Lidar technology uncovers prehistoric landslides and earthquakes, providing insights into present-day risks.
Newly released data has unveiled a network of “geological hazards” lurking beneath a portion of Yellowstone National Park, offering scientists a clearer understanding of the region’s tumultuous past and the potential risks it poses today. By utilizing lidar technology, researchers have been able to map the ground beneath dense forests and foliage, revealing the scars left by prehistoric landslides and earthquakes that have shaped one of the most geologically significant areas in the United States. This newfound knowledge not only enhances our understanding of the park but also provides valuable insights into the risks faced by the millions of people residing in the surrounding states.
Unveiling the Hidden Landscape:
Advanced geological surface mapping, a process that charts the topography of a region, has provided geologists and earth scientists with the clearest view yet of the bare ground in Paradise Valley and the corridor near the northern entrance to Yellowstone. Paradise Valley, located in southwestern Montana, surrounds a stretch of the Yellowstone River just north of the national park. The land in this region is typically obscured by dense vegetation, making it difficult to study. However, lidar technology has allowed scientists to gather a wealth of data, revealing that the terrain is marked by the remnants of major past earthquakes to a greater extent than previously known.
Understanding Lidar Technology:
Lidar, short for “light detection and ranging,” employs a sensor mounted on an airplane to survey vast areas of land. The sensor emits pulsed laser beams towards the ground, collecting information about the surface as the light pulses are reflected back. By combining this data with airborne GPS and ground control information, scientists have constructed a high-resolution digital model of the bare earth, virtually removing the vegetation. This innovative technology has revolutionized the field of geology, enabling researchers to uncover hidden geological features and better assess the risks associated with them.
Yellowstone’s Volcanic Hotspot:
Yellowstone National Park, now a protected area spanning approximately 3,500 square miles, sits atop a volcanic hotspot that has captivated geologists for years. While the chances of a volcanic eruption occurring in our lifetimes are deemed highly unlikely, the area remains of great importance due to the potential for damaging earthquakes and hydrothermal explosions. By peeling back the dense foliage and revealing the underlying terrain, geologists and hazards specialists can significantly improve hazard maps, providing a better understanding of the location, geometry, and activity of faults and landslides.
Uncovering Fault Scarps and Landslides:
The lidar data has allowed scientists to identify a detailed network of fault scarps for the first time. These uneven offsets in the ground’s surface are evidence of past earthquakes, with some extending for over 33 miles along the Emigrant fault, from Wyoming to Montana. Furthermore, fault scarps near Gardiner, Montana, are believed to be linked to the East Gallatin-Reese Creek fault system, which extends into Yellowstone National Park. The lidar technology has also revealed numerous large prehistoric landslides, some of which were so extensive that they blocked parts of the Yellowstone River, creating temporary lakes.
Updating Hazard Databases:
The Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology is now working to update the statewide fault and landslide database with the new information obtained from Paradise Valley and the northern entrance to Yellowstone. These datasets will contribute to the improvement of assessments of potentially hazardous faults and landslides, aiding in county- and state-wide mitigation efforts. Additionally, the data will be incorporated into the U.S. Geological Survey National Seismic Hazard Maps, enhancing our ability to understand and prepare for future geological events.
Conclusion:
The use of lidar technology has provided scientists with a groundbreaking view of the hidden geological hazards beneath Yellowstone National Park. By uncovering prehistoric landslides, fault scarps, and other significant features, researchers can now better assess the risks faced by those living in the surrounding areas. This newfound knowledge will contribute to the improvement of hazard maps and mitigation efforts, ensuring the safety and preparedness of communities in the region. While the chances of a volcanic eruption may be slim, the potential for damaging earthquakes and hydrothermal explosions underscores the importance of ongoing research and monitoring in this geologically active region.
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