Structural Visualization of Permo-Mesozoic Sediments in Northern Bavaria, Germany – Drone Photogrammetry as a practical Tool for large Areas

A major part of Northern Bavaria in Southeast Germany is covered by sedimentary rocks of the Franconian Platform (mainly sandstones, mudstones and limestones). These Permo-Mesozoic continental to shallow marine sediments overlay the Variscan basement and are partially affected by Syn-Variscan structures (Freudenberger and Schwerd, 1996). Further tectonic overprint including Permo-Mesozoic basin extension, Cretaceous inversion and Cenozoic intraplate deformation (e.g., Wiest et al. unpublished) developed a complex fault system. Regionally sparse drill core data as well as large forestry and agricultural cultivation complicate the structural interpretation of the entire area. Drone photogrammetry 3D models from locally selected limestone quarries provide a perfect insight into the structural evolution of Northern Bavaria. Centimetre to several hundreds of metres scale faults, joints and folds are clearly visible and measurable within the models. These local photogrammetry models are implemented into a large scale (Franconian Platform) interpreted 3D model which helps to understand and visualize the major structural features. The photogrammetry models can be used for regional and structural geology teaching purposes. A finished large scale 3D model will be made publicly available through the Bavarian State Office for the Environment LfU (www.lfu.bayern.de).

 

References:

Freudenberger, W., and Schwerd, K., 1996, Erläuterungen zur Geologischen Karte von Bayern 1:500 000, München, Bayerisches Geologisches Landesamt, 329 p.

Wiest, J.D., Köhn, D., Stollhofen, H., and Dengler, K., The fault network of the Franconian Platform (SE Germany) – workflow, uncertainty, scaling, implications, unpublished.