Geology topics

Ryan F. Adams

Publications and source records attributed to Ryan F. Adams.

10 recordsLinked to original sources

USGS2023

Estimating streambed hydraulic conductivity for selected streams in the Mississippi Alluvial Plain using continuous resistivity profiling methods—Delta region

Introduction The Mississippi Alluvial Plain is one of the most important agricultural regions in the United States, and crop productivity relies on groundwater irrigation from an aquifer system whose full capacity is unknown. Groundwater withdrawals from the Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer have resulted in substantial groundwater-level declines and reductions in base flow in streams within the Mississippi Alluvial Plain. These effects are limiting well production and threatening future water availability in the region. A comprehensive assessment of water availability in the Mississippi Alluvial Plain is critically important for making well-informed management decisions about sustainability, establishing best practices for water use, and predicting changes to water levels in the Mississippi Alluvial Plain over the next 50–100 years. The first step in the new regional modeling effort was to run the existing Mississippi Embayment Regional Aquifer Study (MERAS) model and perform data-worth and uncertainty analyses to prioritize data collection efforts to improve model forecasts. Parameter estimation indicated that streambed conductance was one of the variables that the model was most sensitive to, but little data were available to constrain those general estimates. From this characterization of the existing data, a map of the streams that the MERAS model was most sensitive to was created by the U.S. Geological Survey to guide the collection of 862 kilometers of waterborne resistivity surveys within the Delta region of Mississippi to characterize streambed lithology. This technique characterizes the streambed itself and the 15–30 meters below the streambed that control the exchange of water between the stream and the alluvial aquifer. These data can be used to map changes in the lithology of the streambed and identify areas of potential groundwater/surface-water exchange. Additionally, electrical and nuclear well logs from the study area were compared to facilitate the development of a petrophysical relation between the waterborne resistivity data and hydraulic conductivity. Resistivity values may then be used as a cost-effective way to approximate aquifer hydraulic conductivity distributions for use in regional groundwater models.

Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi↗

USGS2023

System-scale airborne electromagnetic surveys in the lower Mississippi River Valley support multidisciplinary applications

The lower Mississippi River Valley spans over 200,000 square kilometres in parts of seven states, encompassing areas of critical groundwater supplies, natural hazards, infrastructure, and low-lying coastal regions. From 2018 - 2022, the U.S. Geological Survey acquired over 82,000 line-kilometres of airborne electromagnetic, radiometric, and magnetic data over this region to provide comprehensive and systematic information about subsurface geologic and hydrologic properties that support multiple scientific and societal interests. Most of the data were acquired on a regional grid of west-east flight lines separated by 3 - 6 kilometres; however, several high-resolution inset grids with line spacing as close as 200 m were acquired in targeted areas of interest. Approximately 8,000 line-kilometres were acquired along streams and rivers to characterise the potential for surface water-groundwater connection, and another 6,000 line-kilometres were acquired along the Mississippi and Arkansas River levees to characterise this critical infrastructure. Here, we present a summary of the data along with several examples of how they are being used to inform regional groundwater model development, inferences of groundwater salinity, identification of faults in the New Madrid seismic zone, and levee infrastructure.

lower Mississippi River Valley↗

USGS2022

Evaluation of electrical and electromagnetic geophysical techniques to inspect earthen dam and levee structures in Arkansas

Within the state of Arkansas there is an increasing number of aging dams and levees that have little to no documentation concerning their construction or composition. Surface geophysical surveys offer a non-intrusive method for investigating these structures: To describe their lithologic makeup, to evaluate the materials that they were constructed upon, and to identify potential flow paths through them. Techniques such as electrical resistivity tomography, seismic refraction, and electromagnetic induction have all been used to image dams and levees and require additional information from geologic outcrops, geotechnical borings, or drill cores in order to make informed geologic interpretations of the geophysical models. These geologic models then allow the owners of these structures to make more informed decisions about their operation and maintenance. Between 2011 and 2018, the U.S. Geological Survey conducted geophysical and geotechnical investigations of three earthen structures within the state of Arkansas. Electrical and electromagnetic geophysical data were used to develop lithologic models of these structures and the underlying geology. Self-potential surveys were utilized to detect the movement of water through these structures indicating possible seepage pathways. Geotechnical methods such as electric and hydraulic direct-push well logs and cores acted as both a control on the geophysical interpretations and a confirmation of anomalies. This integrated approach detected the lack of an impermeable core within a levee, imaged a change in lithology of the bedrock forming the seal beneath a gravity dam, and identified a potential seepage feature within the core of an earthen dam. These results further support that this method of extending known lithologic features via surface and borehole geophysics is a useful approach for characterizing earthen water control structures.

Arkansas↗

USGS2020

Characterizing the diverse hydrogeology underlying rivers and estuaries using new floating transient electromagnetic methodology

The hydrogeology below large surface water features such as rivers and estuaries is universally under-informed at the long reach to basin scales (tens of km+). This challenge inhibits the accurate modeling of fresh/saline groundwater interfaces and groundwater/surface water exchange patterns at management-relevant spatial extents. Here we introduce a towed, floating transient electromagnetic (TEM) system (i.e. FloaTEM) for rapid (up to 15 km/h) high resolution electrical mapping of the subsurface below large water bodies to depths often a factor of 10 greater than other towed instruments. The novel FloaTEM system is demonstrated at a range of diverse 4th through 6th-order riverine settings across the United States including 1) the Farmington River, near Hartford, Connecticut; 2) the Upper Delaware River near Barryville, New York; 3) the Tallahatchie River near Shellmound, Mississippi; and, 4) the Eel River estuary, on Cape Cod, near Falmouth, Massachusetts. Airborne frequency-domain electromagnetic and land-based towed TEM data are also compared at the Tallahatchie River site, and streambed geologic scenarios are explored with forward modeling. A range of geologic structures and pore water salinity interfaces were identified. Process-based interpretation of the case study data indicated FloaTEM can resolve varied sediment-water interface materials, such as the accumulation of fines at the bottom of a reservoir and permeable sand/gravel riverbed sediments that focus groundwater discharge. Bedrock layers were mapped at several sites, and aquifer confining units were defined at comparable resolution to airborne methods. Terrestrial fresh groundwater discharge with flowpaths extending hundreds of meters from shore was also imaged below the Eel River estuary, improving on previous hydrogeological characterizations of that nutrient-rich coastal exchange zone. In summary, the novel FloaTEM system fills a critical gap in our ability to characterize the hydrogeology below surface water features and will support more accurate prediction of groundwater/surface water exchange dynamics and fresh-saline groundwater interfaces.

Science of the Total Environment↗

USGS2018

Vibration monitoring results near a bat hibernaculum at Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky, March 2016

Vibrations originating from construction of a new walkway in a passage of Mammoth Cave, from walking personnel simulating a bat survey, and from ambient sources were measured near a bat hibernaculum beneath Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky, to determine if the vibrations were disturbing the hibernating bats. Data presented indicate direction and magnitude of the vibrations. The seven sources of vibration that were recorded include hammer drill (one location), plate compactor (two locations), jackhammer (two locations), personnel simulating a bat survey near the hibernaculum (walking throughout the cave), and background levels. Vibrations were measured for approximately 10 seconds during each triggering of the source and each source was recorded 5–10 times to represent the reproducibility of the vibrations. The plate compactor produced the largest velocity of 0.00226 inch per second on one of the longitudinal components. The simulated bat survey produced the largest value of acceleration of 0.34 inch per square second in the vertical component. Maximum vertical velocities and accelerations did not exceed literature values for human perception or visible agitation in laboratory mice.

Kentucky↗

USGS2018

Water pressure and ground vibrations induced by water guns near Brandon Road Lock and Dam and Lemont, Illinois

Multiple geophysical sensors were used to characterize the underwater pressure field and ground vibrations of a seismic water gun and its suitability to deter the movement of Asian carps (particularly the silver [ Hypophthalmichthys molitrix ] and bighead [ Hypophthalmichthys nobilis ] carps) while ensuring the integrity of surrounding structures. The sensors used to collect this information were blast-rated hydrophones, surface- and borehole-mounted geophones, and fixed accelerometers. Results from two separate studies are discussed in this report. The Brandon Road study took place in May 2014, in the Des Plaines River, in a concrete-walled channel downstream of the Brandon Road Lock and Dam near Joliet, Illinois. The Lemont study took place in June 2014, in a segment of the dolomite setblock-lined Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal near Lemont, Illinois. Two criteria were evaluated to assess the potential deterrence to carp migration, and to minimize the expected effect on nearby structures from discharge of the seismic water gun. The first criterion was a 5-pound-per-square-inch (lb/in 2 ) limit for dynamic underwater pressure variations. The second criterion was a maximum velocity and acceleration disturbance of 0.75 inch per second (in/s) for sensitive machinery (such as the lock gates and pumps) and 2.0 in/s adjacent to canal walls, respectively. The criteria were based on previous studies of fish responses to dynamic pressure variations, and effects of vibrations on the structural integrity of concrete walls. The Brandon Road study evaluated the magnitude and extent of the pressure field created by two water gun configurations in the concrete-walled channel downstream of the lock where channel depths ranged from 11 to 14 feet (ft). Data from a single 80-cubic-inch (in³) water gun set at 6 ft below water surface (bws) produced a roughly cylindrical 5-lb/in 2 pressure field 20 ft in radius, oriented vertically, with the radius decreasing to less than 15 ft at the water surface. A combination of two 80-in 3 water guns set at 6 and 8 ft, respectively, produced a similarly shaped 5 lb/in 2 pressure field 30 ft in radius. Neither of the water gun configurations exceeded the given threshold of 5 lb/in 2 above the static pressure along the walls of the canal at the 700 lb/in 2 water gun input pressure. Velocity and acceleration data were collected simultaneously with the underwater pressure data to understand the response of adjacent canal walls to the water gun firings. Maximum velocity and acceleration were 0.239 in/s and 0.0188 feet per second squared (ft/s 2 ), respectively. The Lemont study replicated and expanded upon work done in 2011. The pressure field created by the water gun was evaluated in a deeper environment (about 25 ft of water depth) than that of the Brandon Road study. To replicate the 2011 study, data were collected with the same water gun placements and input pressure, but static underwater pressure monitoring was added. Two 80-in 3 water guns were suspended below a platform at depths of 4 and 14 ft bws. Pressure was lower when the gun suspended at 4 ft bws was fired as compared to firing the single gun suspended at 14 ft bws. Firing both guns simultaneously produced similar pressures to the single gun suspended at 14 ft bws. Data were collected to assess the pressure field produced by two 80-in 3 water guns separated by 80 ft and suspended at a depth of 14 ft bws. The spatial extent of the 5-lb/in 2 threshold varied substantially with gun input air pressure. Firing the water gun with an air pressure of 2,000 lb/in 2 generated a pressure field greater than the threshold at all but one location in the measured region. Additionally, the water gun with an air pressure of 1,000 lb/in 2 did not reach the threshold anywhere in the measured region. Maximum velocity and acceleration were 0.304 in/s and 0.015 ft/s 2 , respectively.

Illinois↗

USGS2017

Water guns affect abundance and behavior of bigheaded carp and native fish differently

Water guns have shown the potential to repel nuisance aquatic organisms. This study examines the effects of exposure to a 1966.4 cm 3 seismic water gun array (two guns) on the abundance and behavior of Bighead Carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis , Silver Carp H. molitrix (collectively referred to as bigheaded carp) and native fishes (e.g., Smallmouth Buffalo Ictiobus bubalus ). Water guns were deployed in a channel that connects the Illinois River to backwater quarry pits that contained a large transient population of bigheaded carp. To evaluate the effect of water guns, mobile side-looking split-beam hydroacoustic surveys were conducted before, during and between replicated water gun firing periods. Water guns did not affect abundance of bigheaded carp, but abundance of native fish detected during the firing treatment was 43 and 34% lower than the control and water guns off treatments, respectively. The proximity of bigheaded carp to the water gun array was similar between the water guns on and water guns off treatments. In contrast, the closest detected native fish were detected farther from the water guns during the water guns on treatment (mean ± SE, 32.38 ± 3.32 m) than during the water guns off treatment (15.04 ± 1.59 m). The water gun array had a greater impact on native fish species than on bigheaded carp. Caution should be taken to the extrapolation of these results to other fish species and to fish exposed to water guns in different environments (e.g., reduced shoreline interaction) or exposure to a larger array of water guns, or for use of water guns for purposes other than a barrier.

Illinois↗

USGS2015

Geophysical investigation of the pressure field produced by water guns at a pond site in La Crosse, Wisconsin

Three different geophysical sensor types were used to characterize the underwater pressure waves generated by the underwater firing of a seismic water gun and their suitability for establishing a pressure barrier to potentially direct or prevent the movement of the Asian carps. The sensors used to collect the seismic information were blast rated hydrophones and underwater blast sensors. Specific location information for the water guns and the sensors was obtained using either laser rangefinders or differentially corrected global positioning systems (GPS). Two separate studies are discussed in this report. The two studies were completed during September 2012 and July 2013. Both of these studies took place in an earthen testing pond on the campus of Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center (UMESC) in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Previous studies had identified 5 pounds per square inch (lb/in 2 ) as a target value for the successful operation of a water gun barrier. The September 2012 study evaluated the performance of 1-cubic-inch (in 3) and 80-in 3 water guns. Data from the 1-in 3 gun showed that it produces a very planar wave with limited effect on the depths above and below its gun ports. The 1-in 3 gun did not produce the 5-lb/in 2 target pressure at a sufficient distance to be considered effective. The 80-in 3 gun produced a bowl-shaped pressure field with the 5-lb/in 2 target radius at the surface extending to 45 feet. The July 2013 study consisted of three scenarios: fish behavior, single gun assessment, and experimental barrier evaluation. The fish behavior scenario simulated the pond conditions from previous studies. Two 80-in 3 water guns were fired in the south end of the testing pond. Pressures essentially doubled from the testing of the single 80-in 3 water gun. The single gun assessment scenario sought to replicate the setup of the 80-in 3 scenario in September 2012, but with additional sensors to better define the pressure field. The 5-lb/in 2 target pressure field continued to show a radius ranging from 40 to 45 feet, dependent on the pressure of the input air. The final scenario, the experimental barrier evaluation, showed that a two-dimensional continuous plane of 5 lb/in 2 can be created between two 80-in 3 water guns to a separation of 99 feet and a depth of 6.5 feet with 1,500 lb/in 2 of input air.

Wisconsin↗

USGS2015

Response of Bighead Carp and Silver Carp to repeated water gun operation in an enclosed shallow pond

The Bighead Carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis and Silver Carp H. molitrix are nonnative species that pose a threat to Great Lakes ecosystems should they advance into those areas. Thus, technologies to impede Asian carp movement into the Great Lakes are needed; one potential technology is the seismic water gun. We evaluated the efficacy of a water gun array as a behavioral deterrent to the movement of acoustic-tagged Bighead Carp and Silver Carp in an experimental pond. Behavioral responses were evaluated by using four metrics: (1) fish distance from the water guns ( D ); (2) spatial area of the fish's utilization distribution (UD); (3) persistence velocity ( V p ); and (4) number of times a fish transited the water gun array. For both species, average D increased by 10 m during the firing period relative to the pre-firing period. During the firing period, the spatial area of use within the pond decreased. Carp were located throughout the pond during the pre-firing period but were concentrated in the north end of the pond during the firing period, thus reducing their UDs by roughly 50%. Overall, V p decreased during the firing period relative to the pre-firing period, as fish movement became more tortuous and confined, suggesting that the firing of the guns elicited a change in carp behavior. The water gun array was partially successful at impeding carp movement, but some fish did transit the array. Bighead Carp moved past the guns a total of 78 times during the pre-firing period and 15 times during the firing period; Silver Carp moved past the guns 96 times during the pre-firing period and 13 times during the firing period. Although the water guns did alter carp behavior, causing the fish to move away from the guns, this method was not 100% effective as a passage deterrent.

North American Journal of Fisheries Management↗

USGS2015

Seismic data collection from water gun and industrial background sources in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal area, Illinois, 2011

The water gun is a tool adapted from deep marine geophysical surveys that is being evaluated for use as an acoustic fish deterrent to control the movement of invasive marine species. The water gun creates a seismic signal by using a compressed air discharge to move a piston rapidly within the water, resulting in an implosion. This energy pulse may be able to modify fish behavior or destroy marine life, such as the Asian carp, at some distance. The effects of this energy pulse on structures in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal (CSSC), such as canal walls, shore lines, and lock structures, are not known. The potential effects of the use of a water gun on structures was identified as a concern in the CSSC and was assessed relative to existing background sources during this study. During September 2011, two water guns with piston sizes of 80 and 343 cubic inches, respectively, were tested in the CSSC at varying pressures and distances from a canal wall consisting of dolomite and dolomite setblock. Seismic data were collected during these water gun firings using geophones on land, in boreholes, and at the canal wall interface. Data were collected at varying depths in the canal water using hydrophones. Seismic data were also collected during the occurrences of barge traffic, railroad traffic located near the electric fish barrier in Lemont, and coal-loading operations at a coal power plant near the electric fish barrier. In general, energy produced by barge and railroad sources was less than energy created by the water gun. Energy levels produced by coal-loading operations at least 200 feet from geophones were approximately four times lower than energy levels measured during water gun operations.

Illinois↗