Extending groundwater salinity estimation using borehole and AEM data
Channel: GeoscienceAustralia
Date: 2021-03-04

Date: 9 September 2020

Speakers: Dr Anandaroop Ray and Chris Harris-Pascal

Summary:
Salinity of groundwater directly affects its suitability for different uses, from human consumption, agricultural use, to mineral and energy extraction. Traditionally, direct measurements of groundwater salinity at monitoring bores have been used to create salinity maps. However, drilling is expensive and logistically challenging, while leaving us with a small set of salinity measurements over large areas. Airborne electromagnetic (AEM) surveying provides a cost effective solution to this problem. We have developed a scripted geostatistical methodology, which can be repeated on a computer cluster as new AEM data are acquired or boreholes are drilled. We also provide uncertainties on the knowledge gained, allowing remote communities to manage their land and water resources effectively.

About the Speakers:
Anand is a statistically minded geophysicist who has worked in industry, academia and government. His main interests are in using mathematics to improve existing scientific techniques that feed into natural resources management and conservation.
Chris joined GA as a graduate in 2013 and began working as a hydrogeologist in the Groundwater Branch in 2014. He is currently in the Groundwater Geoscience section of the Basin Systems Branch. In 2012 Chris completed an Honours thesis titled “Uranium isotope geochemistry of groundwater in the Riverine Plain, NSW: Applications for understanding recharge and residence times” and has had an interest in how science can inform the management of water resources ever since.