
Accurate DEM provides greater regional perspective and improves planning and effectiveness of fieldwork
Mapping the geologic framework that is essential for groundwater characterization studies
Reviews of Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
Coastal erosion and beach re-nourishment
DMME - Division of Mineral Resources
Figure 4 A from 2006 article “Mapping Active Faults in the Houston Area Using LIDAR” by Richard Engelkemeir, Shuhab Khan, and Carl Norman – University of Texas
Figure 4 B from 2006 article “Mapping Active Faults in the Houston Area Using LIDAR” by Richard Engelkemeir, Shuhab Khan, and Carl Norman – University of Texas
DMR’s Interest Summary
We are seeking an optimal mix of available tools and processes that will provide elevation data at an appropriate level of scientific accuracy and cost effectiveness to fulfill our mission.
DMR’s highest priorities for elevation data are: Blue Ridge MtnsSW Virginia coalfieldValley & Ridge karst terrains
Acquire as soon as possible. Possible pilot test in one or more of above areas.
DMME - Division of Mineral Resources
DMME - Division of Mineral Resources