Resolution of MRS applied to the characterization of hard-rock aquifers

The performance of the Magnetic Resonance Sounding (MRS) method applied to the investigation of heterogeneous hard-rock aquifers was studied. It was shown using both numerical modeling and field measurements that MRS could be applied to the investigation of the weathered part of hard-rock aquifers when the product of the free water content multiplied by the thickness of the aquifer is >0.2 (for example, 10-m-thick layer with a 2% water content). Using a currently available one-dimensional MRS system, the method allows the characterization of two-dimensional subsurface structures with acceptable accuracy when the size of the subsurface anomaly is equal to or greater than the MRS loop. However, the fractured part of hard-rock aquifers characterized by low effective porosity (<0.5%) cannot be resolved using currently available MRS equipment. It was found that shallow water in the weathered part of the aquifer may screen MRS signals from deeper water-saturated layers, thus further reducing the possibility of investigating deeper fractured aquifers. A field study using the NUMIS(plus) MRS system developed by IRIS Instruments was carried out on an experimental watershed in southern India. A heterogeneous unconfined aquifer in a gneissic formation was successfully localized, and MRS results were confirmed by drilling shortly after the geophysical study. The top of the aquifer revealed by MRS was found to be in a good agreement with observed static water level measurements in boreholes.     

Characterization of seasonal local recharge using electrical resistivity tomography and magnetic resonance sounding

A groundwater recharge process of heterogeneous hard rock aquifer in the Moole Hole experimental watershed, south India, is being studied to understand the groundwater flow behaviour. Significant seasonal variations in groundwater level are observed in boreholes located at the outlet area indicating that the recharge process is probably taking place below intermittent streams. In order to localize groundwater recharge zones and to optimize implementation of boreholes, a geophysical survey was carried out during and after the 2004 monsoon across the outlet zone. Magnetic resonance soundings (MRS) have been performed to characterize the aquifer and measure groundwater level depletion. The results of MRS are consistent with the observation in boreholes, but it suffers from degraded lateral resolution. A better resolution of the regolith/bedrock interface is achieved using electrical resistivity tomography (ERT). ERT results are confirmed by resistivity logging in the boreholes. ERT surveys have been carried out twice—before and during the monsoon—across the stream area. The major feature of recharge is revealed below the stream with a decrease by 80% of the calculated resistivity. The time‐lapse ERT also shows unexpected variations at a depth of 20 m below the slopes that could have been interpreted as a consequence of a deep seasonal water flow. However, in this area time‐lapse ERT does not match with borehole data. Numerical modelling shows that in the presence of a shallow water infiltration, an inversion artefact may take place thus limiting the reliability of time‐lapse ERT. A combination of ERT with MRS provides valuable information on structure and aquifer properties respectively, giving a clue for a conceptual model of the recharge process: infiltration takes place in the conductive fractured‐fissured part of the bedrock underlying the stream and clayey material present on both sides slows down its lateral dissipation. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Impact of gently dipping discontinuities on basement aquifer recharge: An example from Ploemeur (Brittany,France)

Classically, geological surveys of water resources in hard-rock aquifers are made from aerial photographs or geophysical techniques that basically permit to detect vertical features. On the other hand, aquifers only linked to vertical structures are very limited in space and offer in most cases very poor water resources. In the present case, we do show that an outstanding aquifer in Brittany is linked to a geological context associated with low-angle faults possibly directly connected with vertical feeders. In particular, we show through a high-resolution gravimetric survey that the highly fractured contact between granite and micaschists, which constitutes the main path for groundwater flow, is a gently dipping structure. Combined gravimetric, magnetic and geological data allowed us to establish the overall aquifer geometry by running a three-dimensional forward model. In addition, details about the shape of the contact have been obtained using an iterative scheme based on the method of Oldenburg (1974). The gravimetric model confirms the presence of sub-vertical faults that may constitute important drains for the aquifer recharge. Thus, the geological context associated with exceptional water resources for this crystalline aquifer is characterized by a sub-horizontal to gently dipping contact between granite and micaschists. Only such a geological context can allow sufficient recharge to provide the main water supply for a town of 18,000 inhabitants at an average rate of about a billion of cubic meter per year since 1991. Thus, instead of looking for possible vertical structures like in classical hard-rock hydrogeology, it appears much more efficient to detect sub-horizontal permeable fractures and faults for providing consistent water resources.     

DIRECT APPLICATIONS OF THE DAR ZARROUK PARAMETERS IN GROUND WATER SURVEYS*

The combination of layer resistivity and thickness in the so-called Dar Zarrouk parameters S and T may be of direct use in aquifer protection studies and for the evaluation of hydrologic properties of aquifers. The protective capacity of a clayey aquifer overburden is proportional to its longitudinal unit conductance S which, in terms of aquifer protection, gets a dimension of time (e.g. infiltration time). Aquifer storage in fissured reservoirs may be determined from differential conductance measurements (ΔS). Combination of the expression for ΔS with an empirical expression for electric conduction in fissured media yields a simple formula for water content per unit surface area. Both principles and possible developments are illustrated for a set of carboniferous limestone basins.     

Quantitative geophysical investigations of granular aquifers

Groundwater flow and storage in granular aquifers are much more amenable to analysis than in fissured reservoirs. The hydrological parameters used to describe the behaviour of a granular aquifer have been seen to be related to geophysical parameters in diverse water-bearing formations. This means that certain geophysical survey techniques are potentially useful as quantitative hydrogeological tools. Yet the study of these basic relationships and their subsequent field application have been disjointed and lacking in overal co-ordination. Consequently these quantitative hydrogeophysical procedures have not been applied to maximum advantage. The role of geophysics in quantitative studies of granular aquifers is reviewed in terms of the prediction of effective porosity and intergranular permeability from geophysical measurement. The potential usefulness of these methods manifests itself through the degree of correlation between hydrological and geophysical parameters observed from laboratory studies, borehole logging investigations or field survey data. Their application is exemplified through an ordered series of hydrogeophysical case histories. It is contended that the potential of geophysical methods in quantitative studies of this kind has by no means been fully exploited.     

An evaluation of methodologies for the generation of stochastic hydraulic conductivity fields in highly heterogeneous aquifers

 Stochastic techniques, such as Monte Carlo experiments, are more and more frequently used for the study of flow and transport in heterogeneous aquifers. When the aquifer is composed of distinct hydrofacies, a common way to model heterogeneity is to first generate equally-possible hydrofacies fields, and then convert these hydrofacies fields into hydraulic conductivity (K) fields by assigning a single K value to each facies. This technique assumes relative homogeneity of K within each facies but may not be appropriate for the most conductive facies that often exhibits substantial variability. In this paper, we assessed the impacts of assigning multiple random K, rather than a uniform K value, to the highly conductive facies on the results of a flow and transport model. A set of fifty stochastic hydrofacies maps depicting an environment similar to the Snake River Plain aquifer (SRPA) in south-east Idaho were generated. Simulations demonstrated that a uniform K value, if carefully chosen, can reasonably reproduce the specific discharges and early particle arrival times produced by multiple K values. Yet, the results obtained with a uniform K value are dramatically less variable than those obtained with multiple K values. It is therefore concluded that stochastic simulations with uniform K assigned to the most conductive and variable facies do not necessarily portray the entire uncertainty in the analyses.     

Combining process-based and surface-based models to simulate subsurface heterogeneity in volcanic aquifers

Realistic models of lithologic structure are critical for predicting flow and transport through heterogeneous volcanic aquifers. Existing models of lava flows based on physical processes are able to realistically simulate flow geometry and lithology, but the computational intensity limits applicability in generating entire aquifers. Fast surface-based models have been developed for hazard mapping, but these do not incorporate 3D geometry or lithology critical for hydrogeologic applications. Here we develop a hybrid modeling method (HMM) based on a combination of a process-based model (PBM) and a surface-based model. The methodologies are presented and compared to a known single flow and to each other in a full aquifer simulation. Results indicate that both the PBM and HMM simulations reasonably reproduce the flow geometry (length, branching, thickness) of the 1984 eruption of Mauna Loa in Hawai’i. Simulations of a volcanic aquifer built from 100 flows with the PBM and HMM are similar in spatial distribution and overall proportions of lithology (aa, transitional, pahoehoe, ash), flow geometry, and aquifer geometry. Thus, the hybrid method is an efficient method to generate geologically realistic models of volcanic aquifer structure. Model realism and parameterization can be improved as more field data become available.     

Karst spring responses examined by process-based modeling

Ground water in karst terrains is highly vulnerable to contamination due to the rapid transport of contaminants through the highly conductive conduit system. For contamination risk assessment purposes, information about hydraulic and geometric characteristics of the conduits and their hydraulic interaction with the fissured porous rock is an important prerequisite. The relationship between aquifer characteristics and short-term responses to recharge events of both spring discharge and physicochemical parameters of the discharged water was examined using a process-based flow and transport model. In the respective software, a pipe-network model, representing fast conduit flow, is coupled to MODFLOW, which simulates flow in the fissured porous rock. This hybrid flow model was extended to include modules simulating heat and reactive solute transport in conduits. The application of this modeling tool demonstrates that variations of physicochemical parameters, such as solute concentration and water temperature, depend to a large extent on the intensity and duration of recharge events and provide information about the structure and geometry of the conduit system as well as about the interaction between conduits and fissured porous rock. Moreover, the responses of solute concentration and temperature of spring discharge appear to reflect different processes, thus complementing each other in the aquifer characterization.     

Efficiency of joint use of MRS and VES to characterize coastal aquifer in Myanmar

The productivity and the water quality of coastal aquifers can be highly heterogeneous in a complex environment. The characterization of these aquifers can be improved by hydrogeological and complementary geophysical surveys. Such an integrated approach is developed in a non-consolidated coastal aquifer in Myanmar (previously named Burma).A preliminary hydrogeological survey is conducted to know better the targeted aquifers. Then, 25 sites are selected to characterize aquifers through borehole drillings and pumping tests implementation. In the same sites, magnetic resonance soundings (MRS) and vertical electrical soundings (VES) are carried out. Geophysical results are compared to hydrogeological data, and geophysical parameters are used to characterize aquifers using conversion equations. Finally, combining the analysis of technical and economical impacts of geophysics, a methodology is proposed to characterize non-consolidated coastal aquifers.Depth and thickness of saturated zone is determined by means of MRS in 68% of the sites (evaluated with 34 soundings). The average accuracy of confined storativity estimated with MRS is ± 6% (evaluated over 7 pumping tests) whereas the average accuracy of transmissivity estimation with MRS is ± 45% (evaluated using 15 pumping tests). To reduce uncertainty in VES interpretation, the aquifer geometry estimated with MRS is used as a fixed parameter in VES inversion. The accuracy of groundwater electrical conductivity evaluation from 15 VES is enough to estimate the risk of water salinity. In addition, the maximum depth of penetration of the MRS depends on the rocks' electrical resistivity and is between 20 and 80 m at the study area.     

DISOLV: A Python Package for the Interpretation of Borehole Dilution Tests

Single borehole dilution tests (SBDTs) are an inexpensive but effective technique for hydrogeological characterization of hard-rock aquifers. We present a freely available, easy-to-use, open-source Python package, DISOLV, for plotting, analyzing, and modeling SBDT data. DISOLV can significantly reduce the time spent interpreting field data by helping to identify flowing fractures intersecting the borehole and estimate the corresponding flow rates. DISOLV is successfully benchmarked against two analytical solutions. We also present an example application to real data collected in a borehole in a crystalline basement aquifer in southern India.     

The Investigation of Aquifer Parameters Using Multiple Piezometers

In order to investigate the aquifer parameters of a fissured layered sandstone aquifer, it was found necessary to construct and test an abstraction borehole using laboratory, double packer, geophysical and pumping test techniques. Good correlation was found between the techniques when the aquifer was represented by a fissured layered aquifer with low permeability bands separating layers of higher permeability. The use of multiple piezometers proved to be the only way of obtaining sensible results for field pumping tests and has given storage coefficients for both the confined and unconfined sections of the aquifer.     

Factors affecting the flow of aflaj in Oman: A modelling study

Shallow sloping drainage tunnels dug into the hillsides to intercept water tables are an important source of water supply in many semi-arid countries. This paper deals with the modelling of such drainage tunnels, with particular reference to the aflaj (singular falaj) of Oman; factors affecting their flow, their response to recharge and their imposition on the surrounding aquifer are investigated. The equations governing groundwater flow in unconfined aquifers are modified to realistically reproduce the observed flow response. In this way the effect of falaj flow can be incorporated into the strategy for the management of scarce water resources. The modelling results show that the falaj flow follows an exponential recession and its rate is related to aquifer geometry and parameters. The results have been used to estimate the contributing length of aflaj under various hydrological conditions and to indicate the most likely recharge mechanism for a falaj situated in wadi gravels. Furthermore, the close resemblance between the predicted falaj flow and field flow measurements, from Oman, is a measure of the model's applicability.     

Large-Scale Mapping of Hard-Rock Aquifer Properties Applied to Burkina Faso

A country-scale (1:1,000,000) methodology has been developed for hydrogeologic mapping of hard-rock aquifers (granitic and metamorphic rocks) of the type that underlie a large part of the African continent. The method is based on quantifying the “useful thickness” and hydrodynamic properties of such aquifers and uses a recent conceptual model developed for this hydrogeologic context. This model links hydrodynamic parameters (transmissivity, storativity) to lithology and the geometry of the various layers constituting a weathering profile. The country-scale hydrogeological mapping was implemented in Burkina Faso, where a recent 1:1,000,000-scale digital geological map and a database of some 16,000 water wells were used to evaluate the methodology.     

Modelling the water level of the alluvial aquifer of an ephemeral river in south-western Zimbabwe

ABSTRACT

Water from the alluvium of ephemeral rivers in Zimbabwe is increasingly being used. These alluvial aquifers are recharged annually from infiltrating floodwater. Nonetheless, the size of this water resource is not without limit and an understanding of the hydrological processes of an alluvial aquifer is required for its sustainable management. This paper presents the development of a water balance model, which estimates the water level in an alluvial aquifer recharged by surface flow and rainfall, while allowing for abstraction, evaporation and other losses. The model is coupled with a watershed model, which generates inflows from upland catchment areas and tributaries. Climate, hydrological, land cover and geomorphological data were collected as inputs to both models as well as observed flow and water levels for model calibration and validation. The sand river model was found to be good at simulating the observed water level and was most sensitive to porosity and seepage.     

Field data and flow system response in clay (vertisol) shale terrain,north central Texas,USA

The water budget in clay shale terrain is controlled by a complex interaction between the vertisol soil layer, the underlying fractured rock, land use, topography, and seasonal trends in rainfall and evapotranspiration. Rainfall, runoff, lateral flow, soil moisture, and groundwater levels were monitored over an annual recharge cycle. Four phases of soil–aquifer response were noted over the study period: (1) dry‐season cracking of soils; (2) runoff initiation, lateral flow and aquifer recharge; (3) crack closure and down‐slope movement of subsurface water, with surface seepage; (4) a drying phase. Surface flow predominated within the watershed (25% of rainfall), but lateral flow through the soil zone continued for most of the year and contributed 11% of stream flow through surface seepage. Actual flow through the fractured shale makes up a small fraction of the water budget but does appear to influence surface seepage by its effect on valley‐bottom storage. When the valley soil storage is full, lateral flow exits onto the valley‐bottom surface as seasonal seeps. Well response varied with depth and hillslope position. FLOWTUBE model results and regional recharge estimates are consistent with an aquifer recharge of 1·6% of annual precipitation calculated from well heights and specific yield of the shale aquifer. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Modelling subsurface flow conditions in a salinized catchment in south‐western Australia,with a view to improving management practices

Finite element modelling of the saturated–unsaturated surface–subsurface flow mechanisms operative in a small salinized catchment in south‐western Australia was used to help define the flow system and explain the causes of waterlogging and salinization there. Data available at the site from a previous study were used to obtain a first approximation to the flow system. Altering the properties of some of the strata gave a closer calibration. It was found that the modelled saturated hydraulic conductivity of the B horizon in the duplex soil zone needed to be at least an order of magnitude lower than that measured in order to reproduce the perching conditions observed in the field. Also, the model indicated the influence of a doleritic dyke, whose presence was confirmed by field measurement. Our analysis showed that there were two main flow systems operating in the hillslope. The first, and most dominant, was the recharge occurring through the upslope gradational soil zone and percolating down to both the deeply weathered regolith and the basal aquifer. The second flow system is an unsaturated flow system operating in the high permeability A horizon in the downslope duplex soil zone. The first system is primarily responsible for the saline seepage zone in the valley bottom. The second contributes to the waterlogging and perching occurring upslope of the seepage zone. Vertical flow through the higher permeability B horizon in the gradational soil zone in the upper slopes is a major contributor of recharge. Recharge by flow through macropores occurs where, but only where, perched aquifers develop and allow the macropores to be activated. Areas with perched aquifers occurred in downslope locations and near a doleritic dyke located upslope. Thus, the area where macropore recharge occurred was not large. The recharge rate required to maintain the piezometric levels at present values is only about 30 mm/yr (about 5% of the annual rainfall). The piezometric levels under the upper part of the catchment varied greatly with only small changes in recharge rate. A 50% reduction in recharge rate had the effect of reducing the length of the seepage zone at the end of winter by 40%. Changes in recharge rate had little effect on the extent of the perched aquifer at the end of winter. Deep‐rooted perennial forages, shrubs or trees on the gradational soil zone in the upper part of the catchment and on the zones upslope of geological barriers to flow would be required to reduce the recharge and to allow for rehabilitation of the saline valley floor. Waterlogging associated with the perched water table in the bottom part of the catchment would be best addressed by tree plantations located just upslope of the salinized zone in the valley floor. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Surface and Borehole Geophysical Methods in Ground Water Investigations

Ground water flow in karst terranes generally occurs in the solution channels of carbonate aquifers. A hydrogeologist may utilize borehole geophysical methods to identify these solution channels in aquifers. Two specific methods that are applicable in karst terrains are:
1. Natural gamma ray logging
2. Borehole caliper logging.
Gamma ray logging can detect the presence of inter-bedded strata in the main limestone unit, such as shale, which emit high levels of gamma radiation. Gamma ray logging can also detect clay deposits in solution channels that may act to restrict the flow of ground water. The areal extent of these rock strata or clay-filled solution channels can be determined when gamma ray logs are conducted at several borehole locations across the site of investigation.
Borehole caliper logging can be employed to determine the presences of solution channels within the aquifer when penetrated by a borehole. In addition, since shale layers and clay filling are less resistant than the surrounding limestone, the caliper log may detect both the presence and the thickness of shale or clay layers in the aquifer.
Gamma ray logs can be used in conjunction with caliper logs to provide data on the stratigraphic location and thickness of solution channels and clay and shale layers within a limestone aquifer. This information is valuable to the hydrogeologist performing investigations at sites located in limestone terranes because ground water flow preferentially occurs along solution channels.     

Including Vertical Fault Structures in Layered Groundwater Flow Models

Accurate representation of groundwater flow and solute transport requires a sound representation of the underlying geometry of aquifers. Faults can have a significant influence on the structure and connectivity of aquifers, which may allow permeable units to connect, and aquifers to seal when juxtaposed against lower permeability units. Robust representation of groundwater flow around faults remains challenging despite the significance of faults for flow and transport. We present a methodology for the inclusion of faults utilizing the unstructured grid features of MODFLOW-USG and MODFLOW 6. The method focuses on the representation of fault geometries using non-neighbor connections between juxtaposed layers. We present an illustration of the method for a synthetic fluvial aquifer. The combined impact of the heterogeneous aquifer and fault offset is clearly visible where channel features at different depths in the aquifer were connected at the fault. These results highlight the importance of representing fault features in groundwater flow models.