HYDROLOGIC CHARACTERIZATION OF SINKHOLES USING ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY TECHNIQUES

We are conducting a multi-disciplinary study investigating the transport of contaminants from application of waste residuals, such as animal manures and biosolids, within sinkhole environments. As the first step of this larger project, we are utilizing a combination of methods to characterize sinkholes, including electrical resistivity surveys, well drilling, and soil sampling. The electrical resistivity surveys are being conducted to reveal information about subsurface features such as voids, pinnacles, solutionally enlarged joints, and channels that influence groundwater flow and contaminant transport within a sinkhole environment. The characterization data will then be utilized to determine the best locations for installation of wells that will be used to monitor contaminant transport. In addition to aiding in characterization, electrical resistivity surveys conducted at the same locations during dry periods, and again during wet periods, will allow further characterization of how groundwater moves in a localized sinkhole flow system. Results of this study will have implications for understanding transport of agriculturally-related pollutants in sinkhole systems, and will be used to provide better guidelines for managing waste residuals.