On-Demand Webinars

INTERPRETING AQUIFER TESTS IN FRACTURED ROCK

Interpreting aquifer tests in fractured rock can be problematic

Fractured rock aquifers are one of the most complex geologic settings in which to characterize groundwater flow and chemical transport. Fractures are non-uniformly distributed because of lithologic conditions and the local and regional stress distribution. Hydraulic properties of fractures can vary over orders of magnitude, yielding convoluted groundwater flow paths over dimensions from meters to kilometers.

Check Your Conceptual Model

Aquifer testing is an integral part of site characterization used to conceptualize aquifer heterogeneity and quantify formation properties governing groundwater flow. Learn how the proper design of aquifer tests in fractured rock can be used to characterize the complex spatial distribution of fracture hydraulic properties and/or the bulk hydraulic properties of large volumes of the rock formation.

Understand Limitations of Analysis Techniques

Concepts and assumptions synonymous with porous media aquifers are often used to interpret aquifer tests in fractured rock. In some instances, these assumptions are perfectly acceptable; however, in other instances, these concepts and assumptions lead to erroneous interpretations. Learn the limitations of various approaches for evaluating aquifer tests in fractured rock (including the application of numerical models).

Photo Courtesy of Maureen Muldoon

What makes this webinar different from other aquifer testing webinars:

Interpretations of aquifer tests are often conducted by attempting to "shoe-horn" data into pre-conceived conceptual models or analytical solutions to arrive at estimates of aquifer properties. Because of the geologic complexity of fractured rock aquifers, this practice can often lead to erroneous interpretations. This webinar focuses first on the visual interpretation of hydraulic responses from aquifer tests in fractured rock with the intention of conceptualizing aquifer heterogeneity. The choice of whether to make the next step and estimate aquifer properties and their spatial distribution will depend on project objectives. In some instances, classical analytical solutions commonly used in the interpretation of aquifer tests in unconsolidated porous media can be applied to fractured rock, but if they used inappropriately, they will lead to significant errors in interpretation. In many instances, more complex interpretive tools are needed to analyze aquifer tests in fractured rock, but it is necessary to recognize the degree of geologic detail that is warranted in explaining the hydraulic responses.

What content is new and exciting in this webinar?

Designing and interpreting aquifer tests in fractured rock cannot be conducted with your brain on "auto-pilot." One cannot just drop a pump down a well and monitor responses at a variety of locations with the intention of achieving information that is pertinent to the characterization of a fractured rock aquifer. The design and interpretation of aquifer tests in fractured rock is a challenging endeavor, where geologic insight shares equal importance with the interpretation of groundwater hydraulics.