Aquifer Characterization Techniques

This book presents an overview of techniques that are available to characterize sedimentary aquifers. Groundwater flow and solute transport are strongly affected by aquifer heterogeneity. Improved aquifer characterization can allow for a better conceptual understanding of aquifer systems, which can lead to more accurate groundwater models and successful water management solutions, such as contaminant remediation and managed aquifer recharge systems. This book has an applied perspective in that it considers the practicality of techniques for actual groundwater management and development projects in terms of costs, technical resources and expertise required, and investigation time. A discussion of the geological causes, types, and scales of aquifer heterogeneity is first provided. Aquifer characterization methods are then discussed, followed by chapters on data upscaling, groundwater modelling, and geostatistics. This book is a must for every practitioner, graduate student, or researcher dealing with aquifer characterization .

Provides information on where to go to find detailed guidance on how to use these techniques. Covers: remote sensing & surface geophysical methods; drilling & solids sampling methods; geophysical logging of boreholes; aquifer test methods; ground water sampling methods; Vadose Zone (VZ) hydrologic properties: water state, infiltration, conductivity, & flux; VZ water budget characterization methods; VZ soil-solute/gas sampling & monitoring methods; & chemical field screening & analytical methods. Charts, tables, graphs & drawings.

The book is an overview of the diversity of anthropogenic aquifer recharge (AAR) techniques that use aquifers to store and treat water. It focusses on the processes and the hydrogeological and geochemical factors that affect their performance. This book is written from an applied perspective with a focus of taking advantage of global historical experiences, both positive and negative, as a guide to future implementation. Most AAR techniques are now mature technologies in that they have been employed for some time, their scientific background is well understood, and their initial operational challenges and associated solutions have been identified. However, opportunities exist for improved implementation and some recently employed and potential future innovations are presented. AAR which includes managed aquifer recharge (MAR) is a very important area of water resources management and there is no recent books that specifically and comprehensively addresses the subject.

Fractured rock is the host or foundation for innumerable engineered structures related to energy, water, waste, and transportation. Characterizing, modeling, and monitoring fractured rock sites is critical to the functioning of those infrastructure, as well as to optimizing resource recovery and contaminant management. Characterization, Modeling, Monitoring, and Remediation of Fractured Rock examines the state of practice and state of art in the characterization of fractured rock and the chemical and biological processes related to subsurface contaminant fate and transport. This report examines new developments, knowledge, and approaches to engineering at fractured rock sites since the publication of the 1996 National Research Council report Rock Fractures and Fluid Flow: Contemporary Understanding and Fluid Flow. Fundamental understanding of the physical nature of fractured rock has changed little since 1996, but many new characterization tools have been developed, and there is now greater appreciation for the importance of chemical and biological processes that can occur in the fractured rock environment. The findings of Characterization, Modeling, Monitoring, and Remediation of Fractured Rock can be applied to all types of engineered infrastructure, but especially to engineered repositories for buried or stored waste and to fractured rock sites that have been contaminated as a result of past disposal or other practices. The recommendations of this report are intended to help the practitioner, researcher, and decision maker take a more interdisciplinary approach to engineering in the fractured rock environment. This report describes how existing tools-some only recently developed-can be used to increase the accuracy and reliability of engineering design and management given the interacting forces of nature. With an interdisciplinary approach, it is possible to conceptualize and model the fractured rock environment with acceptable levels of uncertainty and reliability, and to design systems that maximize remediation and long-term performance. Better scientific understanding could inform regulations, policies, and implementation guidelines related to infrastructure development and operations. The recommendations for research and applications to enhance practice of this book make it a valuable resource for students and practitioners in this field.