Integrated Use of Surface and Subsurface NMR for Measuring and Mapping Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity in Three Dimensions

This proposal addresses the problem of measuring and mapping saturated hydraulic conductivity in the top 100 m of the subsurface. Hydraulic conductivity is a critically important property controlling groundwater and contaminant movement. The ability to measure and map hydraulic conductivity in the near subsurface, in a cost effective way, is essential to the remediation and long-term stewardship of DoE sites, as well as other sites of national significance. We propose to develop a cost-effective field methodology that combines in-situ (borehole or direct-push) NMR and hydraulic conductivity (K) measurements at a limited number of locations with surface NMR measurements to develop a site-specific transforms from surface NMR measurements to K. We propose to use surface NMR, in conjunction with the locally derived NMR-to-K transforms, as the principal geophysical method for measuring and mapping hydraulic conductivity in three dimensions throughout the area of investigation. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The proposed field methodology is valuable for a wide full range of commercial applications related to groundwater hydrology, including local or regional groundwater exploration and production, groundwater management at the basin or regional scale, and investigations of groundwater contamination.