July 2016 Geophysics Campaign

July 19-23

From July 19-23, we pulled out the GPR, ERT, and seismic refraction equipment again to finish off the geophysical data collection for my project. While last year's 19-day campaign was a success, there were some gaps that, though not critical, would be very useful in interpreting out results. Our objectives for the week were two-fold:

1. Get more detailed information about the geometry of subsurface inputs to one important, perennial spring using ERT
2. Collect GPR, ERT, and seismic data at locations with outcropping bedrock to collect petrophysical information on the two most important formations in the area

In the end, we completed three ERT surveys - two 2D lines and one 3D survey - and one each of GPR and ERT. 

Orthophoto showing the locations of last year's geophysics surveys (pink), this year's surveys (red), and important springs (blue circles). The new survey in the lower right side of the image is located on a thrust fault contact between Jurassic shale (Fernie Fm.) and Carboniferous limestone (Palliser Fm.)

While this 5-day campaign was not nearly as massive as last year's nearly three-week stint, we had to rely once again on the help of many eager volunteers. A shout out to Cody Good (University of Alberta), Feodora Ivaniuk, Jenna Trofin, Kelsey Tillapaugh, Kristi Kublik, and Rachel Lauer (University of Calgary) for volunteering their time. I also need to thank my trusty staff - Brandon Hill, Jesse He, and Anna Pekinasova - for all their hard work, support, and leadership. I was ill with the stomach flu the day before the campaign started, and they helped with many of the preparations in addition to helping in the field. A thank you too to Ben Stevenson for support before and after with field preparations. 

My crew July 19-21, from left to right: Cody Good, Kelsey Tillapaugh, Jenna Trofin, Brandon Hill, Anna Pekinasova, Jesse He

My crew July 22-23, from left to right: Cody Good, Kristi Kublik, Jenna Trofin, Anna Pekinasova, Rachel Lauer, and Feodora Ivaniuk

Here are some additional photos from the campaign:

A long line of ERT

A view looking west of Bonsai Lake from way up high. 

This is how we get electrical contact in talus rubble: sponges with salwater

Cleaning up the ERT cables

Setting up the differential GPS on a survey monument, showing the crew how it works. (Photo credit: Rachel Lauer)

Taking a hydrology-themed tour of Bonsai Lake while we wait for geophysical measurements. 

Nature is neat

Setting up the GPR antennae (Photo credit: Anna Pekinasova)

Anna waiting with bated breath to start the GPR line (Photo credit: Jenna Trofin)

Is this thing on? (Photo credit: Jenna Trofin)

Carrying up the GPR (photo credit: Anna Pekinasova)

July 27, 2016

I also went out for an additional day on July 27 to install some piezometers with Luke Kary. It was a wet and rainy day, and augering to 4 m and 3 m holes by hand took a long time, but we succeeded in completing installation. I expect that will be one of my final days in the field for my Master's.  

Our finished pair of piezometers. These are screened at two different depths with the intent of measuring a possible vertical gradient in groundwater

Luke is soaked, and so am I. Let's get out of here!