For accessibility options, see the site map. Subsurface processes must be understood at the field scale to solve DOE s subsurface contamination problems. However, field-scale experiments have several drawbacks as research tools. It is difficult to control the experimental conditions. There is little chance of obtaining a rigorous mass balance.
Experiments are very expensive and difficult to replicate.
The subsurface can not be characterized well enough to support interpretation of results. Later, field experiments will be initiated to test and evaluate theory, predictive modeling, and characterization tools developed from SGL investigations. The research theme for SSI will be addressing the grand challenges . An aggressive vadose zone research program has already begun which will provide significant research results in the near term, before the SGL is operational. Bechtel corporate funds have been invested to provide a two-meter geocentrifuge which will be installed over the next year.