"Maximizing The Utility Of Geoelectric Methods For Next Generation Groundwater Evaluation And Management Through Improved Data Acquisition, Inversion and Rock Physics Modeling."

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Groundwater is a precious resource that plays into the lives of all Canadians. One of significant challenges to effective groundwater evaluation and management (GEM) arises from the need for subsurface characterization over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. Geophysical data, that are far more spatially and temporally exhaustive and are far less intrusive than traditional hydrogeologic measurements have an important future role to play in the understanding and management of these systems. Of particular interest are geoelectric methods because electrical resistivity can be correlated to lithology, saturation, water quantity and/or quality. The long-term goal of this research program is to maximize the usefulness of geoelectric measurements to aid in GEM through the development of problem specific solutions. Furthermore, the aim is, through the training of high quality personnel (HQP), to build significant Canadian expertise in geophysical approaches to GEM. A common workflow that is followed when using geoelectric data in hydrogeologic problems is to: i) perform a geophysical survey, ii) invert the measured data to obtain an electrical resistivity model and iii) transform the inverted model to a paremeter of interest. Three major challenges associated with this workflow are: 1) geophysical inverse problems typically result poorly constrained estimates of geophysical parameters, 2) geophysical data usually require a rock physics transform to obtain an estimate of the parameter of interest, 3) traditional geophysical surveys are rarely optimized for answering a specific scientific question. Given the importance of the above challenges, this proposal is focused on addressing key components of all three, specifically as they pertain to geoelectric methods. These specific challenges will be addressed in the context of using geophysics for improved: 1) monitoring and optimization of managed aquifer recharge and 2) using airborne EM for regional groundwater modeling. The research goals of the proposed program will have significant positive impacts on our ability to assess, budget, and secure, groundwater resources in Canada.