High-resolution Digital Outcrop Dataset of a Fossil Hyperextended Rifted Margin, Swiss Alps

Abstract. Structure-from-motion (SfM) photogrammetry provides new possibilities for the interpretation of complex geological objects and settings through the digitalization of outcrops in the form of Digital Outcrop Models (DOMs). This study focuses on the acquisition, processing, and georeferencing of 12 DOMs targeting the Err and Bernina low-angle normal faults (LANFs) in the Central Alps. This area exceptionally preserves remnants of Jurassic rifting. Extensive Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) -based field campaigns (2022–2025) over 43 km², covering 1710 m elevation difference, combined with differential GNSS and regionally-available surface data, produced 12 high-resolution DOMs and associated products (point clouds, textured meshes (DOMs), tiled models, orthomosaics, and DEMs) with centimeter to decimeter resolution. A total of 15 control points per DOM were used to georeference and quality assure the digital data assets, 5 of which function as reference check points (CPs). Within the twelve DOMs, the total ground control points (GCPs) root mean square error (RMSE) ranges from 0.02 to 1.47 m and the RMSE of the CPs ranges from 0.49 to 3.11 m. Individual DOMs within the Fossil Alpine Tethys rifted margin DOM (FATDOM) Dataset reveal detailed internal fault structures, lithological variations, fracture networks, and tectono-sedimentary relationships, offering new insights into the architecture and kinematic evolution of LANFs that also extend to the seismic scale. Comparison of our DOMs with seismic data in present-day systems can be used to bridge the scale gap between local structural observations and regional interpretations. Beyond tectonic implications, the high resolution of our resulting DOMs enables a wide range of geoscientific applications including geomorphological studies focused on the monitoring of deglaciation. The data described in this paper are available on Zenodo under https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18940068 (Morzelle et al., 2026).