Determining Spectral Properties of Rocks and Sediments from Broadband Electrical/Electromagnetic Data Processing

Although a number of new technologies are becoming available for environmental site remediation, the successful application of these technologies often depends on detailed knowledge of the site hydrogeology and the distribution of the contaminants. Recent research has demonstrated that the induced polarization (IP) method ¿ and, in particular, the spectral induced polarization (SIP) method ¿ may be able to provide detailed petrophysical data, including estimates of grain-size distributions and/or distributions of hydraulic conductivity. Such estimates will allow the delineation of aquifers and the determination of the integrity of aquitards. In addition, it is widely accepted that IP data can provide estimates of subsurface cation exchange capacity, which in turn could be used to estimate retardation factors for the movements of many inorganic contaminants. Using the SIP method, this project will develop a non- or minimally-invasive geophysical method that would provide order-of-magnitude estimates of subsurface permeability and/or grain size distributions. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee In addition to the market for environmental remediation, the technology should have application to ground-water resource evaluation. Another avenue of commercialization would involve providing accessories and software to research, university, and government agencies