3D Digital Geologic Block Models & Teaching Resources
Ryan Hollister (@phaneritic) developed a new workflow for SketchFab that is specially designed to capture the high-resolution image sets needed to compile detailed, 3D digital models of my wooden geologic block models. This effort yielded the remarkable set of 3D models below that can be easily used by students in the classroom and lab to help develop geospatial skills. Several of the activities posted on the neighboring downloads page also integrate these 3D models.
Below you will find several interactive digital SketchFab models that you can use to illustrate geologic and topographic relationships as well as activities and instructional videos (coming soon).
No. 85 – Geologic block model of a graben
No. 86 – Geologic block model of half-grabens with dike
No. 87 – Geologic block model of reverse faults with dike
No. 88a – Geologic Rule of V’s model of strata steeply dipping down valley
No. 88b – Geologic Rule of V’s model of strata shallowly dipping down valley
No. 88c – Geologic Rule of V’s model of strata dipping shallowly up valley
No. 88d – Geologic Rule of V’s model of strata dipping steeply up valley
No. 89a – Geologic block model of a reverse fault
No. 89b – Geologic block model of strike-slip faults
No. 89c – Geologic block model of a normal fault
No. 89c – Geologic block model of a thrust fault
No. 121 – Topographic map block w dipping planes
No. 122 – Topographic map block w dipping planes
No. 123 – Large topographic map block w dipping planes
No. 120 – Geologic block model of an angular unconformity with normal faults
Activities Using 3D Block models
Topographic Map Basics
This activity provides a review of the basic elements of concepts of topographic maps, including reading topographic contours, calculating relief, and recognizing slope changes.
• Handout (PDF)
Activity: Topography & Dipping Planes
This activity uses several the 3D geologic block models below to provide practice working with Rule of V’s, plotting contacts across topography, and using trigonometric methods to determine strike & dip, calculate thickness, and to plot contacts.
• Handout (PDF)