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Geophysical methods have the capacity to detect and characterize gas-phase dynamics in groundwater. Suitable methods can be deployed at surface or within boreholes depending on the required depth of investigation, spatial/temporal resolution, and geologic conditions. While the application of geophysical methods to monitor immiscible phase contaminants in the subsurface has been extensively documented, the effects of hydraulic properties and flow system conditions on the nature of the geophysical responses used to elucidate multi-phase fluid flow remains underdeveloped. A series of numerical 2-dimensional multi-phase flow and geophysical model simulations based on a controlled methane release experiment in the Borden unconfined sand aquifer was carried out to assess the influence of porous media hydraulic properties and flow system conditions on geophysical signatures associated with transient gas-phase saturation and gas migration behaviour. Specifically, the utility of electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to monitor gas-phase plume dynamics in shallow groundwater flow systems is examined. ERT and GPR responses to gas-phase distribution and migration during a 72-day methane gas injection and subsequent recovery period was calculated using a numerical multi-phase flow model (CFbio) simulating four distinct parameterizations of the sandy aquifer system. Geophysical models showed that ERT was effective at imaging the central position of the plume but was less effective at detecting thinner lateral migration pathways extending beyond the primary high gas saturation bulb. Conversely, GPR was able to detect thin gas pools emanating from the primary gas bulb and small-scale vertical preferential pathways arising from capillary boundaries with contrasting saturations; however, gradational boundaries proved to be more difficult to resolve using GPR. This study demonstrates that ERT and GPR can be very useful tools in combination for longer-term monitoring of stray gas leakage from decommissioned hydrocarbon wells in shallow granular media freshwater aquifers, especially given the likelihood of strong lateral migration.

This study evaluates the utility of ambient temperature profiles collected in sealed bedrock boreholes to assess variability in groundwater flow in discretely fractured shallow bedrock environments. A conceptual model for groundwater flow and groundwater-surface water temperature conditions and their interaction in a temperate climate is developed through a statistical interpretation of time-lapse thermal deviation logs. Temperature profiles were collected in three angled and three vertical boreholes drilled to 24–32 mbgs (meters below ground surface) and temporarily sealed with an impermeable fabric liner in a fractured dolostone bedrock aquifer adjacent to and extending beneath a bedrock river to monitor seasonal hydrodynamics. Ambient borehole temperature profiles collected every 1–8 weeks over a 12 month period identified zones of hydraulic activity during periods of intra-seasonal stability without the interference of open borehole cross-connection. Signal cross-correlation and Fourier spectra analysis of thermal deviation logs provided a novel way to observe the shallow bedrock flow system’s temperature evolution due to advection along discrete fractures in response to seasonal transience, and to identify and isolate noise caused by free-convection cells within the sealed borehole. This approach represents a diagnostic tool that improves confidence in identifying depth discrete, hydraulically active fracture zones from thermal deviation data sets in a shallow, fractured sedimentary bedrock environment. Variably scaled free-convection cells were observed within the borehole water columns during the colder winter periods. Although these periods were accompanied by higher signal noise near the river/atmospheric interface, these cells led to a temporary thermal disequilibrium between the borehole water column and formation water deeper in the bedrock. These conditions increased the maximum depth of thermal detections associated with discrete groundwater flow features from 14 mbgs in the summer to 26 mbgs in the winter, thereby enhancing the understanding of shallow groundwater flow systems under the direct influence of surface water.

A complex mixture of dissolved organic contaminants, emanating from a many decades-old, residual, dense non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) source, migrates through unconfined, moderately heterogeneous, glacial-derived sediments and sedimentary rock in a residential area of Dane County, Wisconsin, USA. A portion of this contaminant plume intersects a large man-made pond, roughly 400 m downgradient of the source zone. Depth-discrete, multilevel groundwater sampling, detailed sedimentological logs, and hydraulic head profiles were used to delineate the spatial distribution of hydraulic, geologic, organic contaminant, and redox hydrochemical conditions within the established plume along two transects immediately upgradient of the pond. Twenty-one contaminants were detected and classified into four major contaminant groups: chlorinated ethenes, chlorinated ethanes, aromatics (BTEX: benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene), and aliphatic ketones. Within the glacial sediments and shallow bedrock, zones of reductive dechlorination of chlorinated ethenes and ethanes were juxtaposed with zones of BTEX and ketone degradation. Spatial heterogeneity in the concentration and distribution of contaminant groups and redox conditions was observed over lateral distances of tens of meters and vertical distances of tens of centimeters along the two transects. Although the site was situated in a complex glacial depositional environment, lithologic and hydraulic heterogeneity surprisingly only had a modest influence on the spatial distribution of plume contaminants. Depth-discrete sampling along paired, closely spaced transects (~20 m apart) was essential to assess internal plume composition/concentration evolution along flow paths with strong attenuation over short migration distances. This study shows how paired, highly resolved transects can enhance understanding of transverse and longitudinal variability in areas where contaminant-induced redox conditions control reaction zones and strong plume attenuation.

Fugitive methane (CH 4 ) leakage associated with conventional and unconventional petroleum development (e.g., shale gas) may pose significant risks to shallow groundwater. While the potential threat of stray (CH 4 ) gas in aquifers has been acknowledged, few studies have examined the nature of its migration and fate in a shallow groundwater flow system. This study examines the geophysical responses observed from surface during a 72 day field-scale simulated CH 4 leak in an unconfined sandy aquifer at Canadian Forces Base Borden, Canada, to better understand the transient behaviour of fugitive CH 4 gas in the subsurface. Time-lapse ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) were used to monitor the distribution and migration of the gas-phase and assess any impacts to groundwater hydrochemistry. Geophysical measurements captured the transient formation of a CH 4 gas plume emanating from the injector, which was accompanied by an increase in total dissolved gas pressure (P TDG ). Subsequent reductions in P TDG were accompanied by reduced bulk resistivity around the injector along with an increase in the GPR reflectivity along horizontal bedding reflectors farther downgradient. Repeat temporal GPR reflection profiling identified three events with major peaks in reflectivity, interpreted to represent episodic lateral CH 4 gas release events into the aquifer. Here, a gradual increase in P TDG near the injector caused a sudden lateral breakthrough of gas in the direction of groundwater flow, causing free-phase CH 4 to migrate much farther than anticipated based on groundwater advection. CH 4 accumulated along subtle permeability boundaries demarcated by grain-scale bedding within the aquifer characteristic of numerous Borden-aquifer multi-phase flow experiments. Diminishing reflectivity over a period of days to weeks suggests buoyancy-driven migration to the vadose zone and/or CH 4 dissolution into groundwater. Lateral and vertical CH 4 migration was primarily governed by subtle, yet measurable heterogeneity and anisotropy in the aquifer.

Organic solvent (i.e., dense nonaqueous phase liquid, DNAPL) migration in the subsurface is known to be extremely sensitive to geologic heterogeneity. There is often a focus on heterogeneity that results from changing depositional conditions over short spatial scales. Similar or even more extreme spatial heterogeneity can result postdeposition due to erosional processes. This study applies a synergistic approach based on a combination of high-resolution lithologic logs of continuous cores, borehole geophysical logs, surface electrical resistivity, and seismic refraction tomography models to assess spatial heterogeneity in a shallow bedrock sequence subject to multiple unconformities and contaminated with a mixture of organic chemicals. The persistence of DNAPL in the source zone and an associated dissolved-phase plume led to variable impacts on formation resistivity across the study site. Seismic refraction in combination with electrical resistivity tomography improved interpretation of highly irregular erosional boundaries by delineating sharp lateral transitions in lithologic composition near the source zone and across the dissolved-phase plume. Electrical resistivity was effective at differentiating between clean and mud-rich sandstones and their unconformable contact with an underlying dolostone. Geophysical measurements revealed eroded dolostone mounds encased by a network of younger mud-rich sandstones channelized by clean semi-lithified sand, all of which was buried beneath variable glacial drift. Our synergistic multidimensional approach resulted in the development of a detailed three-dimensional shallow bedrock geospatial model, which has led to an improved understanding of DNAPL migration and contaminant plume heterogeneity.

Expansion of shale gas extraction has fuelled global concern about the potential impact of fugitive methane on groundwater and climate. Although methane leakage from wells is well documented, the consequences on groundwater remain sparsely studied and are thought by some to be minor. Here we present the results of a 72-day methane gas injection experiment into a shallow, flat-lying sand aquifer. In our experiment, although a significant fraction of methane vented to the atmosphere, an equal portion remained in the groundwater. We find that methane migration in the aquifer was governed by subtle grain-scale bedding that impeded buoyant free-phase gas flow and led to episodic releases of free-phase gas. The result was lateral migration of gas beyond that expected by groundwater advection alone. Methane persisted in the groundwater zone despite active growth of methanotrophic bacteria, although much of the methane that vented into the vadose zone was oxidized. Our findings demonstrate that even small-volume releases of methane gas can cause extensive and persistent free phase and solute plumes emanating from leaks that are detectable only by contaminant hydrogeology monitoring at high resolution. Most monitoring of methane well leakage focuses on emissions of methane gas to the atmosphere. In a controlled-release field experiment, significant methane also persisted in aquifer groundwater due to lateral migration along bedding planes.

Subsurface leakage of natural gas from petroleum wells can impact freshwater aquifers. Accurate prediction of gas migration in the subsurface will depend on knowledge of permeability, porosity, and flow system conditions. A series of two-dimensional numerical multi-phase flow simulations (CFbio) were conducted to investigate the role of multi-phase parameters (relative permeability and air entry pressure), flow system conditions (intrinsic permeability, anisotropy, and groundwater velocity), and geometric properties (layer thickness and layer lateral continuity) on the flow of gas-phase methane emanating from two variable-rate point sources in an unconfined sandy aquifer. Numerical simulations showed that for a homogeneous, weakly anisotropic aquifer, gas migrates almost exclusively vertically due to buoyancy, before venting to the vadose zone and atmosphere. As vertical migration became restricted through increased anisotropy, inclusion of lower-permeable layers, or increased horizontal groundwater velocity, an increase in the lateral component of gas migration was observed. This led to the formation of a broader lateral migration of the gas-phase plume and establishment of variably distributed vertical preferential flow paths, ultimately resulting in increased gas retention in the aquifer with relatively less methane reaching the vadose zone or atmosphere. The inclusion of a thin layer with moderately lower permeability (1-2 orders of magnitude) and increased air entry pressure was used to depict a fine-grained sand lens within a uniform aquifer. This subtle feature led to the formation of thin gas pools extending up- and down-gradient beneath the lens, allowing methane to travel much farther and faster than by groundwater advection alone, which is consistent with field observations during the experiment. In all scenarios investigated gas-phase methane was shown to migrate predominantly vertically due to buoyancy, until the aquitard permeability was

Fractured sedimentary bedrock rivers exhibit complicated flow patterns controlled by the geometry, extent and connectivity of fractures and dissolution-enhanced conduits. In a bedrock river environment these features variably connect surface water to groundwater. Given the nature of discrete fracture and conduit networks, these flow systems can be anisotropic and heterogeneous over a wide range of scales. Portable and non-invasive geophysical methods are ideal for the initial characterization of shallow hydrogeologic systems in ecologically sensitive environments. Here, we evaluate the utility of the electromagnetic (EM) azimuthal resistivity method for characterizing shallow vertical and subvertical fracture set orientations in the presence of localized dissolution-enhanced features near a sedimentary bedrock river located in Southern Ontario, Canada. Multiple EM coil spacings ranging from 1 to 10 m in vertical and horizontal dipole modes were applied at two locations within a 10 × 25 m study plot; azimuthal rotations were conducted using symmetric and asymmetric geometries. The observed anisotropic response was evaluated using 100 MHz ground-penetrating radar (GPR) measurements collected across the study plot area. A joint analysis of EM and GPR data revealed that fracture-based anisotropy can be identified in the presence of local heterogeneities (i.e., dissolution-enhanced features) at scales considerably smaller than those of previous studies. These non-invasive geophysical data sets can be used to optimize the design of multi-borehole groundwater monitoring stations along bedrock river channels, such that angled boreholes could be emplaced and orientated to intercept major fracture networks and local dissolution features. These data could also improve 3-D fracture network conceptualizations utilizing discrete information from angled and vertical boreholes.

Summary Bedrock rivers exhibit very different hydraulic and ecological regimes compared to alluvial rivers. Groundwater–surface water interaction in rivers that flow directly on sedimentary bedrock surfaces with exposed fracture and conduit networks is generally based on alluvial river conceptual models. However, the dual and triple porosity systems of sedimentary rock (e.g., matrix, fractures and vugs) leads to highly variable hydraulic pathways and groundwater velocities that, in turn, result in processes that are very different than those derived from alluvial concepts. Relative to alluvial rivers there has been very little direct examination of dynamic interactions, such as fluxes, groundwater velocities, and mechanisms affecting water quality across the channel interface; this is largely because bedrock rivers are difficult to instrument and monitor given their heterogeneous and anisotropic flow systems. In this study, we evaluate the capacity of non-invasive, low impact ground-penetrating radar and frequency-domain electromagnetic induction methods capable of detecting discrete fracture and conduit features, mapping complex distributions of lithostratigraphic interfaces, and providing information about formation properties along a partially exposed section of the Eramosa River located in Ontario, Canada. Geophysical data are supported by direct hydrogeologic and geologic information obtained from a nearby borehole piezometer cluster and a continuous 15 m rock core. Valuable insights were gained into the lateral extent and geometry of structurally-controlled whydrostratigraphic units (e.g., dissolution-enhanced fractures, epikarst and karst features), which are expected to strongly influence groundwater and surface water interaction along the channel. An integrated application of GPR and EMI methods was necessary to fully understand the complex geometry of geologic boundaries and karst features within the shallow bedrock aquifer. The identification of epikarst below fluvial sediment and its relationship to the formation of dissolution features, exposed fracture conduit networks and sinkholes represents the basis for understanding the dynamic hydraulic responses between the surface water and the shallow bedrock aquifer.

Bedrock rivers occur where surface water flows along an exposed rock surface. Fractured sedimentary bedrock can exhibit variable groundwater residence times, anisotropic flow paths, heterogeneity, along with diffusive exchange between fractures and rock matrix. These properties of the rock will affect thermal transients in the riverbed and groundwater–surface water exchange. In this study, surface electrical methods were used as a non-invasive technique to assess the scale and temporal variability of riverbed temperature and groundwater–surface water exchange beneath a sedimentary bedrock riverbed. Conditions were monitored on a semi-daily to semi-weekly interval over a full annual period that included a seasonal freeze-thaw cycle. Surface electromagnetic induction and electrical resistivity imaging methods captured conditions beneath the riverbed along a pool-riffle sequence within the Eramosa River, Guelph, Ontario, Canada. Geophysical datasets were accompanied by continuous measurements of aqueous specific conductance, temperature and river stage. Vertical temperature profiling conducted in an inclined borehole underlying the river revealed active groundwater flow zones through fracture networks within the upper 10 m of rock. Resistivity measurements during cooler high-flow and warmer low-flow conditions identified a spatiotemporal riverbed response that was largely dependent upon riverbed morphology and groundwater temperature. Time-lapse resistivity profiles collected across the pool and riffle identified seasonal transients within the upper 2 m and 3 m of rock, respectively, with spatial variations controlled by riverbed morphology (pool verses riffle) and dominant surficial rock properties (competent verses weathered rock rubble surface). While the pool and riffle both exhibited a dynamic resistivity through seasonal cooling and warming cycles, conditions beneath the pool were more dynamic, largely due to the formation of river ice. Although seasonal resistivity trends beneath the riverbed suggest groundwater discharge may be influencing the spatiotemporal extent of a groundwater-surface water mixing zone, intraseasonal resistivity transience suggest potential groundwater–surface water exchange across the upper few meters of rock.

[1] A major challenge in vadose zone hydrology is to obtain accurate information on the temporal changes of the vertical soil water distribution and its feedback with the atmosphere and groundwater. A state of the art coupled hydrogeophysical inversion scheme is applied to evaluate soil hydraulic properties of a synthetic model and a field soil in southern Ontario based on time-lapse monitoring of soil dynamics with surface ground-penetrating radar (GPR). Film flow was included in the hydrological model to account for noncapillary water flow in a sandy medium during dry conditions. The synthetic study illustrated that GPR data contain sufficient information to accurately constrain soil hydraulic parameters within a coupled inversion framework and led to an accurate estimation of the soil hydraulic properties. When film flow was not accounted for within the inversion, an equally good fit could still be achieved. In this case, errors introduced by neglecting film flow were compensated by different hydraulic parameters. For the field data, the coupled inversion reduced the overall misfit compared to an uncalibrated model using hydraulic parameters obtained from laboratory data. Although the data fit improved significantly for water content in the deeper soil layers, accounting for film flow in the uppermost subsurface layer did not lead to a better fit of the GPR data. Further research is needed to describe the processes controlling water content in the dry range, in particular coupled heat and vapor transport. This study illustrates the suitability of surface GPR measurements combined with coupled inversion for near-surface characterization of soil hydraulic parameters.

This paper presents a multi-year field study in which high-frequency 900 MHz reflection traveltime measurements were used to monitor vertical soil moisture distribution in the upper 3.0 m of vadose zone. GPR reflection profiles and common-midpoint (CMP) soundings were collected over the complete annual cycle of soil conditions characterized by numerous wetting, drying and freezing cycles typical of mid-latitude climates. The presence of four distinct stratigraphic reflection events at well-defined depths permitted quantitative assessment of seasonal moisture processes and their temporal dynamics during the study period. The incorporation of direct ground wave measurements from coincidently collected CMP soundings yielded improved resolution at the air-soil interface which facilitated characterization of the hydraulic coupling between shallow and deeper moisture conditions.