High Resolution In-Situ Permeability from a new Slim-Hole, Low Frequency Acoustic Tool

For environmental monitoring there is a need for high resolution mapping of flow channels in shallow (upper 100 ft) formations to detect contaminants a pollutants associated with underground fluid flow. To achieve this goal, effective sensing technologies and high resolution sensor processing techniques need to be developed. The objective of this project is to develop a new acoustic logging tool together with high resolution processing methods to obtain in-situ estimates of permeability and mechanical properties of shallow depth formations and to locate and characterize bedrock fractures. As a result, underground flow systems and their tranmissivity (or permeability) will be accurately mapped to provide useful information for the characterization and remediation of soil and groundwater contamination problems. Anticipated Benefits: The tube wave logging will provide an effective means for measuring permeability of the formation or fractures. Through this project, the technology and analysis methods will be developed into an integrated data acquisition and processing system for the use in environmental and hydrological applications.