Combined use of frequency‐domain electromagnetic and electrical resistivity surveys to delineate the freshwater/saltwater interface near saline lakes in the Nebraska Sand Hills, Nebraska, USA
Proceedings of SAGEEP (Symposium on the Application of Geophysics to Engineering and Environmental Problems)
Edited by: Dwain K. Butler
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Abstract
We investigate the use of frequency‐domain electromagnetic (FDEM) and electrical resistivity (ER) surveys for rapid and detailed characterization of the direction of lake‐aquifer fluxes and the configuration of salt plumes generated from saline lakes. This methodology was developed and applied at several lakes in the Nebraska Sand Hills, Nebraska, in an area with both freshwater and saline lakes hydraulically connected to the freshwater surficial aquifer. The FDEM survey was conducted by mounting the instrument on a fiberglass cart towed by an all‐terrain vehicle. The towed FDEM surveys covered about 25 km per day and served as a reconnaissance method for choosing locations for the more quantitative and detailed ER surveys. Around the saline lakes, areas with high electrical conductivity are consistent with the regional direction of ground‐water flow. Lower electrical conductivity was measured around the freshwater lakes with anomalies correlating to a paleovalley axis inferred from previous studies. The efficacy of this geophysical approach is attributed to: (1) significant contrast in electrical conductivity between freshwater and saltwater, (2) near‐surface location of the freshwater/saltwater interface, (3) minimal cultural interference, and (4) relative homogeneity of the aquifer materials.
Study Area
| Publication type | Conference Paper |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Conference Paper |
| Title | Combined use of frequency‐domain electromagnetic and electrical resistivity surveys to delineate the freshwater/saltwater interface near saline lakes in the Nebraska Sand Hills, Nebraska, USA |
| Series title | Proceedings of SAGEEP (Symposium on the Application of Geophysics to Engineering and Environmental Problems) |
| ISBN | 9781615670512 |
| DOI | 10.4133/1.3176693 |
| Year Published | 2009 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Environment and Engineering Geophysical Society |
| Contributing office(s) | OGW Branch of Geophysics, Office of Ground Water, Toxic Substances Hydrology Program |
| Description | 10 p. |
| Larger Work Type | Book |
| Larger Work Subtype | Conference publication |
| Larger Work Title | Proceedings of the Symposium on the Application of Geophysics to Engineering and Environmental Problems 2009 |
| First page | 178 |
| Last page | 187 |
| Conference Title | Symposium on the Application of Geophysics to Engineering and Environmental Problems 2009 |
| Conference Location | Fort Worth, TX |
| Conference Date | March 29 - April 2, 2009 |
| Country | United States |
| State | Nebraska |
| Other Geospatial | Nebraska Sand Hills |
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