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Use of surface and borehole geophysical surveys to determine fracture orientation and other site characteristics in crystalline bedrock terrain, Millville and Uxbridge, Massachusetts

January 1, 1995

Four geophysical techniques were used to determine bedrock-fracture orientation and other site characteristics that can be used to determine ground-water movement and contaminant transport at a fractured crystalline bedrock site in Millville and Uxbridge, Massachusetts. Azimuthal seismic- refraction and azimuthal square-array direct-current resistivity surveys were conducted at three sites. Borehole-radar surveys were conducted in a cluster of three wells. Ground-penetrating radar surveys were conducted along roads in the study area. Azimuthal seismic-refraction data indicated a primary fracture strike between 56 and 101 degrees at three sites. Graphical and analytical analysis of azimuthal square-array resistivity data indicated a primary fracture strike from 45 to 90 degrees at three sites. Directional borehole-radar data from three wells indicated 46 fractures or fracture zones located as far as 147 feet from the surveyed wells. Patterns of low radar-wave velocity and high radar- wave attenuation from cross-hole radar surveys of two well pairs were interpreted as a planar fracture zone that strikes 297 degrees and dips 55 degrees south. Ground-penetrating radar surveys with 100-MHz antennas penetrated as much as 150 feet of bedrock where the bedrock surface was at or near land surface. Horizontal and subhorizontal fractures were observed on the ground-penetrating radar records at numerous locations. Correlation of data sets indicates good agreement and indicates primary high- angle fracturing striking east-northeast. Secondary bedrock porosity and average fracture aperture determined from square-array resistivity data averaged 0.0044 and 0.0071 foot. Depths to bedrock observed on the ground-penetrating radar records were 0 to 20 feet below land surface along most of the area surveyed. A bedrock depth from 45 to 50 feet below land surface was observed along one section of Conestoga Drive.

Publication Year 1995
Title Use of surface and borehole geophysical surveys to determine fracture orientation and other site characteristics in crystalline bedrock terrain, Millville and Uxbridge, Massachusetts
DOI 10.3133/wri954121
Authors Bruce P. Hansen, John W. Lane
Publication Type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Series Title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series Number 95-4121
Index ID wri954121
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Office of Ground Water