Introduction to Environmental Geophysics Student Manual
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United States Offi ce of Emergency and July 2014 Environmental Protection Remedial Response www.epa.gov/superfund Agency Washington, DC 20460 Superfund Introduction to Environmental Geophysics Student Manual Overview of Geophysical Methods OVERVIEW OF GEOPHYSICAL METHODS Geophysical Surveys Characterize geology Characterize hydrogeology Locate metal targets and voids Physical Properties Measured Velocity Seismic Radar Electrical Impedance Electromagnetics Resistivity Magnetic Magnetics Density Gravity Overview of Environmental Geophysics 1 Overview of Geophysical Methods Magnetics Measures natural magnetic field Map anomalies in magnetic field Detects iron and steel Geometrics Cesium Magnetometer Electromagnetics (EM) Generates electrical and magnetic fields Measures the conductivity of target Locates metal targets Overview of Environmental Geophysics 2 Overview of Geophysical Methods EM-31 Marion Landfill, Marion, IN EM-61 Geonics EM-61 EM Metal Detector Resistivity Injects current into ground Measures resultant voltage Determines apparent resistivity of layers Maps geologic beds and water table Overview of Environmental Geophysics 3 Overview of Geophysical Methods Sting Resistivity Unit Seismic Methods Uses acoustic energy Refraction - Determines velocity and thickness of geologic beds Reflection - Maps geologic layers and bed topography Seistronix Seismograph Overview of Environmental Geophysics 4 Overview of Geophysical Methods Gravity Measures gravitational field Used to determine density of materials under instrument Maps voids and intrusions Scintrex Gravity Meter Ground Penetrating Radar Transmits and receives electromagnetic energy Maps geology Locates cultural targets Has very high resolution Overview of Environmental Geophysics 5 Overview of Geophysical Methods Noggin Ground Penetrating Radar Unit Borehole Geophysical Methods Variety of downhole tools available Optical and acoustic televiewers Parameters measured Temperature Flow direction Conductivity and Resistivity Density Gamma Borehole Geophysical Methods Resistivity Video Gamma / Temperature Caliper Overview of Environmental Geophysics 6 Overview of Geophysical Methods Modeling for Interpretation Two kinds of simple models Forward Inverse Models depend on input conditions and data Models can be very helpful in visualizing the site Models are not reality Geophysical Methods Advantages Non-intrusive Rapid data collection Detects a variety of targets Screens large areas Fills in data gaps Correct Interpretation Overview of Environmental Geophysics 7 Overview of Geophysical Methods Geophysical Methods Limitations Methods require a specialist Interpretations are non-unique May be expensive Physical contrasts must exist Resolution varies by method and depth of target Problematic Interpretation Overview of Environmental Geophysics 8 Geophysical Survey Design Y X A Good Survey Results In… • A record of useful information – Background data to support survey – Rationale for methods used – Survey data - maps – Conclusions in lay terms • Efficient use time - money • A document that maintains its value Survey Design Rationale • Establishes a plan • Find potential pitfalls • Maximize benefit • Minimize surprises – Property line issues – Archeological sites – Utility lines • Customize requests Overview of Environmental Geophysics 1 Geophysical Survey Design Pre-survey Planning: Garbage IN – Garbage OUT • Inadequate background information & planning dooms a survey before it starts: – Requires more time in the field – Increases costs – Missed targets – Questionable data Define Problem • List issues of concern • Can geophysics help? • Data confirmable? • How will results benefit your plan? Background Paperwork Review • Site history • Previous studies • Geology • Geohydrology • Geographic issues • Health, safety & QAPP issues Overview of Environmental Geophysics 2 Geophysical Survey Design Background Map Review • Sanborn or other Public Maps – Historical site records & buildings • Topographic Maps – Terrain conditions • Geologic Maps – Indirect conditions Sanborn Maps: Anacortes, Washington State Feb. 1897 Nov. 1907 Nov. 1950 Oct. 1925 Sanborn UMI Topographic & Geologic Maps Overview of Environmental Geophysics 3 Geophysical Survey Design Background Photo Review Recent Site Photo Historical Site Photo Recent Aerial Photo Historical Aerial Photo Photo Interpretation May 7, 1981: Color Infrared Sept 25, 1936: B & W U.S. EPA Environmental Lammers Barrel Photographic Beavercreek, Ohio Interpretation Center April 5, 1988: Color Other Issues To Consider • Property boundaries • Consent for access • Traffic & pedestrians • Vegetation status • “Noise” issues • Utility location • Archeological sites Overview of Environmental Geophysics 4 Geophysical Survey Design Utility Locating • Utility services require several days notice • Service provides “dig” number for site area • All utilities may not be members of service Courtesy: Ohio State University • Have service remark Dial 811 area if necessary on your phone • Know tolerances of for local utility service provider location service National Historic Preservation Act • Why should we care? – It’s the law – Regulations require it – It’s EPA’s policy – It’s a good idea Public Law 89-665; 16 U.S.C 470 & Subsequent Amendments EPA HQ Contact: [email protected] - 202.564.6646 State Contacts: www.ncshpo.org Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) “Handling Drums & Containers” • 1910.120 ( j ) (1) (x) “A ground-penetrating system or other type of detection system or device shall be used to estimate the location and depth of buried drums or containers” Overview of Environmental Geophysics 5 Geophysical Survey Design Analyze Background Information to Determine.. • Area to be surveyed • Size - number of suspect targets • Potential problems • Site reconnaissance needed? Match Most Favorable Geophysical Techniques to Problem • What method(s) contrast most from background? • Note depth confines • “Noise” issues Ground Penetrating Radar Gradient Magnetometer Seismic Refraction Electromagnetic Electromagnetic GEM Unit EM-61 Unit Overview of Environmental Geophysics 6 Geophysical Survey Design Optimize Data Collection • Establish how data will be collected – Traverse pattern – Grid spacing – Axis labeling – Data Location ID Key Issues For Collecting Data • Systematic collection (grid or lines) • Spacing dependent on target size • Accurate grid or line establishment • Method to ensure location accuracy • Label grids or lines reasonably • Maintain good field notes • Take plenty of photographs! Data Collection (magnetics, electromagnetics, ground penetrating radar) Overview of Environmental Geophysics 7 Geophysical Survey Design Consider Analogy Between Data Density & Photographic Pixels Detection Probability (Using Individual Station Measurements) At = Area of Target 4,3564335 As = Area of Site 43,560 Probability of As/At As/At As/At Detection =10 =100 =1000 100 16 160 1600 98 13 130 1300 90 10 100 1000 75 8 80 800 50 5 50 500 Number of data points required (modified from Benson et al., 1988) Determining Grid Spacing 2 Area of Site in ft 2 = a in ft Area of Target in ft 2 a x Probability Factor = Sampling Points (Approx.) Area of Site in ft 2 = b Sampling Points b = Grid Spacing in Feet Probability Factors 100% = 1.625 75% = 0.8 98% = 1.3 50% = 0.5 90% = 1.0 Overview of Environmental Geophysics 8 Geophysical Survey Design Typical Acquisition Traverses • Alternating mode • Areas broken into – Most often used rectangular shapes • Random mode • Irregular boundaries – Used for small or – Use multiple rectangles large areas • Positioning methods • Parallel mode – Station – Irregular shaped – Timed – collection sites – Wheel encoder –GPS Random Survey Pattern (Small Area) boulder start end fence Random Survey Using GPS (Large Area) • Maximize productivity • Data linked to GPS • Best in obstructed areas • Areas must be free of: – Vegetative canopies – Tall buildings – Major power lines Overview of Environmental Geophysics 9 Geophysical Survey Design Random Survey GPS Issues (One dot per 5 data points) • Data locations from Mag on ATV • Dots show data points • Note N-S dot spacing due to speed changes • Note data gaps Alternating Traverse No GPS Start End Alternating Traverse Grid Setup No GPS • Layout grid markers at desired spacing – Flagging (plastic) Site boundary – Spray chalk or paint – Ropes Tapes & markers – Alignment placards – Wooden stakes Traverse • Large sites require directions multiple marker lines 0,0 Overview of Environmental Geophysics 10 Geophysical Survey Design Alternating Traverse Parallel Swath GPS Start End Parallel Swathing GPS • Initialize start & end points of line • GPS maintains parallel lines • Operator follows cursor on lightbar • Lat. - Long. output to sensor data Photo: Geometrics Lightbar Guidance • Center: on line • Left: move left • Right: move right • Outer edges yellow: nearing line end • Outer edges red: at line end • Advances to next spacing Overview of Environmental Geophysics 11 Geophysical Survey Design Parallel Traverse – No GPS End Start Linking Data to a Location • Define X and Y • X, line or longitude • Y, position or latitude • Several data collection options for tagging X, Y – Data recorder sets method Data Recorder Methods • Station position • Time – distance • Encoder wheel •GPS Overview of Environmental Geophysics 12 Geophysical Survey Design Correcting for Position (Y) • Time-distance issue – Must correct for pace •GPS – Correct for errors – Use proper