Cost-Effective and High-Resolution Subsurface Characterization Using Hydraulic Tomography
ER-201212
Objective
The overall objective of this project is to provide the Department of Defense (DoD) with a cost-effective field technology for high-resolution aquifer characterization--hydraulic tomography (HT). Specific technical objectives are to (1) demonstrate HT performance estimating the spatial distribution of hydrogeologic properties; (2) illustrate that an HT survey can be readily conducted at DoD sites using an existing network of groundwater extraction/injection and observation wells; and (3) develop guidance for HT field implementation and compare costs associated with HT and conventional methods.
Technology Description
Developed with support from SERDP project ER-1365, HT involves conducting sequential aquifer hydraulic tests over a well network and jointly analyzing the complete data set to obtain a consistent interpretation of the hydrogeologic property distribution and systematically reduce the associated certainties. The hydraulic tests involve sequentially pumping and injecting water from different depth intervals or different wells while monitoring the pressure responses at other locations in the aquifer. Each drawdown data set due to pumping at a given location provides a localized snapshot of the spatial distribution of aquifer hydrogeologic properties. By jointly interpreting the complete data sets from multiple tests, a detailed, consistent, three-dimensional interpretation of the heterogeneous hydrogeologic properties can be obtained, including the spatial distribution of high- and low- hydraulic conductivity zones. Prior research has shown that HT data inherently contain more information than single well pumping tests and that the joint interpretation method is superior to conventional data analysis methods in delineating the heterogeneities. An HT demonstration will be conducted at a field-scale DoD site and a well-instrumented local-scale site. The feasibility of using ongoing pump-and-treat operations as HT surveys for characterization of the aquifer will be evaluated. Quantitative metrics based on predictability of aquifer response to alternative pumping sequence and uncertainties associated with the estimated parameters will be applied to compare the technical performance of HT with other conventional methods.
Benefits
HT will enable DoD and its subcontractors to better characterize groundwater flow at contaminated sites, improving the conceptual site model, selection of remedial alternatives, remedial system design, and performance by delineating high- and low-conductivity zones. For example, during the design of in situ remediation systems, information from HT can be used to focus the delivery of treatment reagents on portions of the aquifer where contaminant mass is present, saving capital as well as operations and monitoring costs. At the field demonstration site, HT will directly support other ongoing site efforts, e.g., estimating contaminant mass flux from source zones. Information obtained from HT will provide the basis for optimization of existing pump-and-treat systems as well as performance monitoring. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2015)
Points of Contact
Principal Investigator
Dr. Chin Man Mok
AMEC Geomatrix, Inc.
Phone: 510-316-8445
Document Types
- Fact Sheet - Brief project summary with links to related documents and points of contact.
- Final Report - Comprehensive report for every completed SERDP and ESTCP project that contains all technical results.
- Cost & Performance Report - Overview of ESTCP demonstration activities, results, and conclusions, standardized to facilitate implementation decisions.
- Technical Report - Additional interim reports, laboratory reports, demonstration reports, and technology survey reports.
- Guidance - Instructional information on technical topics such as protocols and user’s guides.
- Workshop Report - Summary of workshop discussion and findings.
- Multimedia - On demand videos, animations, and webcasts highlighting featured initiatives or technologies.
- Model/Software - Computer programs and applications available for download.
- Database - Digitally organized collection of data available to search and access.