Lessons From Northern Alabama: Multi-Technique Geophysical Investigation Characterizing The Bedrock and Fracture Network

Golder Associates Inc. (Golder) and Geophex, Ltd (Geophex) performed a geophysical investigation at a closed manufacturing plant in Alabama. This investigation used multiple geophysical techniques (surface and borehole) to characterize the unconsolidated and limestone-shale bedrock at the facility. Seismic refraction and direct-current resistivity distinguished areas of high permeability zones (lineaments) across the site and offsite. Induced polarization was used to locate areas of NAPL in both the residuum and bedrock. Borehole geophysical logging characterized the lithology, water-bearing fractures, and distinguished the different fracture networks present on the site.