Workshop on the Application of Geophysical & Discrete-Zone Monitoring Methods - Piedmont & Coastal-Plain Aquifers
Northeast Region, Virginia District, April 8-12, 2002

Branch of Geophysics (BG) staff recently collaborated with National Research Program (NRP) personnel to offer  a "Workshop on the Application of Geophysical & Discrete-Zone Monitoring Methods-Piedmont & Coastal-Plain Aquifers."  This subject workshop was sponsored by the Northeastern Region and the Office of Ground Water and was held at the Virginia District office in Richmond, Virginia, on April 8-12, 2002.

This workshop emphasized the integrated use of geophysical and discrete-zone monitoring methods for the geohydrologic characterization of fractured bedrock of the Piedmont and sand-and-gravel deposits of the Coastal Plain. The workshop included a series of introductory lectures; field demonstrations and data collection;  and hands-on, computer-aided analysis of the collected data.

Collection and analysis of such advanced geophysical methods as acoustic and optical televiewer, electromagnetic (EM) and heat-pulse flowmeter, EM induction, gamma- spectral, and full waveform sonic were presented. Calibration, maintenance, and repair of geophysical logging equipment were covered. Use of removable packers for water-level measurement and water-quality sampling from multiple discrete zones in boreholes was also discussed.

Dick Hodges (NRP) discusses calibration of electromagnetic (EM) induction borehole logging tool, which measures the bulk apparent conductivity of the formation immediately surrounding the borehole.

Carole Johnson (BG) explains borehole gamma-spectral logging, which is used to determine the source of gamma emission (potassium 40, uranium, or thorium).

Dick Hodges (NRP) works with VA State cooperator on new borehole logging system.

Fred Paillet (NRP) discusses electromagnetic (EM) flowmeter data collected under ambient and pumped conditions.

Acoustic-televiewer (ATV) and electromagnetic (EM) flowmeter logs collected during the course.

Optical-televiewer image of fractured granite penetrated by demonstration wells.

Students make electromagnetic (EM) flowmeter and water-level measurements in pumped well during a cross-hole flow test.

Students make heat-pulse flowmeter (HPFM) and water-level measurements in observation well during a cross-hole flow test.

John Williams (BG) explains the collection of optical-televiewer (OTV) images of the bedrock penetrated by a borehole.

Students observe calibration of caliper tool, which is used to measure the diameter of the borehole.