Illuminating a Deforming Landscape: Mapping and Analyzing Fault Scarps with Lidar Across Oregon

Reed Burgette

Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries  

Lidar topographic data are revolutionary for visualizing and analyzing the landscape. Coverage of Oregon by high-resolution lidar data (≥ 8 points per square meter) is nearly complete, and the Oregon Lidar Consortium led by DOGAMI distributes free data to the public for myriad applications. Additionally, large areas of the state are covered by repeat projects, enabling measurement of landscape change. Imaging the bare-earth surface below the vegetation canopy in the Pacific Northwest has revealed previously unknown landforms including landslides, volcanic features, and geologic contacts across the region. Lidar data from forested landscapes have been particularly important for recognizing and characterizing active fault systems. We are using the statewide lidar data to systematically update the Quaternary fault database for Oregon(ORQ-Faults). This presentation will provide an update on Oregon lidar status, initial results of the ORQ-Faults project, and progress toward efficiently and consistently characterizing heights and shapes of Quaternary fault scarps. Improved active fault mapping and analysis will contribute to better understanding of seismic hazards and the tectonic role of faulting across Oregon.  

Please join us at:

Worthy Brewing (eastside location)

In the Hop Mahal Room

5:30 pm social hour

7:00 pm presentation

COGS talk are free and open to the public -- all are welcome! Please join us for the social hour before the presentation.

All presentations are also live-streamed through Zoom. There will be a registration link at the top of this page as we get closer to the date of this presentation.