Research Areas
The GEM Center is a research center that provides a multidisciplinary/crosscutting approach to groundwater evaluation and management. The focus of research is the integration of data, acquired across a wide range of spatial and temporal scales, to monitor and model subsurface hydrologic processes.
Imaging Saltwater Intrusion Along The Monterey Coast
THE DESIGN AND MONITORING OF GROUNDWATER RECHARGE AND STORAGE SYSTEMS
Efforts to supplement the groundwater supply through enhanced recharge or underground storage are highlighting the need for improved methods for subsurface characterization and for the monitoring of related physical, chemical and biological processes.
Current Projects:
THE USE OF SURFACE AND LOGGING NMR (NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE) FOR NEAR-SURFACE APPLICATIONS
NMR measurements can be made in groundwater aquifers using NMR logging tools and a surface-based NMR system; and can potentially provide much-needed estimates of water content and hydraulic conductivity. Our vision, and the motivation for our research in this area, is the development of a new approach to NMR-based aquifer characterization that 1) is grounded in an improved understanding of the relationship between the NMR response and hydraulic properties of unconsolidated materials and 2) builds on the best of both technologies in an integrated way.
Current Projects:
- Laboratory and Numerical Studies of the NMR Response of Near-Surface Materials
- Logging and Surface NMR in the High Plains Aquifer, Nebraska
- Surface NMR- Addressing Field Inhomogeneity
- Integration of Surface, Logging and Direct-Push NMR with Hydraulic Conductivity Data
- A Novel Use of NMR Measurements for In-Situ Monitoring of Geochemical Reactions
Past Projects:
INTEGRATION OF REMOTE SENSING AND HYDROLOGIC DATA
Satellite remote sensing measurements provide a wealth of data that are seeing increasing use in a wide range of applications in Earth science and engineering. Of interest in our research is exploring new ways in which remote sensing data can be processed and integrated with other forms of data to improve hydrogeologic models used for groundwater management.
