CALIBRATION OF GROUNDWATER MODELS USING GROUND PENETRATING RADAR

This project challenges current assumptions that are used in modeling groundwater flow, namely, that of using point test data to characterize spatial heterogeneities in the flow properties of the ground. By using ground penetrating radar data that provides flow response data along a 2 dimensional cross section of the ground, as opposed to point test data, it is possible to compare a flow model based upon point test data to that of the actual groundwater flow response observed in the field. This comparison provides the hydrologic community with a better understanding of the limitations of using point test data to model groundwater flow. This analysis results in a new technique for using GPR to develop better calibrated flow models that more accurately represent hydrologic heterogeneities.

This research involves the use of mathematical models and mathematical techniques applied to groundwater flow modeling. Geospatial statistics are used to represent hydrologic variations in these models. The ground penetrating radar data collected from the field is used to modify classical geospatial techniques applied to heterogeneous groundwater flow models. Quantifiable results illustrate how ground penetrating radar can improve upon the predictive capabilities of a groundwater flow model by better characterizing the hydrologic properties of the groundwater aquifer.