Stratal patterns and lithofacies of an intact seismic-scale Carboniferous carbonate platform (Asturias, northwestern Spain): A virtual outcrop model

Among the more challenging questions in geology are those concerning the anatomy of sedimentary bodies and related stratal surfaces. Though significant progress has been made on the interpretation of depositional environments, little systematic data are available on their dimensions and geometry. With the recent advances in computer power, software development and accuracy of affordable positioning equipment, it has now become possible to extract high-resolution quantitative data on the anatomy of sedimentary bodies. In Asturias, northwestern Spain, aerial photography provides continuous 2-D cross-sections of a seismic-scale, rotated to vertical, carbonate platform margin of the Early Carboniferous. Digital elevation models, orthorectified aerial photographic imagery and ground verification of stratal surfaces generated the elements that are required to reconstruct the true dimensions, angular relationships of bedding planes and the spatial distribution of facies units in this platform margin. Along with biostratigraphy this provides sufficient constraints to estimate rates of progradation, aggradation, growth and removal of sediments in the slope environment. Here we present a methodology to create outcrop models and integrate complementary types of data that provide new insights in sedimentology that were previously unattainable.