2007 Ground Water Summit

Monday, April 30, 2007 : 2:00 p.m.

Correlating Surface Geophysics, Geology, and Borehole Information: A Case History

Norman R. Carlson, PG, Zonge Engineering & Research Organization Inc., Paul Ivancie, JR Engineering Ltd. and Phil Sirles, Zonge Geosciences Inc.

In some complex environments, successful groundwater production wells may be separated from low-yield or even dry wells by very short distances, sometimes on the order of hundreds of feet. As drilling costs rise, it becomes increasingly important to formulate the best possible understanding of the subsurface geology with respect to hydrology. Some surface-based geophysical methods are applicable, particularly those that provide electrical conductivity data (or its inverse, resistivity), since the presence or absence of groundwater affects the electrical conductivity of the subsurface materials.

Factors other than groundwater also influence ground conductivity, however, just as the successful production of groundwater is influenced by more than the simple presence of the water. We present here a case history that serves as an example of the successful integration of geologic mapping, surface geophysics, and down-hole hydrophysics measurements into a 3D understanding of the subsurface as it relates to the local hydrology. 

Norman R. Carlson, PG, Zonge Engineering & Research Organization Inc. Norman R. Carlson is Chief Geophysicist of Zonge Engineering & Research Organization, Inc., where he has worked for 28 years, concentrating on environmental and groundwater applications of geophysics. He is a Registered Professional Geoscientist (Geophysics), a past-president of the Environmental & Engineering Geophysical Society, and a member in Active standing of the Society of Exploration Geophysics. He has worked in more than a dozen different countries, often providing practical training in electrical and electromagnetic geophysical methods as applied to mining, environmental, and groundwater targets.

Paul Ivancie, JR Engineering Ltd. Paul G. Ivancie, C.P.G. received a B.A. from the University of Colorado in geology and environmental science with postgraduate work at the University of Texas at Austin. He is a project manager for the water resource group at JR Engineering, LLC in Greenwood Village, Colorado. His work focuses mainly in the areas of surface and groundwater development with emphasis in well construction and water rights for the past 10 years. Mr. Ivancie formerly worked as a development and exploration petroleum geologist in the onshore/offshore Gulf of Mexico province.

Phil Sirles, Zonge Geosciences Inc. Phil C. Sirles has 22 years experience working with applied geophysical methods to solve environmental, ground water, and engineering problems. He has aided the development of new and innovative practices for geophysical investigations including deployment of new sensor technologies, and was the Program Manager for development of the first web-based geophysical manual. Mr. Sirles has prepared over 200 project reports for local, state, Federal and private entities, and has 28 publications in a variety of geophysical topics. Mr. Sirles has been teaching the practical application of geophysics to engineers, hydro-geologists, and geotechnical engineers and is accredited by IACET.


The 2007 Ground Water Summit