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Water pressure and ground vibrations induced by water guns at a backwater pond on the Illinois River near Morris, Illinois

Scientific Investigations Report 2016-5098
Prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as part of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20165098

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Abstract

Three different geophysical sensor types were used to characterize the underwater pressure waves and ground velocities generated by the underwater firing of seismic water guns. These studies evaluated the use of water guns as a tool to alter the movement of Asian carp. Asian carp are aquatic invasive species that threaten to move into the Great Lakes Basin from the Mississippi River Basin. Previous studies have identified a threshold of approximately 5 pounds per square inch (lb/in2) for behavioral modification and for structural limitation of a water gun barrier.

Two studies were completed during August 2014 and May 2015 in a backwater pond connected to the Illinois River at a sand and gravel quarry near Morris, Illinois. The August 2014 study evaluated the performance of two 80-cubic-inch (in3) water guns. Data from the 80-in3 water guns showed that the pressure field had the highest pressures and greatest extent of the 5-lb/in2 target value at a depth of 5 feet (ft). The maximum recorded pressure was 13.7 lb/in2, approximately 25 ft from the guns. The produced pressure field took the shape of a north-south-oriented elongated sphere with the 5-lb/in2 target value extending across the entire study area at a depth of 5 ft. Ground velocities were consistent over time, at 0.0067 inches per second (in/s) in the transverse direction, 0.031 in/s in the longitudinal direction, and 0.013 in/s in the vertical direction.

The May 2015 study evaluated the performance of one and two 100-in3 water guns. Data from the 100-in3 water guns, fired both individually and simultaneously, showed that the pressure field had the highest pressures and greatest extent of the 5-lb/in2 target value at a depth of 5 ft. The maximum pressure was 57.4 lb/in2, recorded at the underwater blast sensor closest to the water guns (at a horizontal distance of approximately 3 ft), as two guns fired simultaneously. Pressures and extent of the 5-lb/in2 target value decrease above and below this 5-ft depth, producing a relatively north-south-oriented pressure field shaped like an elongated sphere.

Suggested Citation

Koebel, C.M., and Egly, R.M., 2016, Water pressure and ground vibrations induced by water guns at a backwater pond on the Illinois River near Morris, Illinois: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2016–5098, 29 p., http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/sir20165098.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

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Table of Contents

  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Methods and Results for Bathymetry Surveys
  • Methods for Collection of Seismic Data
  • Water Pressure and Ground Vibrations Induced by Water Guns
  • Summary
  • References Cited
  • Appendixes 1–3
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Water pressure and ground vibrations induced by water guns at a backwater pond on the Illinois River near Morris, Illinois
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2016-5098
DOI 10.3133/sir20165098
Year Published 2016
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Illinois Water Science Center
Description Report: v, 29 p.; Dataset
Country United States
State Illinois
City Morris
Other Geospatial Illinois River
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
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