Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Pfas Mass Balance, Donovan Vitale

Honors Theses

First-generation, PFOS-dominant Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) concentrate of approximately 200 gallons was released to the sewer system from the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport on March 30, 2021. The AFFF release migrated to the Kalamazoo Water Reclamation Plant (KWRP), raising plant effluent above the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) PFOS water quality standard for a total of 46 days post-spill, although the influent concentrations exhibited sharp declines after only 7 days. By sampling influent, effluent, and biosolids daily, the only known long duration, high-frequency PFAS data set of an accidental AFFF release was generated. This study has …

Exploring The Effects Of Tree Roots On Infiltration Process, Nazife Onaral

Masters Theses

Effects of the root structures on soil infiltration dynamics are not clearly defined. Imaging the complex tree root structures and movement of water through the root ball is a challenging task to achieve without damaging the trees and roots by conventional methods. Commonly used methods are invasive, labor-intensive, and not easily accessible. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) has commonly been used to characterize soil profiles and it can be a reliable tool to map complex root structures with a novel high-resolution circular data collection technique. Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) is another reliable geophysical method to image infiltration processes by the change …

Detection Of Bedrock Fractures And Joints Beneath Cover: Geophysical Approaches To An Engineering Geology Problem, Muthanna Yousif Yaqoob Aldiney

Dissertations

This research used geophysical methods to detect the presence of sub-vertical failure planes, their direction(s), and their frequency in bedrock beneath soil or glacial drift overburden. Azimuthal measurements using the seismic, electrical resistivity (ER), and electromagnetic conductivity were made to evaluate which techniques might provide the best indication of the bedrock joints, faults, or shear zones. Measurements were made at multiple sites near each of three locations: Jackson, Alpena, and Grand Ledge, Michigan. The first two are former limestone quarries and the third is underlain by sandstone. Seismic measurements began with one or two linear refraction spreads, used to establish …

Mapping Bedrock Topography Of The Portage And Schoolcraft Nw 7.5’ Quadrangles, Kalamazoo Co. Mi, Using The Hvsr Passive Seismic Method, Benjamin B. Seiderman

Masters Theses

This study utilizes the Horizontal to Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR) technique to map bedrock topography in the Portage and Schoolcraft NW quadrangles, Kalamazoo Co., MI, looking for buried bedrock valleys. Glacial sediment-landform assemblages dominate the study area, due to multiple advances of the Laurentide Ice Sheet (LIS). Tunnel valleys, which are one type of buried valley, are eroded by subglacial meltwater and commonly filled with the coarser varieties of glacial outwash, making them potential aquifers. The HVSR technique measures the ratio of horizontal to vertical ground motion, excited by ambient seismic noise, resulting in a peak at the resonance frequency. …

Geologic Mapping Of The Bronson North And Bronson South 7.5-Minute Quadrangles, Branch County, Michigan, Karl John Backhaus

Masters Theses

This study contributes to a better understanding of the glacial history of southwest Michigan through detailed surficial geologic and bedrock topography mapping within the Bronson North and Bronson South Quadrangles in Branch County, Michigan. This project was supported during the summer of 2017 by the USGS EDMAP program in conjunction with the Michigan Geological Survey. Hand-auger borings, grain size analysis tests, passive seismic depth-to-bedrock measurements, and ground penetrating radar transects were collected for this study. There are 350 feet of bedrock relief from west to east across the quadrangles, including a bedrock cuesta of Mississippian Coldwater Shale. This cuesta underlies …

Gravity And Passive Seismic Methods Used Jointly For Understanding The Subsurface In A Glaciated Terrain: Dowling And Maple Grove Quadrangles, Barry County, Michigan, Scott A. Feldpausch

Masters Theses

The Horizontal to Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR) passive, single sensor seismic technique has been used together with gravimetry to study the topography hidden below the glacial drift of two 7.5’ quadrangles in Barry Co., MI. 265 stations were observed with both instruments along roads at nominal spacings of about 0.4 to 0.8 km. Occasional water wells and oil wells with documented penetrations of the base of glacial were used to calibrate the local power law regression calibration. This was also compared with the statewide calibration curve previously established. Results are presented as maps of Simple Bouguer Anomaly, Residual Bouguer Anomaly, …

Recent Seismicity And Regional Extension Aithin Southwestern Montana, Usa, Jessica Szkody

Masters Theses

Southwestern Montana has experienced several large damaging earthquakes over the last 100 years, but many minor ones that unveil the nature of the intraplate seismicity. The region in this study is part of two distinct Late Cretaceous tectonic provinces, the Rocky Mountain Foreland Basement (RMFB) and the Cordilleran Fold and Thrust Belt (CFTB). Relationships between the two provinces and their faults show that the focal mechanisms are different. Deep focal mechanisms (between 8 and 10 km) within the RMFB can be placed on a specific fault, with many smaller events falling within the hanging wall. The hypocenters within the hanging …

Thermal History Of The Michigan Basin: Results From Thermal Maturation Data And Geodynamic Modelling, Kirk A. Wagenvelt

Masters Theses

Thermal cooling, crustal convection, high temperature fluid advection, and 1.0 Km of eroded overburden are required to explain thermal maturation observations in the Michigan Basin. Observed tectonic subsidence in central Michigan follows an exponential decay indicative of thermal cooling following an anomalous heating event. Crustal convection is responsible for episodes of rapid subsidence coincident with the late Paleozoic Appalachian orogeny. Fluid advection through dilated faults reactivated by the Alleghanian orogeny brought hot fluids (as much as 255⁰ C) to the surface and impacted thermal maturation of organic matter in sediments. Models require 1.0 Km of eroded overburden to model thermal …

Structural Controls On The Distribution Of Groundwater In Southern Sinai, Egypt: Constraints From Geophysical And Remote Sensing Observations, Lamees Mohamed

Dissertations

An integrated (Very Low Frequency [VLF] electromagnetic, magnetic, remote sensing, field, and Geographic Information System [GIS]) study was conducted over the basement complex in Southern Sinai (Feiran watershed) for a better understanding of the structural controls on the groundwater flow. The increase in satellite-based radar backscattering values following a large precipitation event (date: 17, 18 Jan 2010; amount: 34 mm) was used to identify water-bearing features, here interpreted as preferred pathways for surface water infiltration. Findings include: (1) The distribution of the water bearing features (conductive features) correspond to that of fractures, faults, shear zones, dike swarms, and wadi networks; …

Lithologic Properties Of The Upper Ordovician Utica Formation, Michigan Basin, Usa: A Geological Characterization And Assessment Of Carbon Dioxide Confinement Potential, Frank Richard Sattler

Masters Theses

The Utica/Maquoketa Shale is considered to be the primary confining layer for Cambro-Ordovician CO₂ sequestration targets in the Midwest in the Michigan and Illinois basins, respectively. Prospective regional geologic seals in mudrock formations possess a combination of lithologic properties including nanometer scale pore space, elevated breakthrough pressures for non-wetting fluid phases and ductile mechanical deformation. Mineralogical composition is related to and typically controls these properties.

The objective of this study is to investigate the geological controls on stratigraphic and lithologic variability in the Utica/Collingwood in the Michigan basin. Twelve conventional cores and hundreds of modern well logs from the …

Fault Zone Hydrogeology In Crystalline And Sedimentary Aquifers In Arid Regions: Remote Sensing, Hydrological And Geoloectrical Methods, Lamees M. Mohamed

Research and Creative Activities Poster Day

An integrated study was conducted using remote sensing, hydrological and geophysical methods to investigate the role of structural elements in controlling the groundwater accumulation and flow in fractured basement complex. This research shows that the structural elements as fault and shear zones could act as a conduit or a barrier for the groundwater depending on the direction of these elements with the groundwater flow. Similar findings are observed in Central Sinai as it was found in Southern Sinai. These findings will help in more understanding of the fractured basement aquifers.

Geophysical Characterization Of A Former Refinery Site, Kalamazoo, Michigan, Baraka Damas Kinabo

Masters Theses

Lakeside, a former refinery site, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is contaminated with hydrocarbon products. The contamination resulted from the refining and storage activities that took place at the site for over 50 years. The contamination is scattered in isolated pockets.

In an attempt to better define the contamination zones and therefore assist the remediation efforts, this study uses shallow geophysical methods including Electromagnetic induction using the EM 31 system, Magnetic, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), and Resistivity methods. The hand auger was used to further characterize some EM 31 anomalies. The EM 31 conductivity results show elevated values resulting from the biodegradation …

The Effects Of Composting Of Yard Wastes On The Ground-Water Quality: Wmu Farms Site, Kalamazoo, Michigan, Bryan Kirk Allen

Masters Theses

In the rush to find alternatives to landfilling of yard waste, federal and state agencies have identified composting as the main solution. There is therefore a need to address the possible environmental problems which could be associated with such composting operations. Compost may contain nutrients, organic acids, pesticides, and metals which could leach through soils to the ground water posing a potential contamination problem.

At the WMU Farms Site, two sites have been used for the composting of leaves by the City of Kalamazoo. The physical and chemical hydrogeology of these sites were characterized.

The results suggest that the presence …

Groundwater Studies Near The Dowagiac Landfill Area, Dowagiac, Michigan, Using Seismic Resistivity Methods, Saiful B. Baharom

Masters Theses

Groundwater contamination has occurred in the vicinity of the Dowagiac landfill, Dowagiac, Michigan. The groundwater has been degraded by the presence of organic hydrocarbons, trichloroethylene in particular. At least two aquifers are thought to be present in the area with the upper unconfined aquifer being contaminated while a lower confined aquifer remains uncontaminated. This lower aquifer is thought to be protected from above by a clay layer. A combined geophysical survey consisting of seismic refraction and electrical resistivity surveys was conducted to determine the continuity and thickness of this clay layer as well as the extent of the contamination. A …

Resistivity And Seismic Refraction Surveys Applied To A Groundwater Investigation In Richland Township, Kalamazoo County, Michigan, Homa Moaddel

Masters Theses

Many geophysical methods are increasingly being applied in investigations of contaminated sites. Among the most popular ones are resistivity and seismic refraction techniques.

In this study seismic refraction utilizing a twelve channel digital seismograph and hammer impact source provided records that have given important information about the subsurface layers. Along the same traverses, the Schlumberger resistivity method was applied at selected points. An AC digital resistivity system with a separate uncoupled transmitter (50 watts) and receiver was applied to obtain these measurements.

Geoelectrical cross-sections provided information about the variation in thickness of important layers within the glacial drift aquifer system. …

A Seismic Analysis Of Reefs In The Traverse Limestone Of Allegan County, Michigan, William Charles Henderson

Masters Theses

A seismic reflection study was performed across the Diamond Springs oil field in Allegan County, Michigan. The horizon of interest was the Middle Devonian Traverse Limestone located 1,700 feet in the subsurface. Within the Traverse Limestone are scattered patch reefs which characterize a targeted reservoir. The use of high-resolution, shallow seismic reflection techniques are useful for defining detailed subsurface porosity zones within the patch reef reservoirs.

Common source-offset profiling utilizing high-frequency sources and proper determination of field parameters are important in obtaining the desired optimum reflection. Also, the use of synthetic seismograms for modeling waveforms is essential for identifying the …

A Seismic Reflection Survey Over The Wayne-25 Oil Field In Cass County, Michigan, Paul D. Horton

Masters Theses

The "optimum window" seismic reflection method was used in an endeavor to further define an oil producing structure in the Traverse Limestone. This method entails using a source-geophone offset which allows desired reflections to arrive in an undisturbed time zone.

Several sources in the study area produced seismic pulses with relatively high dominant frequency components ranging from 80 to 120 hertz. However, only small charges of dynamite produced sufficient energy to penetrate the glacial drift in the study area.

Preliminarily identified reflection arrivals from the targeted horizon were consistently masked in seismic profiling records by high amplitude, low velocity seismic …

The Use Of Electrical Resistivity To Delineate A Brine Contamination Plume In The Walker Oilfield, Kent County, Michigan, Kent E. Meisel

Masters Theses

Contamination of groundwater with oil field brines was reported in the Walker Oil Field, Michigan. An electrical resistivity survey utilizing the Vertical Electrical Sounding method was conducted to test the method as an exploratory tool for delineating brine contamination in glacial deposits. The method was successful in defining the subsurface geology and delineating a shallow, confined aquifer, but the presence of extensive, conductive clays effectively masked the presence of brine contamination. The method was shown to be an effective exploratory tool for shallow investigations.

Land Use Effects On Shallow Earth Resistivity, Gary James Barton

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

A Geophysical Investigation Of A Possible Astrobleme In Southwestern Michigan, Suhas L. Ghatge

Masters Theses

A circular pattern to the oil production in Calvin Township, Cass County, Michigan, absence of about 1200 feet of Ordovician sediments and uplift indicated by a deep drill hole in the center of the productive area and absence of anomalies on the regional gravity and magnetic maps led to detailed gravity and magnetic surveys over this structure to delineate it and provide information regarding its genesis.

The Bouguer gravity and magnetic anomaly maps show no anomaly associated with the structure. The 28-mile wavelength second harmonic residual gravity and magnetic maps show linear features in the area. Two dimensional gravity modeling …

A Magnetic And Resistivity Survey Of Cork Street Landfill, Stanislaw Leja

Masters Theses

Geophysical techniques such as magnetic and electrical resistivity methods are being increasingly applied in investigations of landfills.

For this survey, measurements of the intensity of the earth's magnetic field were taken at regular intervals along traverses. Resistivity readings were taken at selected intervals along the same or very similar traverses. Additional resistivity depth measurements or soundings were obtained at selected points in and around the landfill.

Profiles were analyzed for individual dump structures and for overall magnetic and resistivity response. Contour maps were drawn from the measurements at the site to depict broad trends or patterns. Deeper subsurface geology was …

Design, Construction, And Testing Of A Microprocessor-Controlled Interface Between Analog Geophysical Equipment And A Digital Cassette Recorder, Mohd. Nawawi Mohd. Nordin

Masters Theses

A Digital Data Acquisition System (DDAS) microcomputer was designed and constructed to interface between a six-channel analog seismograph and a digital cassette recorder. The DDAS microcomputer is a relatively inexpensive microcomputer built around the popular Z-80 microprocessor chip. It is portable and has 26K bytes of memory. It was designed to convert analog data in to digital with some processing performed before storing on the digital cassette recorder, for later analysis. The same hardware or circuitry of the DDAS microcomputer can perform other functions and work with other geophysical equipment by changing the software of the microcomputer.

A High Resolution Ground Magnetic Study Of Part Of The Albion-Scipio Trend, Steven James Hoin

Masters Theses

A detailed high resolution ground magnetic survey was conducted over part of the Albion-Scipio Oil Field Trend. The purpose of the survey was to delineate any magnetic anomalies associated with the trend. A field method using two magnetometers was employed. Sixteen simultaneous readings were taken at a mobile and a base station, and the field operator read the total field values using a 'T ', or similar pattern. This method eliminated much of the noise associated with ground surveys. The resulting residual magnetic map indicates that the basement rocks consist of mafic and felsic, dikes and plutons. Several discontinuities are …

Electrical Resistivity Survey Near The "Kl" Avenue Landfill, Kalamazoo County, Michigan, David W. Hall

Masters Theses

The KL Avenue Landfill near Kalamazoo, Michigan has recently become an area of ground water contamination. As of April, 1979, the landfill was closed due to contaminated wells to the west. This area was chosen to study because preliminary electrical resistivity surveys indicated that the approximate areal extent and depth of the contamination may be located without the additional cost of drilling wells. It is the intent of this study to use the Schlumberger Vertical Electrical Sounding method to construct a hydrogeologic model for this area.

This study is a rather critical test of the Schlumberger VES method in a …

Shear Waves In Glacial Till, Craig Woerpel

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

An Investigation Of Drift-Covered Environments Using The Shallow Reflection Seismic Method, Kalamazoo County, Michigan, Thomas Patrick Luby

Masters Theses

Seismic work utilizing a six-channel analog seismograph and a hammer impact source successfully obtained coherent reflection events from horizon within the glacial overburden, from the drift-paleozoic interface, and from Paleozoic bedrock targets. Fieldwork was conducted in eight drift-covered environments where the drift thickness varied from 80 feet to greater than 500 feet. Factors that exerted a major control over the seismic response at each environment studied include the depth of the water table, the type of surface material underlying the shot point and geophone spread, and the use of single versus multiple geophones per channel. Each of these factors influenced …