Future Geology Department Ideas

3D printing has many possible uses for the Department of Geology and Earth Science here at James Madison University.

Seeing the Earth Beneath Our Feet:

3D printing can be used to help visualize the earth below our feet and see models in 3 dimensions. A ZPrinter® 650 3D printer at Durham University is being used to print 3D maps of surface ruptures related to the cataclysmic earthquake that devastated the Italian Apennine region of Abruzzo. They have created colorful 3D models of local geology that help students truly visualize what is going on beneath the earth.

C Tech’s MVS and Earth Volumetric Studio software has begun designing 3D models of Earth and how layouts of towns and environments both above and below eye level. For example, they created a model that showed soil levels and the sea floor of the ocean. The model also broke down the layout of the terrain that would show different layers of earth.

3D Printing Surface Terrain Data:

The video below shows the 3D printing of surface topography of Mount Rainier. 3D models have traditionally been on the computer and actually being able to see a real world model is not as common. 3D printers could change this completely.

3D Printing Fossil Models:

Zoologists  have also used 3D printing to help with understanding fossils from the Jurassic Coast (Southern Coast of England). The zoologists are printing examples of rocks with indentations from fossils that have deteriorated over time. This helps to understand the species that existed throughout history.

3D Printing Caves:

Caving maps are 2 dimensional  and it is often hard for cavers to visualize what they see on paper in 3D. They could use the dimensions of mapped caves that have been mapped by geologist or geographers to create 3D printed models. This will help cavers because they will be able to see all dimensions of the cave and truly be able to see what they are getting into before they go underground.

3D Printing Crystal Models

The 3D wooden models used to study the crystal systems are very expensive to buy. They are only made in small batches and cost thousands of dollars for a full set. I have started 3D printing the basic crystal classes but there is still much work to be done. There are hundreds of models to design and print still. It now costs no more than a couple dollars for each model.

3D Printing at Geological Society of America:

Scientists at this years Geological Society of America’s convention displayed their 3D printings in which they printed rocks in space, fragile fossils, and other geological data. These printings are especially beneficial for students who are just starting to learn about geology because 3D help to draw the dots that 2D images sometimes overlook or become confusing. The printings help to show the pores of rocks, and how they look when cracked open that would make the teachings of rocks much easier due to the fact the students will have easier access to the rocks, rather than having to have specific rocks to show the pores. This technology allows teachers to teach more efficiently because they have accurate hands on models.