Geophysical Science in Oklahoma and Texas Active
Geophysical techniques used by the Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center (OTWSC) provide a relatively quick and inexpensive means to gain insights into how groundwater systems work and the occurrence and distribution of certain contaminants. These techniques are an important tool for scientific investigations, environmental planning, and resource management. Visit the links below for more information on our data and science.
GEOPHYSICAL SCIENCE CAPABILITIES
OTWSC has expertise in a wide variety of geophysical science applications, including, but not limited to:
- Surface-water/groundwater interaction
- Using passive near-surface and frequency-domain electromagnetic induction methods profiling to identify surface-water and groundwater interaction.
- Using time-domain electromagnetic sounding (TDEM) and seismic refraction tomography (SRT) geophysical methods for mapping the contacts between aquifers or geologic units.
- Borehole Geophysics
- Calculating and analyzing hydraulic properties
- Processing and analyzing acoustic properties
- Developing conceptual hydrogeologic models
- Delineating freshwater/saline water transition zones
- Surface Geophysics
- Determining leakage potential along streams and canals
- Developing near-surface zone fractures
- Characterizing hydrostratigraphy
- Detecting near-surface fractures and voids
Find out more about OTWSC geophysics science expertise in this printable information sheet.
CURRENT GEOPHYSICAL SCIENCE
Hydrogeology and Groundwater Quality Assessment
Hydrogeologic Atlas for Fort Bliss
Hydrogeologic Framework of Gaines, Terry, and Yoakum Counties
Transboundary Aquifer Assessment Program
Surface-Water and Groundwater Interactions
Seismic and Geoelectric Characterization of the Precambrian Granite Gravel Aquifer
Projects related to geophysical science are listed below.
Geolog Locator
Investigation of Preferential Groundwater Seepage in the Ellenburger – San Saba Aquifer Using Geoelectric Measurements
Transboundary Aquifer Assessment Program (TAAP)
Hydrogeologic Framework and Geochemistry of Gaines, Terry, and Yoakum Counties
Geoelectric and Seismic Characterization of the Precambrian Granite Gravel Aquifer, Llano Uplift, Central Texas
Hydrogeologic Atlas for Fort Bliss
Publications related to geophysical science are listed below.
New insights into surface-water/groundwater exchanges in the Guadalupe River, Texas, from floating geophysical methods
Geophysics- and geochemistry-based assessment of the geochemical characteristics and groundwater-flow system of the U.S. part of the Mesilla Basin/Conejos-Médanos aquifer system in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, and El Paso County, Texas, 2010–12
Coupling geophysical investigation with hydrothermal modeling to constrain the enthalpy classification of a potential geothermal resource.
A multiphased approach to groundwater investigations for the Edwards-Trinity and related aquifers in the Pecos County region, Texas
Borehole geophysical, fluid, and hydraulic properties within and near the freshwater/saline-water transition zone, San Antonio segment of the Edwards aquifer, south-central Texas, 2010-11
A conceptual hydrogeologic model for the hydrogeologic framework, geochemistry, and groundwater-flow system of the Edwards-Trinity and related aquifers in the Pecos County region, Texas
Borehole geophysical, fluid, and hydraulic properties within and surrounding the freshwater/saline-water transition zone, San Antonio segment of the Edwards aquifer, south-central Texas, 2010-11
A conceptual model of the hydrogeologic framework, geochemistry, and groundwater-flow system of the Edwards-Trinity and related aquifers in the Pecos County region, Texas
Data collection and compilation for a geodatabase of groundwater, surface-water, water-quality, geophysical, and geologic data, Pecos County Region, Texas, 1930-2011
Hydrogeology, chemical characteristics, and water sources and pathways in the zone of contribution of a public-supply well in San Antonio, Texas
Enhancement of USGS scientific investigations in Texas by using geophysical techniques, 2005-10
Time-domain electromagnetic soundings collected in Dawson County, Nebraska, 2007-09
- Overview
Geophysical techniques used by the Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center (OTWSC) provide a relatively quick and inexpensive means to gain insights into how groundwater systems work and the occurrence and distribution of certain contaminants. These techniques are an important tool for scientific investigations, environmental planning, and resource management. Visit the links below for more information on our data and science.
GEOPHYSICAL SCIENCE CAPABILITIES
OTWSC has expertise in a wide variety of geophysical science applications, including, but not limited to:
- Surface-water/groundwater interaction
- Using passive near-surface and frequency-domain electromagnetic induction methods profiling to identify surface-water and groundwater interaction.
- Using time-domain electromagnetic sounding (TDEM) and seismic refraction tomography (SRT) geophysical methods for mapping the contacts between aquifers or geologic units.
- Borehole Geophysics
- Calculating and analyzing hydraulic properties
- Processing and analyzing acoustic properties
- Developing conceptual hydrogeologic models
- Delineating freshwater/saline water transition zones
- Surface Geophysics
- Determining leakage potential along streams and canals
- Developing near-surface zone fractures
- Characterizing hydrostratigraphy
- Detecting near-surface fractures and voids
Find out more about OTWSC geophysics science expertise in this printable information sheet.
CURRENT GEOPHYSICAL SCIENCE
Hydrogeology and Groundwater Quality Assessment
Hydrogeologic Atlas for Fort Bliss
Hydrogeologic Framework of Gaines, Terry, and Yoakum Counties
Transboundary Aquifer Assessment Program
Surface-Water and Groundwater Interactions
Seismic and Geoelectric Characterization of the Precambrian Granite Gravel Aquifer
- Surface-water/groundwater interaction
- Science
Projects related to geophysical science are listed below.
Geolog Locator
The Geolog Locator allows users to search more than 7,000 digital borehole geophysical logs at over 1,700 locations. Users like hydrogeologists, groundwater hydrologists, and geologists can search and explore the online database, which primarily includes information collected by the USGS, as well some data compiled from other sources with permission.Investigation of Preferential Groundwater Seepage in the Ellenburger – San Saba Aquifer Using Geoelectric Measurements
The USGS Texas Water Science Center (TXWSC) is completing a geophysical pilot study adjacent to Hamilton Creek in Burnet County, central Texas. The pilot study is intended to test whether electrical geophysical methods can provide information regarding the locations of dissolution cavities and preferential groundwater flow within in the Ellenburger San-Saba aquifer. Data from this study will give...Transboundary Aquifer Assessment Program (TAAP)
Many communities along the U.S.-Mexico border have limited surface water supply and rely on transboundary aquifers for industry, agriculture, and drinking water; however, information on water needs, water quality, and the extent and functioning of these aquifers is incomplete. The Transboundary Aquifer Assessment Program (TAAP), established through a binational agreement between the United States...Hydrogeologic Framework and Geochemistry of Gaines, Terry, and Yoakum Counties
In 2014, USGS, in cooperation with Llano Estacado Underground Water Conservation District , Sandy Land Underground Water District , and South Plains Underground Water Conservation District , began a multiphase project to develop a regional conceptual model of the hydrogeologic framework and geochemistry of the Ogallala, Edwards-Trinity, and Dockum aquifers. The Ogallala aquifer is the shallowest...Geoelectric and Seismic Characterization of the Precambrian Granite Gravel Aquifer, Llano Uplift, Central Texas
The USGS Texas Water Science Center (TXWSC) is testing the suitability of seismic refraction tomography (SRT) and time-domain electromagnetic sounding (TDEM) geophysical methods for mapping the contact boundary between the Granite Gravel aquifer and the underlying crystalline Town Mountain Granite bedrock in southwestern Burnet County. The Granite Gravel aquifer is anticipated to show a contrast...Hydrogeologic Atlas for Fort Bliss
Successful long term stewardship of Fort Bliss lands includes managing traditional hydrologic resources such as surface water and groundwater resources and increasingly, geologic resources such as geothermal reservoirs and deep well injection locations. The USGS Texas Water Science Center is developing a garrison-wide hydrogeologic atlas that describes the hydrology and hydrogeology of Fort Bliss... - Publications
Publications related to geophysical science are listed below.
Filter Total Items: 32New insights into surface-water/groundwater exchanges in the Guadalupe River, Texas, from floating geophysical methods
In south-central Texas, the amount of streamflow in the Guadalupe River is a primary concern for local and downstream communities because of municipal, agricultural, wildlife, and recreational uses. Understanding the flow paths and rates of exchange between the surface water in the river and the groundwater in the underlying Carrizo-Wilcox aquifer is vital for understanding the water budget and stAuthorsScott J. Ikard, J. Ryan Banta, Gregory P. StantonGeophysics- and geochemistry-based assessment of the geochemical characteristics and groundwater-flow system of the U.S. part of the Mesilla Basin/Conejos-Médanos aquifer system in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, and El Paso County, Texas, 2010–12
One of the largest rechargeable groundwater systems by total available volume in the Rio Grande/Río Bravo Basin (hereinafter referred to as the “Rio Grande”) region of the United States and Mexico, the Mesilla Basin/Conejos-Médanos aquifer system, supplies water for irrigation as well as for cities of El Paso, Texas; Las Cruces, New Mexico; and Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico. The U.S. GeologicalAuthorsAndrew P. TeepleCoupling geophysical investigation with hydrothermal modeling to constrain the enthalpy classification of a potential geothermal resource.
An appreciable challenge in volcanology and geothermal resource development is to understand the relationships between volcanic systems and low-enthalpy geothermal resources. The enthalpy of an undeveloped geothermal resource in the Karckar region of Armenia is investigated by coupling geophysical and hydrothermal modeling. The results of 3-dimensional inversion of gravity data provide key inputsAuthorsJeremy T. White, Arkadi Karakhanian, Chuck Connor, Laura Connor, Joseph D. Hughes, Rocco Malservisi, Paul WetmoreA multiphased approach to groundwater investigations for the Edwards-Trinity and related aquifers in the Pecos County region, Texas
The Edwards-Trinity aquifer is a vital groundwater resource for agricultural, industrial, and public supply uses in the Pecos County region of western Texas. Resource managers would like to understand the future availability of water in the Edwards-Trinity aquifer in the Pecos County region and the effects of the possible increase or temporal redistribution of groundwater withdrawals. To provide rAuthorsJonathan V. ThomasBorehole geophysical, fluid, and hydraulic properties within and near the freshwater/saline-water transition zone, San Antonio segment of the Edwards aquifer, south-central Texas, 2010-11
The freshwater zone of the San Antonio segment of the Edwards aquifer is used by residents of San Antonio and numerous other rapidly growing communities in south-central Texas as their primary water supply source. This freshwater zone is bounded to the south and southeast by a saline-water zone with an intermediate zone transitioning from freshwater to saline water (transition zone). As demands onAuthorsJonathan V. Thomas, Gregory P. StantonA conceptual hydrogeologic model for the hydrogeologic framework, geochemistry, and groundwater-flow system of the Edwards-Trinity and related aquifers in the Pecos County region, Texas
The Edwards-Trinity aquifer is a vital groundwater resource for agricultural, industrial, and municipal uses in the Trans-Pecos region of west Texas. A conceptual model of the hydrogeologic framework, geochemistry, and groundwater-flow system in the 4,700 square-mile study area was developed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in cooperation with the Middle Pecos Groundwater Conservation DistrictAuthorsJonathan V. Thomas, Gregory P. Stanton, Johnathan R. Bumgarner, Daniel K. Pearson, Andrew Teeple, Natalie A. Houston, Jason Payne, MaryLynn MusgroveBorehole geophysical, fluid, and hydraulic properties within and surrounding the freshwater/saline-water transition zone, San Antonio segment of the Edwards aquifer, south-central Texas, 2010-11
The freshwater zone of the San Antonio segment of the Edwards aquifer is used by residents of San Antonio and numerous other rapidly growing communities in south-central Texas as their primary water supply source. This freshwater zone is bounded to the south and southeast by a saline-water zone with an intermediate zone transitioning from freshwater to saline water, the transition zone. As demandsAuthorsJonathan V. Thomas, Gregory P. Stanton, Rebecca B. LambertA conceptual model of the hydrogeologic framework, geochemistry, and groundwater-flow system of the Edwards-Trinity and related aquifers in the Pecos County region, Texas
A conceptual model of the hydrogeologic framework, geochemistry, and groundwater-flow system of the Edwards-Trinity and related aquifers, which include the Pecos Valley, Igneous, Dockum, Rustler, and Capitan Reef aquifers, was developed as the second phase of a groundwater availability study in the Pecos County region in west Texas. The first phase of the study was to collect and compile groundwatAuthorsJohnathan R. Bumgarner, Gregory P. Stanton, Andrew Teeple, Jonathan V. Thomas, Natalie A. Houston, Jason Payne, MaryLynn MusgroveData collection and compilation for a geodatabase of groundwater, surface-water, water-quality, geophysical, and geologic data, Pecos County Region, Texas, 1930-2011
The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with Middle Pecos Groundwater Conservation District, Pecos County, City of Fort Stockton, Brewster County, and Pecos County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1, compiled groundwater, surface-water, water-quality, geophysical, and geologic data for site locations in the Pecos County region, Texas, and developed a geodatabase to facilitate use of tAuthorsDaniel K. Pearson, Johnathan R. Bumgarner, Natalie A. Houston, Gregory P. Stanton, Andrew Teeple, Jonathan V. ThomasHydrogeology, chemical characteristics, and water sources and pathways in the zone of contribution of a public-supply well in San Antonio, Texas
In 2001, the National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program of the U.S. Geological Survey initiated a series of studies on the transport of anthropogenic and natural contaminants (TANC) to public-supply wells (PSWs). The main goal of the TANC project was to better understand the source, transport, and receptor factors that control contaminant movement to PSWs in representative aquifers of the UAuthorsMaryLynn Musgrove, Lynne Fahlquist, Gregory P. Stanton, Natalie A. Houston, Richard J. LindgrenEnhancement of USGS scientific investigations in Texas by using geophysical techniques, 2005-10
Geophysical techniques are an increasingly important tool for scientific investigations, environmental planning, and resource management. During 2005-10 the U.S. Geological Survey Texas Water Science Center greatly expanded its capabilities of using surface and borehole geophysical techniques to gain insights into how groundwater systems work and the occurrence and distribution of certain contaminAuthorsGregory P. Stanton, Jason Payne, Andrew Teeple, Jonathan V. ThomasTime-domain electromagnetic soundings collected in Dawson County, Nebraska, 2007-09
Between April 2007 and November 2009, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Central Platte Natural Resources District, collected time-domain electro-magnetic (TDEM) soundings at 14 locations in Dawson County, Nebraska. The TDEM soundings provide information pertaining to the hydrogeology at each of 23 sites at the 14 locations; 30 TDEM surface geophysical soundings were collected atAuthorsJason Payne, Andrew Teeple