Authors / CoAuthors
Gibson, D.L. | Tan, K.P. | Halas, L. | Lawrie, K. | Brodie, R.S.
Abstract
An integrated, multi-scale hydrogeophysical, hydrogeochemical and hydrogeological systems approach has been used to map and assess shallow (<100m) aquitards in unconsolidated alluvial sediments beneath the Darling River floodplain. The study integrated data from an airborne electromagnetics (AEM) survey (over an area of 7,500 km2), with targeted ground electrical surveys, borehole lithological and geophysical data (induction, gamma and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)), hydrogeological and hydrogeochemical data obtained from a 100 borehole (7.5 km) drilling program. AEM mapping has confirmed the near-ubiquitous presence of a relatively thin (5-10m) lacustrine Blanchetown Clay aquitard overlying the primary Pliocene fluvial aquifer. Mapping has revealed variations in Blanchetown Clay extent and thickness, with a complex sub-surface distribution. Variations in the elevation of the top of the Blanchetown Clay (20-80m AHD) are attributed partly to neotectonics, including warping, discrete fault offsets, and regional tilting. The aquitard properties of the Blanchetown Clay are demonstrated by hydrograph responses in overlying and underlying aquifers, by wetting profiles observed in drillcore, core moisture data, NMR, induction and gamma logging, laboratory permeameter measurements on cores, and hydrogeochemical data. AEM and induction logs indicate, in some areas, a decrease in electrical conductivity at the centre of the clay rich aquitard. Core moisture data and NMR logs of total water collected through the clay aquitard can show reduced water contents in the aquitard centre, although below the water table. These data also indicate that the clay aquitard can be partially saturated both from the top and the bottom. NMR provides good relative measurements of water contents in the aquitards, however, an inter-echo spacing of 2.5 ms in the Javelin tool limited the amount of water detectable in smaller pore spaces, leading to an underestimate of the water content in muds. While further research is required into factors influencing NMR responses, analysis of NMR responses when integrated with AEM signatures, and other hydrogeological and hydrochemical data, has helped identify zones of aquitard leakage and 'seals' for potential managed aquifer recharge (MAR) sites.
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nonGeographicDataset
eCat Id
75735
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- External PublicationAbstract
- Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classification (ANZSRC)
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- Geology
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2013-01-01T00:00:00
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Abstract prepared for submission to the International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH).
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