Characterization of Coupled Hydrologic-Biogeochemical Processes Using Geophysical Data
Biogeochemical and hydrological processes are naturally coupled and variable over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. Additionally, many remediation approaches also induce dynamic transformations in natural systems. Because it is difficult to predict these transformations, our ability to develop effective and sustainable remediation conditions at contaminated sites is often limited. For example, substrate delivery to enhance remediation via biostimulation may initially prove effective, but the conditions necessary for preservation of the sequestered phases may be difficult to sustain. Further complicating the problem is the inability to collect the necessary measurements at a high enough spatial resolution yet over a large enough volume for understanding fieldscale transformations. Our research focuses on investigating the capability to characterize and monitor coupled processes at appropriate resolutions and spatial scales using geophysical data. In particular, we are investigating the influence of evolved gases, precipitates, and biofilms on geophysical signatures. An ability to use geophysical methods to detect system transformations would be very useful for illuminating the conditions of perturbed systems during remediation in a rapid, high-resolution, and in-situ manner. Thus, if successful, such methods might be useful to guide remediation efforts. The resulting measurements will additionally provide the database necessary for investigating coupled processes and for refining numerical modeling approaches. We are performing experiments to test the geophysical responses and sensitivities to various processes that occur during system transformations. Our work plan includes performing column and field scale experiments, and monitoring the system transformations that occur as geological systems are perturbed using microbial, geochemical, hydrological, and geophysical (seismic, electrical, radar) measurements. All geophysical techniques are based upon the principle of introducing signals through a volume of subsurface material and measuring the changes that occur in these signals as they propagate. Subtle changes in the physical and chemical properties of the material through which the signals pass (such as changes in degree or type of pore fluid, or variations in pore size or grain coatings) can dramatically alter the geophysical signatures.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Berkeley National Lab., Berkeley, CA (US)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Science (SC) (US)
- OSTI ID:
- 839256
- Report Number(s):
- EMSP-86922-2004; R&D Project: EMSP 86922; TRN: US200509%%578
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: 1 Jun 2004
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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