Borehole-radar methods: Tools for characterization of fractured rock

Fact Sheet 054-00
By: , and 

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Abstract

Locating and characterizing bedrock fractures and lithologic changes is an important component of studies of ground water supply and contamination in fractured-rock aquifers. Borehole-radar reflection methods provide information on the location, orientation, and lateral extent of fracture zones that intersect the borehole, and can identify fractures in the rock surrounding the borehole that are not penetrated by drilling. Crosshole radar logging provides crosssectional maps of the electromagnetic properties of bedrock between boreholes that can identify fracture zones and lithologic changes and can also be used to monitor tracer tests.

Borehole-radar logs can be integrated with results of surfacegeophysical surveys and other borehole-geophysical logs, such as acoustic or optical televiewer and flowmeter, to distinguish transmissive fractures from lithologic variations or closed fractures. Integrated interpretation procedures provide results that can be used to develop conceptual and numerical models, design monitoring and sampling programs, and monitor implementation of contamination remediation measures, such as blast-fracturing.

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Borehole-radar methods: Tools for characterization of fractured rock
Series title Fact Sheet
Series number 054-00
DOI 10.3133/fs05400
Year Published 2000
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Contributing office(s) Office of Ground Water, Toxic Substances Hydrology Program
Description 4 p.
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