Hydrological Investigation in

Determining Subsurface
Resources
Subsurface investigations
are conducted for a variety of purposes including site
assessments, groundwater supply exploration,aquifer
protection protection planning, and site remediation.
Methods used include test drilling, geoprobing and
hydroprobing, and exploration geophysics.
Investigations conducted as a part of environmental or
remedial projects generally involve a delineation of the
extent of soil and/or groundwater contamination.
Monitoring wells (or micro wells) are usually installed to
facilitate measurement of water-level, gauging for
groundwater supply exploration involves
characterization of an aquifer relative to groundwater
storage and transmission, water quality, and long-term
safe yield. Investigative techniques involve test drilling
and installation of wells or microwells, exploration
geophysics, water quality analyses, and test pumping.
 The drawing above depicts a test boring rig drilling into water-saturated and
unsaturated soils. A proper selection of drilling tools would also permit penetration and
sampling of the underlying bedrock.
Site Remediation

If soil and/or groundwater contamination are

identified on a site, and if contaminant
concentrations are found above regulatory limits,
remedial activities or feasibility studies should be
performed. Such activities vary with the
contaminant, medium that is contaminated, and
surrounding environmental factors.
 Common remedial activities include the following:
 Excavation and offsite removal
 Excavation and onsite treatment
 Groundwater "pump and treat"
 Soil vapor extraction
 Sparging
 Passive recovery of non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPL)
 Enhanced bioremediation
 Onsite encapsulation
 In-situ onsite treatment
Aquifer Protection Planning

Protecting the Aquifer

This service is provided to formulate a strategy
for protecting an aquifer, water supply well, or well
field. Multidisciplinary cooperation is generally
necessary because of interaction between
groundwater scientists and engineers, planners, and
developers.
 It illustrates existing and potential groundwater sources and their contributing
watersheds. Aquifer Protection Plans are designed to protect existing and
potential water resources. Investigations must be performed to define such
watersheds.
Environmental Site Assessments

 Conducting Site Assessments

Environmental site assessments (ESAs) are needed for most
transfers of property and are usually required by most lenders such as
banks or mortgage companies. The purpose of an ESA is to evaluate
the degree of environmental liability (generally soil or groundwater
contamination) that may be associated with a property. Regulations
that make ESAs a necessary condition vary from state to state (in the
USA). Often the degree or complexity of an ESA is determined by the
lender rather than by the regulatory agency. If contamination is
found at concentrations that exceed regulatory standards, then the
state regulations dictate what must be done to achieve compliance.
 Typically ESAs include the following tasks:
 File research to evaluate past usage and potential for
contamination
 Site inspection and interview(s) with person(s) familiar with the
property and usage
 Research into ownership and past ownership of the property
 Subsurface investigation, usually involving either test drilling or
microprobes/micro wells
 Headspace screening of soil samples obtained during
drilling/probing for volatile organic compounds
 Field and laboratory analyses of soil and groundwater samples
 Elevation survey of wellheads to facilitate groundwater depth and
gradient mapping
 Evaluation of all data and preparation of ESA report with
conclusions and recommendations
Exploration Geophysics
Use of a Number of Geophysical Methods
Several geophysical methods have been successfully
used in both groundwater development and groundwater
contamination investigations. The most suitable method or
combination of methods varies with each geological
situation and the objective of the exploration. Advantages
of geophysics over test drilling include an ability to cover
greater distances or areas for properties that may be
indicative of water bearing potential or degree of
groundwater contamination.
Commonly used methods include:
Seismic refraction/reflection
Electrical resistivity
Micro-gravity
Terrain conductivity
Ground penetrating radar (GPR)
Borehole geophysics
Magnetic field surveys
Successful implementation of any of the
methods or combinations can used to minimize
the amount of test drilling and installation
of observation/monitoring wells in a subsurface
investigation.
Groundwater Flow
 is defined as the "part of streamflow that has infiltrated the
ground, has entered the phreatic zone, and has been
discharged into a stream channel, via springs or seepage
water". It is governed by the groundwater flow equation.
Groundwater is water that is found underground in cracks and
spaces in the soil, sand and rocks. An area where water fills
these spaces is called a phreatic zone or saturated zone.
Groundwater is stored in and moves slowly through the layers of
soil, sand and rocks called aquifers.
 The rate of groundwater flow depends on the permeability (the
size of the spaces in the soil or rocks and how well the spaces are
connected) and the hydraulic head (water pressure).
Ground Water
Forms of Subsurface Water
SATURATED FORMATIONS
Aquifer
Types of Aquifer
Aquifer Functions

Aquifer Properties
Porosity
Permeability
Transmissibility
Hydraulic Conductivity
Hydraulics Law of
Groundwater
Recharge of Groundwater
Water Balance
Water Balance Model
DARCY’S LAW
THANK YOU!!!!
Group 10
 Siocson, Jerry James
 Soriano, Mercedem
 Tirao, Reymund
 Toledo, Ma. Netchie
 Turalde, Kelly May