Advances in the Realm of Hydrogeophysics: the Role of Quantum Geoelectrophysics in Groundwater Exploration
Monday, March 20, 2017: 11:40 a.m.
Jon Fennell, Ph.D., P.Geol.
,
VP, Geosciences & Water Security, Integrated Sustainability Consultants Ltd., Calgary, AB, Canada
Richard Hatala, B.A.Sc., P.Eng.
,
Integrative Technologies International Inc., Calgary, AB, Canada
Water is integral to our economy, the health of our environment, and our survival as a species. Much of this water is accessed from surface sources, mostly rivers, which are now under increased threat due to over use and the resulting hydro-political forces. Yet, groundwater exists as a viable option in many countries facing these mounting challenges. Knowledge of our deeper groundwater systems, although increasing, is still quite limited due to our propensity to focus efforts in the lower cost, lower risk, near-surface environment. However, accessibility to shallower groundwater is tightening due to increasing use, changing regulatory requirements, and climate change.
The use of classical geophysics to explore for groundwater resources, such as seismic, gravity, magnetics, and resistivity, has been the industry standard for many decades. These technologies have proven quite effective both in the shallow and deeper environments. However, newer remote sensing and ground-based technologies are now emerging with the ability to significantly reduce costs and time, and increase success for groundwater exploration and development programs.
Quantum Direct Matter Indicator (QDMI) technologies, or applied methods of Quantum Geoelectrophysics, are poised to revolutionize the hydrogeophysical industry, much like electro-magnetic (EM) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) did years ago. QDMI utilizes resonant frequency remote and direct sensing technologies that detect perturbations in the earth’s natural electric and electromagnetic fields. Controlled source electromagnetic pulse methods with electromagnetic spectrum spectroscopy are used to identify aquifers, including thickness, water quality (fresh or saline) and temperature, to depths of 1000 m or more accurately. With multiple successes around the world, the deployment of this inventive and effective approach to groundwater exploration in North America is occurring today.
This presentation will present the basis of QDMI technologies and showcase some of the benefits and examples this emerging exploration tool can provide to groundwater exploration efforts.
Jon Fennell, Ph.D., P.Geol., VP, Geosciences & Water Security, Integrated Sustainability Consultants Ltd., Calgary, AB, Canada
Dr. Fennell is a Principal Hydrogeologist at Integrated Sustainability Consultants Ltd. with over 28 years consulting experience in the natural resource sector. Jon received his B.Sc. in Geology from the University of Saskatchewan in 1985, M.Sc. in Hydrogeology from the University of Calgary in 1994, and a Ph.D. in Geochemistry from the University of Calgary in 2008. His areas of specialization include physical and chemical hydrogeology, environmental forensics (including the application of geophysics), water supply and waste disposal, climate impact analysis, risk assessment, and the development of mitigation and management strategies to ensure sustainable solutions.
Richard Hatala, B.A.Sc., P.Eng., Integrative Technologies International Inc., Calgary, AB, Canada
Rick is the President and CEO of Integrative Technologies International (ITI). He has 35 years experience in the energy industry: 15 years with Gulf Canada Resources, a major upstream oil and gas company [currently part of ConocoPhillips], and 20 years as an entrepreneur building upstream oil and gas, consulting and service companies, domestically and internationally. ITI is focused on integrating traditional, electromagnetic and quantum technologies for oil and natural gas prospect evaluation, mineral exploration, and groundwater exploration. ITI has worked in North America, Africa, and is currently working on opportunities in Asia.
