GeoCrack: A High-Resolution Dataset of Fracture Edges in Geological Outcrops

We have developed an extensive dataset of annotated fracture edges, amenable towards the the training and testing of multifarious deep learning architectures, such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and Vision Transformers (ViTs), which to our knowledge is the first of its kind. This dataset includes images of rock outcrops from 11 geologically diverse and extensively characterized study areas, with digital photographs captured using both terrestrial and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) based surveys. Outcrop images were acquired from surveys conducted within Europe (Greece and Italy) and the Middle East (Oman and the United Arab Emirates). This approach targeted diverse geological formations and conditions to document the inherent variability in natural rock fractures. Specifically, images from Aurisina quarry, Balmuccia, Bagnoli Quarry, Cava Scoria, Maghlaq fault, San Lorenzo quarry, Torrioni Monrupino, Villa Giulia park, Vliziana, Wadi al Muaydin, and Wadi Bih were captured using a range of camera models and lens specifications. The study sites exhibit a variety of host lithologies that provide valuable insights into natural fracture mechanics. The Aurisina quarry in Italy features Cretaceous limestone rich in rudists. The Bagnoli Quarry at Mt. Carso, Italy, contains Eocene shallow-water limestones with large foraminiferal content. Balmuccia peridotites in Val Sesia, Italy, consist of ultrabasic rocks. Cava Scoria in Italy also presents Eocene shallow-water limestones. The Maghlaq fault in Malta showcases the Oligocene Lower Coralline Limestone Formation. San Lorenzo quarry in Italy shares similar Eocene limestones as Cava Scoria. Torrioni Monrupino in Italy has alternating Cenomanian limestone-dolomite layers. Villa Giulia park in Italy comprises Flysch units of sandstones and marls. Vliziana in Greece contains Paleocene-Eocene resedimented limestones. Wadi al Muaydin in Oman features Cretaceous Natih Formation limestones, and Wadi Bih in the UAE exposes Triassic dolomitized carbonates of the Ghail Formation. These varied geological settings provide a comprehensive view of different rock types and discontinuity styles, which is essential for understanding natural fracture mechanics.