UAV- and SfM-related techniques applied to volcano-tectonics for virtual outcrops construction and geoscience communication. Examples from the North Volcanic Zone, Iceland
<p><strong>UAV- and SfM-related techniques applied to volcano-tectonics for virtual outcrops construction and geoscience communication. Examples from the North Volcanic Zone, Iceland</strong></p><p><strong>&#160;</strong><strong>Authors:</strong> Federico Pasquar&#233; Mariotto<sup>1</sup>, Alessandro Tibaldi<sup>2,3</sup></p><p><sup>&#160;</sup></p><p><sup>1</sup>Insubria University, Department of Human and Innovation Sciences&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; &#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; <sup>2</sup>University of Milan-Bicocca, Department of Earth and Environmental Science, Milan, Italy <sup>3</sup>CRUST- Interuniversity Center for 3D Seismotectonics with Territorial Applications, Italy</p><p>&#160;</p><p>Iceland offers an unparalleled chance to observe the most powerful natural phenomena related to the combination of tectonic and magmatic forces, such as active rifting, volcanic eruptions, sub-volcanic intrusions. We have focused on a number of geosites which are found in the Northern Volcanic Zone (NVZ) of Iceland; here, the following volcano-tectonic features can be observed: i) the Theystareykir&#160; Fissure Swarm (ThFS), an active rift system with a central volcano, several major faults and numerous eruptive fissures; ii) the Krafla Fissure Swarm (KFS), another major rift system marked by the presence of monogenetic cones, dip-slip faults, eruptive fissures, extension fractures and the active Krafla volcano.</p><p>In order to showcase a few, outstanding examples of the above, we have made use of UAVs integrated by the Structure-from-Motion (SfM) Photogrammetry. As is well known, the combination of UAV-digital image collection and SfM techniques has been increasingly applied to geological and environmental research. We have applied this approach to the collection of high-definition images and with the purpose of constructing 3-D models, which may be considered &#8220;Virtual Outcrops (VO)&#8221;.</p><p>We highlight that such 3-D models can be navigated in immersive Virtual Reality mode, and hence can be a key tool not only for research purposes: in fact, this is a novel, cutting-edge approach which is suitable for improving geosite popularization and geoscience communication, allowing for the engagement of a wider audience, including potential end-users from the younger generation.</p><p>&#160;</p><p><strong>&#160;</strong></p>