Geophysical Investigation of Anomalous Conductivity Associated with a Hydrocarbon Contamination Site
Date of Award
6-1997
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Geological and Environmental Sciences
Department
Geosciences
First Advisor
Dr. William A. Sauck
Second Advisor
Dr. Estella Atekwana
Third Advisor
Dr. Alan Kehew
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
The high electrical conductivity measured from chemical analyses from ground water below a hydrocarbon contaminated site was the focus of this study. Most theoretical studies have indicated that the electrical conductivity of hydrocarbon contamination is lower than that of the surrounding medium. Geochemical studies at other sites have shown that areas of dissolved fuel oil plume have a higher electrical conductivity. Six methods: Self Potential, Mise-a-la-Masse, Vertical Electrical Sounding, Dipole-Dipole Resistivity Profiling, Electromagnetic Induction, and Ground Penetrating Radar were all used in an attempt to see which method( s) could identify regions of high conductivity.
The findings of this study show that the Ground Penetrating Radar, Dipole-Dipole Resistivity Profiling and Self Potential identified conductive zones coincident with the location of the dissolved plume. Vertical Electrical Soundings showed some broad changes in anomalous areas, but not to high degree of resolution. The Mise-a-la- Masse and Electromagnetic Induction techniques, as applied to this site, did not show a conductive anomaly in areas identified by geochemical studies.
Recommended Citation
Nash, Mike S., "Geophysical Investigation of Anomalous Conductivity Associated with a Hydrocarbon Contamination Site" (1997). Masters Theses. 4352.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/4352