1. What is Vertical Exaggeration?

Vertical Exaggeration (VE) is the ratio of the horizontal scale to the vertical scale in geological profiles and cross-sections. It's used to emphasize subtle topographic or structural features that would otherwise be difficult to see if both scales were equal.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Vertical Exaggeration formula:

Where:

• \( Horizontal Scale \) — The map scale in the horizontal direction (dimensionless ratio)
• \( Vertical Scale \) — The scale used for elevation changes (dimensionless ratio)

Explanation: A VE of 1 means no exaggeration (true scale). Values greater than 1 indicate vertical exaggeration, while values less than 1 indicate vertical compression.

3. Importance of Vertical Exaggeration

Details: Vertical exaggeration is crucial in geological mapping and seismic interpretation to:

• Highlight subtle structural features
• Improve visualization of topography
• Accentuate stratigraphic relationships
• Make cross-sections more interpretable

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• Enter both scales as dimensionless ratios (e.g., 1:1000 would be entered as 0.001)
• Ensure both values are positive numbers
• Typical VE values range from 2 to 10 for most geological applications

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical vertical exaggeration for seismic sections?
A: Seismic sections often use VE between 2 and 5, depending on the depth and resolution needed.

Q2: How does vertical exaggeration affect interpretation?
A: High VE can make gentle dips appear steeper and amplify small features, potentially leading to overinterpretation if not accounted for.

Q3: What's the difference between VE and aspect ratio?
A: VE specifically refers to scale ratios, while aspect ratio refers to the width-to-height ratio of an image regardless of scale.

Q4: When should I avoid using vertical exaggeration?
A: Avoid when making precise measurements of dip angles or when true proportions are critical for interpretation.

Q5: How do I choose the right VE for my cross-section?
A: Choose VE that best displays the features of interest while maintaining reasonable proportions - often determined through trial and error.