Hydro-Geophysics Applications

Hydro-geophysics has been developing rapidly in order to aid hydrologists. As water becomes an increasing concern, both natural and artificial aquifers have had artificial recharge applied for water storage. Many unknowns of water distribution occur within these aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) projects. Our work seeks to establish the geophysical methodology for which to observe aquifer storage and recovery systems for more efficient use. The research uses the Leyden Lignite Mine as a field test site. Theoretical development in joint method inversion and numerical modeling is carried out for the 3-D problem.

Goals
  • Understanding of:
    1. The distribution of water throughout the ASR process using time-lapse geophysics
    2. The time-varying subsurface physical property distributions due to the ASR process
    3. Building a hydrologic model based on these time-varying physical property distributions
    4. Advancement of the overall use of multiple geophysical methods to reduce uncertainty in hydrological characterization
    5. Provide baseline methodology for the successful monitoring of water storage and recovery in subsurface reservoirs
Download the expanded abstract from SEG 2005:

Time-lapse gravity monitoring of an aquifer storage and recovery system in Leyden, Colorado (pdf): Kris Davis, Yaoguo Li, Mike Batzle, and Bob Raynolds


Check back soon for more detailed (downloadable) information on our ASR research and advancements. You can also visit our HRG research consortia page.