Overview
Use 3D models to examine sedimentary textures (size, sorting, roundness, etc.) and classifications of clastic sedimentary rocks. These models are generated from multiple stitched images. With your mouse (click and hold) you can virtually rotate the image almost like you’d do with a hand specimen, and you can zoom in almost like you’d do with a hand lens. You can also wear 3D glasses for some of the images (lower R icon, just to the left of the full-size screen icon) where it says “View in VR” when you hover with the mouse. I ask you to do some measurements to help calibrate your eye and also because it helps you think more about scale, which we will see can make a difference and might give us clues.
If you could touch many of these specimens, particularly the sandstones and shales, you would be able to feel the texture and granularity. You probably have some rocks outside or around you that you can run your fingers over- try it!