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Speaker: Casey Kuo, University of Houston, PhD Student

Enchanted Rock is a granite dome in central Texas known for its unusually large and smooth exposure which has been unexplored using geophysical methods. We performed one of the first geophysical investigations targeting this area through the use of an aerial drone, ground-penetrating radar (GPR), and seismic reflection surveys. We developed a high-resolution orthomosaic map, terrain elevation measurements, and contour maps with 1-inch ground sampling. For high-resolution near-surface mapping we employed GSSI GPR which imaged several aplite dikes. We also completed two of the first seismic survey lines along the slope to image the internal structure. From the seismic surveys, we identified two seismic interfaces or three distinct layers. Based on the geologic background and seismic structure, we interpret the internal structure of Enchanted Rock as a stratified, “shell-like” dome, where the outermost shell has experienced significant weathering, the second layer has been slightly weathered, and the third deepest layer is un-weathered. The outer layer also thickens towards the peak of Enchanted Rock. These investigations may further assist the understanding of inselberg formation and evolution.

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