Mapping fracture zones in the dry creek experimental watershed using seasonal time lapse ERT measurements

Troy R. Brosten, Carlyle R. Miller, Partha S. Routh, James P. McNamara

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Four temporal electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) surveys were conducted within Dry Creek Basin, Idaho, to refine hydrologic models of the catchment that describes subsurface architecture. The repeatability of the data acquired during two dry conditions (October 2005 and July 2006) and two wet conditions (December 2005 and April 2006) support an investigation of time lapse change of the electrical conductivity and its relation to hydrologic conditions. Inversion of the ERT measurements illustrate conductive anomalies within the transverse profiles (perpendicular to the stream) and are likely caused by pore fluid in fracture zones within the Idaho Batholith aquifer region. These anomalies are more localized in the profile collected under dry conditions (July and October) compared to the profiles gathered during water-saturated conditions (December and April). The conductive anomalies in December and April are attributed to increased water input into the geohydrological system through precipitation that dilutes the local conductive minerals within the fracture zones. A persistently conductive fracture zone on the south facing slope explains an unknown water pathway evident in previously developed hydrologic groundwater models.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEnvironmental and Engineering Geophysical Society - 20th SAGEEP 2007
Subtitle of host publicationGeophysical Investigation and Problem Solving for the Next Generation
Pages1066-1074
Number of pages9
StatePublished - 2007
Event20th Symposium on the Application of Geophysics to Engineering and Environmental Problems: Geophysical Investigation and Problem Solving for the Next Generation, SAGEEP 2007 - Denver, CO, United States
Duration: 1 Apr 20075 Apr 2007

Publication series

NameProceedings of the Symposium on the Application of Geophyics to Engineering and Environmental Problems, SAGEEP
Volume2
ISSN (Print)1554-8015

Conference

Conference20th Symposium on the Application of Geophysics to Engineering and Environmental Problems: Geophysical Investigation and Problem Solving for the Next Generation, SAGEEP 2007
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityDenver, CO
Period1/04/075/04/07

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