Date of Award

6-2012

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Geological and Environmental Sciences

First Advisor

Dr. David A. Barnes

Second Advisor

Dr. Duane R. Hampton

Third Advisor

Dr. Alan E. Kehew

Keywords

Saginaw aquifer, hydrogeology, flow properties, permeability

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

High resolution groundwater models can aid in better management of groundwater resources through more accurate characterization and quantification of aquifer systems. Detailed assessments of flow properties in the context of sedimentary facies can provide high quality data input for more accurate groundwater models.

The Pennsylvanian Grand River and Saginaw bedrock formations comprise the Saginaw Aquifer located in the Lansing, Michigan Tri-County region. The Saginaw Aquifer consists of a predominately shale and sandstone successions. These sandstone facies range up to 40 meters thick, and supply a significant amount water resources to the Lansing Tri-County area. Data used in this study was collected from conventional core inspection, porosity and permeability plug analysis, mini air permeameter measurements, and petrographic image analysis. These analysis were used to quantify a conservative set flow properties which correspond to existing sedimentary depositional facies descriptions.

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