<p>Determination of the subsurface geology is very important for the rock quarry industry. This is primarily done by drilling and mapping of the surface geology. However in Sweden the bedrock is often completely covered by Quaternary sediments making the prediction of subsurface geology quite difficult. Incorrect prediction of the rock-mass quality can lead to economic problems for the quarry. By performing geophysical measurements a more complete understanding of the subsurface geology can be determined. This study shows that by doing 2D-parallel data sampling a 3D inversion of the dataset is possible, which greatly enhances the visualization of the subsurface. Furthermore the electrical resistivity technique together with the induced polarization method proved to be very efficient in detecting fracture frequency, identification of major fracture zones, and variations in rock-mass quality all of which can affect the aggregate quality. With this technique not only the rock-mass quality is determined but also the thickness of the overburden. Implementation of geophysics can be a valuable tool for the quarry industry, resulting in substantial economic benefits.  </p>

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / The increasing population in search for better social and economic development in coastal areas puts groundwater resources under pressure because of the high fresh water demand for domestic and agriculture use. Seawater intrusion is widely recognised as major concern in coastal aquifers across the globe and is influenced by multiple factors, being climate variation which is projected to adjust recharge of groundwater because of decreased precipitation patterns and to increase sea level variations and over-abstraction due to high freshwater demand as a result of increased population and agricultural practices, thereby inducing salinization in groundwater. The coastal aquifer in Heuningnes Catchment is not exempted from these issues and salinization is a major concern in the area affecting groundwater quality. In Heuningnes Catchment and South Africa in general there is limited knowledge on the application of integrated approach for assessing groundwater quality especially salinization mechanism in coastal aquifers. The main goal of this research is to test and demonstrate the viability of using joint interpretation approach of geophysics, geochemical and geological information to investigate groundwater quality in coastal aquifers thus improving on the understanding of using such approach. This work offers the initial thorough assessment of groundwater quality and understanding of the salinity sources and hydro-geochemical processes governing the chemical composition of groundwater in the region. Thus provide advice on the fitness of this water for consumption and irrigation purposes. Thirty-two groundwater samples were collected and analysed for (Mg2+), (Ca2+), (Na+), (K+), (Cl-), (SO42), (HCO3-), (pH, TDS and EC). To estimate fitness of groundwater quality for consumption purposes WHO (2011) and SANS241 guideline were used and for irrigation utilization the water quality indices (EC), (Na+%), (SAR), (RSC), (KR) and (MR) were used. Statistics approaches were employed to ascertain the primary geochemical processes governing the chemical composition of groundwater in the research region. Lastly, the spatial distribution maps were created by means of ArcGIS. Electrical resistivity method was used to map the extent of saline distribution within the subsurface. The findings of this study revealed that groundwater in the region is alkaline type and TDS, EC, Na+, Cl- exceeded WHO and SANS241 guidelines for consumption water. The geophysical investigation revealed that the sandy clay/clayey sand, fine sand and fractured sandstone units make up the coastal aquifer systems within the area. Further, revealed that these aquifers were saturated with fresh, saline or brackish water depending on the subsurface layer. The presence of saline and brackish was confirmed by the chemical results which indicated a Na+-Cl- type as a dominant water type. Also classifying groundwater based on EC and TDS supports these findings. The foremost hydro-geochemical processes that controls the salinity and quality of groundwater in the study region as indicated by Gibbs plot are water-rock interaction followed by evaporation process. Furthermore, analysis of hydrochemical data also proposes that weathering of silicate minerals, ion-exchange and dissolution of carbonate minerals amended ion concentration in groundwater thus influencing salinisation in certain parts of the study region. Also assessment of ionic-ratios displays influences of marine sprays as well as seawater, on the chemical structure of groundwater within the Heuningnes Catchment aquifer. Valuation of groundwater quality and its fitness for ingestion and irrigation purposes, the results indicated that shallow groundwater in the area is not suitable for any use; however, groundwater from deeper boreholes was found fresh and appropriate for irrigation and household purposes. Findings of this study indicated that salinity is the major groundwater quality issue for this area and that monitoring of groundwater quality in Heuningnes Catchment is limited. The absence of consistent monitoring program on groundwater quality makes it difficult to ascertain long term trends on groundwater quality parameters. Therefore, this study emphasizes the need for regular groundwater quality monitoring to assess the trends of these parameters in order to make an informed decision as to what can be done for mitigation purposes.

Determination of the subsurface geology is very important for the rock quarry industry. This is primarily done by drilling and mapping of the surface geology. However in Sweden the bedrock is often completely covered by Quaternary sediments making the prediction of subsurface geology quite difficult. Incorrect prediction of the rock-mass quality can lead to economic problems for the quarry. By performing geophysical measurements a more complete understanding of the subsurface geology can be determined. This study shows that by doing 2D-parallel data sampling a 3D inversion of the dataset is possible, which greatly enhances the visualization of the subsurface. Furthermore the electrical resistivity technique together with the induced polarization method proved to be very efficient in detecting fracture frequency, identification of major fracture zones, and variations in rock-mass quality all of which can affect the aggregate quality. With this technique not only the rock-mass quality is determined but also the thickness of the overburden. Implementation of geophysics can be a valuable tool for the quarry industry, resulting in substantial economic benefits. / QC 20101118

The anisotropy of the Biscayne Aquifer which serves as the source of potable water for Miami-Dade County was investigated by applying geophysical methods. Electrical resistivity imaging, self potential and ground penetration radar techniques were employed in both regional and site specific studies. In the regional study, electrical anisotropy and resistivity variation with depth were investigated with azimuthal square array measurements at 13 sites. The observed coefficient of electrical anisotropy ranged from 1.01 to 1.36. The general direction of measured anisotropy is uniform for most sites and trends W-E or SE-NW irrespective of depth. Measured electrical properties were used to estimate anisotropic component of the secondary porosity and hydraulic anisotropy which ranged from 1 to 11% and 1.18 to 2.83 respectively. 1-D sounding analysis was used to models the variation of formation resistivity with depth. Resistivities decreased from NW (close to the margins of the everglades) to SE on the shores of Biscayne Bay. Porosity calculated from Archie's law, ranged from 18 to 61% with higher values found along the ridge. Higher anisotropy, porosities and hydraulic conductivities were on the Atlantic Coastal Ridge and lower values at low lying areas west of the ridge. The cause of higher anisotropy and porosity is attributed to higher dissolution rates of the oolitic facies of the Miami Formation composing the ridge. The direction of minimum resistivity from this study is similar to the predevelopment groundwater flow direction indicated in published modeling studies. Detailed investigations were carried out to evaluate higher anisotropy at West Perrine Park located on the ridge and Snapper Creek Municipal well field where the anisotropy trend changes with depth. The higher anisotropy is attributed to the presence of solution cavities oriented in the E-SE direction on the ridge. Similarly, the change in hydraulic anisotropy at the well field might be related to solution cavities, the surface canal and groundwater extraction wells.