Wire-line geophysical surveys are widely used to identify aquifers and aquicludes, and measure salinity, temperature, porosity, rock density and acoustic properties. Wire-line surveys are also used to measure hole diameter, hole verticality and up-hole flow velocity.
Surface and airborne geophysics are used for groundwater exploration. Techniques include magnetic, electromagnetic, seismic and gravity surveys, each of which measures a different aspect of the subsurface environment.
Let’s TalkGeophysics is an important value-adding tool in groundwater projects.
Rockwater has as an extensive in-house, wire-line and ground-based geophysical survey capability.
We have a portable unit capable of logging to 300 m, and a 4WD-mounted unit capable of logging to 1,600 m. Based on the Auslog system, both are able to run natural gamma, induction, Short-Normal/Long-Normal resistivity, temperature, flow and three-arm caliper tools.
We routinely use our Auslog systems in exploration holes, in the pilot-holes for production bores, after the pilot holes have been reamed to full diameter, and after the bores have been completed. The logs provide valuable information in the groundwater exploration and development process. In the case of deep, confined aquifers, wire-line logs are mandated by regulatory authorities.
Rockwater also owns a state-of-art Scintrex Proton Precession Magnetometer, which is used to locate fractured rock aquifers. We also have a Geonix Very Low Frequency Electro-Magnetic (VLF EM) transmitter/receiver to determine the dip of rock contacts.
We use the WellCad software suite to plot and analyse wire-line geophysical datasets acquired by ourselves and third-parties. Operational drilling parameters, such as weight on bit, torque, penetration rate, mechanical energy and mud properties, can be incorporated to assist in geological interpretation.
