MONITORING GROUNDWATER DYNAMICS WITH TIME-LAPSE GRAVITY GRADIOMETRY
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Authors
Karanfil, Mert
Date
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
Geophysics, Time-Lapse Gravity Gradiometry, Forward modelling, Inversion modelling
Alternative Title
Abstract
This thesis presents the feasibility of monitoring the depletion and recharge of ground and surface water reservoirs using gravimetry. This is an important exercise because many industrial processes are water-intensive, and therefore the use of sustainable and proximate water resources is preferred.
Gravity and gravity gradient signals are forward modeled to estimate signal strength, as well as the spatio-temporal distribution of water reservoir dynamics. The required sensitivity of the gravimeters, the time intervals between measurements, and the number and density of gravity stations are evaluated. Time-lapse gravimetry for small-scale reservoirs poses two discernible obstacles: i) a microgal sensitivity requirement, and ii) noise from environmental or anthropogenic sources in the vicinity of the reservoir. In principle, the use of two gravimeters in tandem could compensate for environmental noise and improve the gravity gradient measurements. The examples of reservoir models presented in this thesis display the resolvability of groundwater dynamics from surface gravity gradiometry.
Inversion modelling is used to incorporate gravity and gravity signals. Inversion modelling poses an optimization problem, known as non-uniqueness, where there are many potential solutions that could fit the observations. The gravity signals constrain the inversion and are able to map out higher and lower density regions. The results of inversion modelling indicate that inversion modelling can provide useful information about the drawdown caused by water extraction or injection processes.
The resolvability of drawdown variability across a reservoir using gravity gradiometry is tested varying two main parameters: survey grid sampling and well pair separation as a proxy for spatial resolution. The results of altering these two parameters indicate that survey grid sampling and well pair separation have an impact on the resolvability, but do not pose significant challenges for the survey design.
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Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States