department of mines, minerals and energy division of mineral resources

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


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



1962-72 DMR/USGS co-op program expanded Virginia 1:24,000 topographic map coverage from 10% to 100%.


The updates are photorevisions that updated the culture but not the contours


Existing topographic contours useless in areas of rapid man-made alteration such as coal mining


TVA did not use the same standards as the USGS when creating contours and topographic maps.


Additional DMR Uses for Detailed Digital Elevation Data

Geohazards

Mineral Resource Studies

Geologic Mapping


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



Nelson County - 1969 Hurricane Camille


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.


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


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


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


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.


department of mines, minerals and energy division of mineral resources

Documents

mineral resources1962

mineral resourcestva

etcdmme division

contoursdmme division

mineral resourcesdmr

mineral resourcesthe

property damagedmme

state agenciesdmme division