Challenges and Strategies for Implementing
Environmental Sequence Stratigraphy:
Online Course, MODULE 1
1. Advantages of the ESS Approach
2. Fundamentals of Sampling, Description, and Synthesis
This course helps apply Environmental Sequence Stratigraphy to your sites. It builds on the principles of Environmental Sequence Stratigraphy
and continues with methods to achieve a holistic understanding
of hydrogeologic relationships.
COURSE PREMISE:
Environmental Sequence Stratigraphy (USEPA, 2017) is a relatively new application of Sequence Stratigraphy to environmental projects. Sequence Stratigraphy is a proven method used mainly in petroleum exploration for mapping coarse- and fine-grained sediment loads by reconstructing sedimentary basin fill processes into individual sequences of deposition related to sediment supply and accommodation.
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One premise of Environmental Sequence Stratigraphy is that coarse-grained portions of a heterogeneous aquifers conduct the majority of ground water flow and contaminant migration.
An advantage of Environmental Sequence Stratigraphy is that it is a phased-based approach for discerning aquifer heterogeneity. Stratigraphers leverage existing data collected from soil boring logs, geophysical logs, and/or Cone Penetrometer Testing to recognize vertical trends of grain size distribution and then correlate those patterns into sedimentary facies models. Those models are then used to design ground water monitoring points and remedial action plans.
There are certain challenges in implementing Environmental Sequence Stratigraphy. Despite the proven reliability of Environmental Sequence Stratigraphy for discerning aquifer heterogeneity, the method requires training in Sequence Stratigraphy. Applying ESS requires a basic understanding of depositional processes and the ability to put soil boring observations in the context of depositional environments, processes, stratigraphy, and subsurface relationships.
Some obvious challenges exist, such as ensuring subsurface data is accurate and complete. One problem is that soil classifications and the inferred grain-size data on soil boring logs may not conform to standards, resulting in erroneous stratigraphic interpretation.
Some less obvious challenges exist not only Environmental Sequence Stratigraphy, but also in our hydrogeologic work when it comes to modern problem solving. This course teaches critical strategies to measure "certainty vs uncertainty" in ground water and contaminant movement.
There are no short cuts for establishing the stratigraphic framework.
Strategies for deciphering depositional environments are fundamental to taking the mystery out of the subsurface. But the fundamentals for translating the story the sediments are telling onto soil boring logs remains a challenge. The fall-out from incomplete and/or inaccurate soil boring logs coupled with the financial need to perform work faster has favored High-Resolution Site Characterization (HRSC). HRSC measurements are fast, reproducible and include a manageable procedural analysis. However, subsurface complexities may demand more than just HRSC measurements alone to understand subsurface relationships.
We strive toward a holistic hydrogeologic approach that not only considers the nature of sedimentary sequences, but also post-depositional alterations such as weathering. Examining the entire ground water flow regime allows confidence in prioritizing data gaps, managing uncertainties, and analyzing aquitard integrity. The benefit is greater certainty for understanding ground water flow paths as well as contaminant migration, fate and transport, and receptors.
This course begins by introducing hydrogeologic principles related to Environmental Sequence Stratigraphy and subsurface investigations. It continues with steps for implementing both Environmental Sequence Stratigraphy and other common approaches to defining and characterizing the subsurface. The course builds on this foundation by demonstrating the merits of Environmental Sequence Stratigraphy. It presents step-wise strategies for different regional depositional systems to help participants synthesize the role of stratigraphy and holistic hydrogeology at environmental sites.
COURSE APPLICATION:
Application of Environmental Sequence Stratigraphy is proven to improve Conceptual Site Models (CSM) and provide a basis for stratigraphic relationships, groundwater flux, and associated contaminant transport.
This course helps apply Environmental Sequence Stratigraphy to your sites. It builds on the principles of Environmental Sequence Stratigraphy and continues with methods to achieve a holistic understanding of hydrogeologic relationships.
Ground water monitoring and remediation design efficiencies are dependent on understanding holistic ground water flow regimes through stratigraphic relationships and effects of post-depositional alterations.
Participants will learn what questions that should be asked - and answered - during a hydrogeologic investigation conducted using Environmental Sequence Stratigraphy.
Drilling and sampling strategies and work process is a key component to implementing Environmental Sequence Stratigraphy. This course presents some methods that both simplify and maximize subsurface information for unraveling stratigraphic complexities.
This online course is not a primer for learning Sequence Stratigraphy.
COURSE MODULE ONE
Course Module One sets the stage for understanding both the challenges and strategies for implementing Environmental Sequence Stratigraphy (ESS). The USEPA (2017) has designated ESS as a preferred approach to site investigations and the development of Conceptual Site Models (CSMs). There's good reason for this.
Every site fits into the regional framework...
...but each site is unique in the details.
Often, those detail differences are significant for our projects.
And that reason is the complexity and uniqueness geology has to offer. Nature has a seemingly infinite number of variables. The result? We encounter geologic sequences with complex geometries and relationships both laterally and vertically. Environmental Sequence Stratigraphy is a successful approach toward understanding those complexities.
This course module introduces the three phases of Environmental Sequence Stratigraphy investigations identified in the USEPA's Best Practices for Environmental Site Management: A Practical Guide for Applying Environmental Sequence Stratigraphy to Improve Conceptional Models:
Phase 1 - Understand the Site Setting using available information to determine the geologic setting, applicable depositional environment(s), and the characteristics/relationships of the expected geologic sequences.
Phase 2 - Format the lithologic data and determine how trends relate to the depositional environment(s) and the geologic sequence history. If existing data are inadequate, complete any additional subsurface investigation needed to clarify facies, depositional environments, and the site sequence stratigraphy.
Phase 3 - Identify and map the subsurface geologic sequence stratigraphy with respect to depositional environment and predict contaminant pathways. Test and refine predictions (from well data, ground water chemistry, etc.).
This Course Module continues with discussion of the challenges that have historically inhibited reliable subsurface investigations and describes the essential information required to implement Environmental Sequence Stratigraphy. This module includes:
- The importance of the ESS approach in providing the information to understand geologic relationships (geometries) in the subsurface, enabling construction of accurate Conceptual Site Models (CSMs).
- The merits and misuse of other common investigative approaches and how they compare to ESS.
- Basic essentials needed to implement ESS:
- T.C. Chamberlin's Method of Multiple Working Hypotheses.
- Recognition of the contaminant characteristics of the contaminants of concern.
- Knowing and understanding depositional environments and facies.
- Completing appropriate sampling.
- Classifying and describing the sediment sequence to reveal depositional environments, facies, and sediment characteristics and relationships.
Register now for this unique online course that
demystifies the stratigraphic relationships to
ground water monitoring and contaminant transport.
See what others are saying...
"The course is interesting, informative, well-planned, and well presented."
- Brian Hayes, PG
"I really enjoyed it...gave me project ideas to develop our in-house trove of geologic knowledge..."
- Stuart Knoop, Langan, New York City
"(The online ESS course) definitely gave me a much better framework from which to evaluate site stratigraphy. Likewise, I found the information on marine, glacial, and fluvial environments very useful. The format was easy to use as well."
- Steve E. Panter, PG
"The (online) Environmental Sequence Stratigraphy course by Midwest GeoSciences Group was designed as a thoughtful learning experience and the instructors themselves were clearly experts. With other organizations webinars I sometimes find that not all experts are great explainers, but that certainly wasn't the case here.
The material was challenging, thought-provoking, and was disseminated in a way that was easily digestible. I'll be thinking about my projects in a different and more holistic way thanks to this course.
You're a real pleasure to work with, so I'm looking forward to the next course from Midwest GeoSciences Group."
- Tim Johncox, P.G., Env. Compliance & Remediation, Stewarts, Inc.
"The (online Environmental Sequence Stratigraphy) course provided good information and the pre-reading, tutorials, and final exam provided worthwhile rigor and value. This course (demands some) effort to complete.......but it was full of information and the effort was certainly worthwhile. You don't get something for nothing, do you?"
- Donald P. Campbell, Brooklyn, New York.
"I just finished the final exam. I feel that I've learned something new. I really like the part about aquitards. Thank you for everything."
- Jose Yanez, Hydrogeologist, Flow Hydro Consulting Group, Santiago, Chile
"Environmental sequence stratigraphy was mostly a mystery to me prior to taking this course. While I understood the basic concepts, I did not relate stratigraphic correlations to contaminant fate and transport applications. Now as I look back, I realize I have been trying to correlate hydrostratigraphy without having all the proper approach or tools. It is like trying to do this work with one hand (or both) tied behind my back. Learning ESS strategies was eye opening for me. Plus, I learned a lot about glacial (depositional environments and) stratigraphy. Fluvial systems changes are complex, but it is enlightening to realize the expected facies changes are dependent on so many variables. Plus, (the course was a good review) about the impacts of ancient rise and fall of sea level in marine (depositional) settings. This makes me want to go back and revisit the hydrogeology of some of our more complex sites to see what we missed."
- Paul Trone, Principal Senior Geologist, EVREN Northwest, Inc.
"I just finished the final course module of the (Challenges and Strategies for Implementing Environmental Sequence Stratigraphy) class. Thanks for providing such a detailed and well organized class actually geared for geo-professionals. It really drilled into the core topics and was a perfect class for my NYS PG continuing education credits."
- Andy Judd, PG, Hydrogeologist/Project Manager
"The online course, Implementing Environmental Sequence Stratigraphy, has given me a new perspective on conceptualizing the geology at the sites I work at for environmental investigations.
I've been mostly focused on correlations using lithology... but looking at correlations from a stratigraphic perspective seems much more powerful.
I have an upcoming project with a deep boring and I plan to work with our field geologist to add descriptions that will aid in developing a stratigraphic interpretation.
We do our homework looking at USGS and other reports regarding the regional geology but not really brought it to the borehole description level. The goal will be to add a stratigraphic column on the boring log like what was presented on the slide during Course Module 2.
Special thanks to Tim for getting us through Module 2. It was a long session, but it's good to keep us engaged in one session contrasting the three depositional settings (marine, glacial, and alluvial)."
- Joe Lysonski, Sr. Environmental Consultant,
Anderson-Mulholland & Associates, Inc., Bedford Hills, NY
"This course clarifies the meaning of Environmental Sequence Stratigraphy for me. Each step is spot on and I appreciate the video tutorial about how soil core management can make stratigraphic identification easier or more difficult.
The 3 Phases of ESS are more obvious to me now and I liked the examples of how each phase was applied to three different depositional settings, Marine Sequences, Glacial Sequences, and Fluvial Sequences. I look forward to the rest of the course."
- Jerry Greer, PE, PG, Senior Consultant.
Instructor Bio
Tim Kemmis, PhD
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Tim Kemmis is an accomplished Hydrogeologist who is internationally-recognized for his applied research in depositional environments and associated characterization of sedimentary facies and stratigraphic relationships.
Tim received his bachelor's degree in soil science from the University of Illinois and was promptly drafted into the U.S. Army where he was trained basically to be a geotechnical lab technician, performing soil classification and testing.
Returning to the University of Illinois after the Army, Tim did his master's degree in glacial geology while working as a graduate assistant at the Illinois State Geological Survey. Tim's research focused on depositional processes and the resulting stratigraphic relationships.
From there, he worked 14 years for the Iowa Geological Survey, during which he received his Ph.D., and where he:
- Established the formal glacial stratigraphy for the Des Moines Glacial lobe based on depositional environments
- Determined the geometry and origin of jointing in glacial tills
- Developed a lithofacies code to decipher the history of glacial outwash and alluvial sequences
Then in the 1990's, Tim was recruited by a large environmental and engineering consulting company where for most of time since then, he has worked as a senior consulting hydrogeologist and project manager for large-scale hydrogeologic investigations.
Tim Kemmis has established sedimentary and stratigraphic frameworks at sites located around the world. He has refined regional and local geologic frameworks across the United States that are today used by state geological surveys.
Tim is uniquely qualified and has (20+) years of teaching about how sedimentary processes relate to stratigraphy and the ground water flow regime. Because of Tim's unique perspective from both his research and consulting experience, he has assembled a practical and applied process for subsurface characterization that begins with accurate and complete soil descriptions.
He is a co-founder of Midwest GeoSciences Group, the lead instructor for "Taking the Mystery Out of the Subsurface 2.0" and Hydrogeology of Glacial Deposits, and a co-author of the FIELD GUIDE FOR SOIL AND STRATRIGRAPHIC ANALYSIS.
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| Fee: |
299.00 USD Per Webinar
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| Materials and Downloads: |
Session Slides (PDF)
Additional Materials- Pre-Course Self-Assessment
- Post-Course Soil Core Tutorial
Record of Attendance Form (PDF)
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Number of
Participants: |
AS OF JUNE 1, 2020, WEBINARS ARE PRICED FOR INDIVIDUALS WORKING ALONE. Pricing is discounted for individual registrations for people working alone.
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Continuing
Education
Certificates: |
$14.95 each. Official CEU certificates are available as an option. After successful completion of this webinar, a link will be provided to order a certificate.
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| Access: |
On-demand, anytime 24/7. |
| Discounts: |
Buy 3 on-demand webinars, and get 3 on-demand webinars for free!
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| Duration: |
150 minutes |
| PDH Earned: |
2.5 hours |
| MA LSP: |
2.5 hours (MA LSP No. 1834) |
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| Instructor(s): |
Tim Kemmis, PhD |
One premise of Environmental Sequence Stratigraphy is that coarse-grained portions of a heterogeneous aquifers conduct the majority of ground water flow and contaminant migration.