Aquifer architecture analysis using ground-penetrating radar: Triassic and Quaternary examples (S. Germany)

Asprion, Ulrich; Aigner, Thomas

doi:10.1007/s002540050165

Cited by 40 publications

(23 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…In line with their work, the GPR profiles obtained for the Herten site will be examined with respect to specific patterns that can be correlated to typical geometric structures, genetic units or architectural elements as identified in the outcrop sections. Accordingly, the measurement and signal filtering procedures as given by Asprion and Aigner (1997) were adopted, and a GSSI (Geophysical Survey Systems Inc., North Salem, NK, USA) radar system (model SIR 10A) with a pair of 300 MHz antenna was applied. Separation of transmitter and receiver was held constant at 1.4 m. Asprion and Aigner (1999) provide a complete description of the field measurement procedure.…”

Section: Gpr and Radar Faciesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Three-dimensional high resolution fluvio-glacial aquifer analog: Part 1: Field study

Bayer

Huggenberger

Renard

et al. 2011

Journal of Hydrology

100

106

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s u m m a r yDescribing the complex structures that exist in many sedimentary aquifers is crucial for reliable groundwater flow and transport simulation. However, hardly any aquifer can be inspected in such detail that all decimeter to meter heterogeneity is resolved. Aquifer analogs serve as surrogates to construct models of equivalent heterogeneity, and thus imitate those features relevant for flow or transport processes. Gravel pits found in excavation show excellent sections of the sedimentary sequence and thus offer direct insight into the structural and textural composition of the subsoil. This paper describes an approach to also inspect the third dimension: by mapping during the ongoing excavation it is possible to obtain a three-dimensional representation of the subsurface within a short period of time. A detailed description of a case study is presented and the findings from sedimentological, hydrogeological and geophysical analyses are compared. The gravel pit is located near the town of Herten in southwest Germany, where relatively young unconsolidated fluvio-glacial and fluvial sediments in the Rhine basin are mined. The excavated gravel body is built up by architectural elements typical for braided river deposits. The study generated a high-resolution data set of lithofacies, hydrofacies and ground penetrating radar (GPR) profiles. It represents the basis for a full three-dimensional geostatistical reconstruction presented in the second part

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Section: Gpr and Radar Faciesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Three-dimensional high resolution fluvio-glacial aquifer analog: Part 1: Field study

Bayer

Huggenberger

Renard

et al. 2011

Journal of Hydrology

100

106

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“…GPR represents an inexpensive and fast reconnaissance technique with high resolution of the shallow subsurface. GPR has been established as a standard too for the examination of siliciclastic sediments and rocks (e.g., Huggenberger et al 1994;Stephens 1994;Bristow 1995;Asprion and Aigner 1997;McMechan et al 1997;Corbeanu et al 2001;Buynevich and Fitzgerald 2003). In contrast, the application to carbonate rocks still is far from routine.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Extrapolation of depositional geometries of the Menorcan Miocene carbonate ramp with ground-penetrating radar

Asprion

Westphal

Nieman³

et al. 2008

Facies

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The Tortonian carbonate ramp of Menorca was previously studied on the basis of outcrops along sea-cliff outcrops. These sea cliffs, in combination with inland water wells, are the basis for a facies model for the reconstruction of the internal architecture and for characterizing the internal heterogeneities of this carbonate platform. However, any such three-dimensional reconstruction is generally limited by the given geometrical arrangement of the twodimensional outcrops and the uncertainties of correlation with the one-dimensional wells. Here, ground-penetrating radar (GPR) has been employed in order to test and refine the depositional model. Although GPR is well known for being an excellent tool for high-resolution underground studies of sedimentary systems, the application for studying carbonate rocks is still far from routine. The reason for this discrepancy is two-fold: the minor mineralogical contrast between lithologies in carbonate rocks results in subtle reflections, and, even more important, the porosity structure in carbonates is thoroughly and repeatedly changed during diagenesis, commonly across the different facies, leading to problems in predictability of the petrophysical properties. The study of the Menorcan carbonate ramp with large distance-deep penetration GPR sections demonstrates that in spite of these difficulties, GPR is a valuable tool for extrapolating information from outcrops and wells. It is useful for characterizing heterogeneities larger than outcrop scale.

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“…1 use of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) in combination with coring and trenching to describe all of the different scales of deposits in detail and in three dimensions (Jol & Smith, 1991;Gawthorpe et al, 1993;Huggenberger, 1993;Siegenthaler & Huggenberger, 1993;Alexander et al, 1994;Huggenberger et al, 1994;Jol, 1995;Bridge et al, 1995Bridge et al, , 1998Beres et al, 1995Beres et al, , 1999Leclerc & Hickin, 1997;Asprion & Aigner, 1997Van Overmeeren, 1998;Vandenberghe & Van Overmeeren, 1999;Bristow et al, 1999;Ekes & Hickin, 2001;Wooldridge, 2002;Regli et al, 2002;Best et al, 2003;Bristow & Jol, 2003;Skelly et al, 2003;Woodward et al, 2003;Lunt & Bridge, 2004;Lunt et al, 2004a,b;Sambrook Smith et al, 2005); 2 study of channel deposits in frozen rivers, allowing easy access to the whole channel belt, and the procurement of undisturbed cores of unconsolidated gravel (Lunt et al, 2004a,b;Lunt & Bridge, 2004); 3 study of the evolution of channel geometry using sequences of aerial photographs taken at short time intervals Stoijic et al, 1998;Wooldridge, 2002;Lunt & Bridge, 2004).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Depositional Models of Braided Rivers

2006

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Depositional models of braided rivers are necessary for rational interpretation of ancient deposits, and to aid in the characterization of subsurface deposits (e.g. aquifers, hydrocarbon reservoirs). A comprehensive depositional model should represent bed geometry, flow and sedimentary processes, and deposits accurately, quantitatively, and in detail. Existing depositional models of braided rivers do not meet these requirements, and there are still many misconceptions about braided rivers and their deposits that need to be expunged. Over the past decade, there have been major advances in our understanding of braided rivers, making it possible to develop new and improved depositional models. First, the use of groundpenetrating radar in combination with cores and trenches has allowed detailed description of the different scales of deposit in braided rivers that vary widely in channel size and sediment size. Second, the study of braided channel geometry and kinematics has been facilitated by the use of aerial photographs taken at short time intervals. In some cases, these photographs have been analysed using digital photogrammetry to produce digital elevation models. Third, water flow and sediment transport at the all-important flood stages have been studied using new equipment and methods (e.g. acoustic Doppler current profilers, positioning using differential global positioning systems). However, such high-flow studies are rare, which is one reason why there has not been much progress in development of realistic theoretical models for the interaction between bed topography, water flow, sediment transport, erosion and deposition. Laboratory experimental studies of braided rivers have continued to be useful for examining the controls on channel geometry and dynamics, but have not been able to generate all of the different types and scales of strata observed in natural braided river deposits.New depositional models for sand-bed and gravel-bed braided rivers are presented here based mainly on studies of natural rivers. They comprise: 1 maps showing idealized active and abandoned channels, compound bars and lobate unit bars; 2 cross-sections showing large-scale inclined strata and their internal structures, associated with migration of compound bars, unit bars and their superimposed bedforms; 3 vertical logs of typical sedimentary sequences through different parts of compound bar deposits and channel fills.Compound bars migrate laterally and downstream, associated mainly with accretion of lobate unit bars. Abandoned channels are mainly filled with unit-bar deposits. The geometry of the different scales of strataset is related to the geometry and migration of the bedform associated with deposition of the strataset. In particular, the length-to-thickness ratio of stratasets is similar to the wavelength-to-height ratio of associated bedforms. Furthermore, the wavelength and height of bedforms such as dunes and bars are related to channel depth and width. Therefore, the thickness of a particular scale of strataset ...

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Aquifer architecture analysis using ground-penetrating radar: Triassic and Quaternary examples (S. Germany)

Cited by 40 publications

References 15 publications

Three-dimensional high resolution fluvio-glacial aquifer analog: Part 1: Field study

Three-dimensional high resolution fluvio-glacial aquifer analog: Part 1: Field study

Extrapolation of depositional geometries of the Menorcan Miocene carbonate ramp with ground-penetrating radar

Depositional Models of Braided Rivers

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