High Resolution Acoustic Groundwater Flow Monitor

Luna Innovations will develop an enabling new technology to determine groundwater vector flow between well sites using acoustic propagation. The new capability is derived from Luna's patented ultrasonic phase-locked-loop research that will be scaled to operate at seismic frequencies appropriate for groundwater monitoring. The instrument will operate from small well bores to assess the dynamic and directional flow of water by using the properties of the water/soil itself under existing hydraulic loads. Changes in the flow dynamics will be measured over time to assess if natural or human interventions are altering the historic flow parameters. The instrument has the potential to become the standard for future measurements and fill a critical need to assess groundwater transport models. Applications include quantitative assessment of impact of aquifer pumping to meet agricultural requirements, surface/groundwater interface hydrophysics, and contamination transport for farming and water use management.