Development of HydroImage: A User-Friendly Hydrogeophysical Characterization Software Package

79633 Although high-resolution geophysical measurements have been proven to be valuable for characterizing the subsurface at contaminated DOE sites, the data are not yet in routine use. The obstacles are twofold: (1) the potential inconsistency between intepretations of geophysical data and conventional pointwise lithologic and hydrogeologic data, and (2) the lack of comprehesive tools to logically utilize all data to assist in making coherent interpretation. This project will develop a user-friendly software that utilizes state-of-the-art Bayesian estimation and geostatistical methods to facilitate the use of high-resolution geophysical measurements for estimating hydrogeological parameters. Phase I will focus on the development of HydroImage, a software for integrating high-resolution crosshole geophysical tomographic data and borehole hydrogeological measuremenst. The software will combine the following subsystems to allow an investigator to efficiently and cost-effectively perform data analysis and make coherent interpretations: (1) a user-friendly interface, including visualization and data output capabilities; (2) a geostatistical integration subsystem; (3) a geophysical inversion subsystem; (4) a petrophysical and scale matching subsystem; and (5) a Bayesian integration subsystem. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The HydroImage software should provide improvements in mapping and understanding hydrogeologic processes, improve the prediction of flow and transport of contaminants, and allow remediation systems to be designed to be more efficient and cost-effective. Attendant benefits would include the reduction of a public health risk and the ability of wildlife to settle in their former habitat.