Is climate change depleting an untapped water resource?

Methods

Summary

This research intends to provide a detailed analysis of the mechanisms of water flow within the selected rock glaciers. We will use the new G-TEM system, a non-invasive electromagnetic induction (EM) method, to map the distribution of electrical conductivity in the subsurface.

Dr. Everett's "Near-surface applied geophysics" book (2013), discusses the applicability of this EM method in groundwater resource evaluation, characterization of aquifer heterogeneity, and the implications for subsurface fluid transport the spatial roughness of fractured rocks. 

After obtaining the conductivity measurements, we will have a better understanding of the internal structure of rock glaciers, as well as the paths through which groundwater flows within these rock glaciers.

Challenges

We will be using a time-domain EM system. Several authors have pointed out the following limitations to this method: it requires inversion and modeling for data interpretation; it can only distinguish a few layers of the subsurface. We will receive training by experienced professors and peers in EM data modeling and inversion before attempting to interpret our data. Our project does not require the distinction of many layer in the subsurface as we are looking for groundwater within the rock glaciers.

Pre Analysis Plan

Electromagnetic Induction systems can measure the differences in electrical conductivity of the subsurface, which can be related to the geology (rock type) and hydrology of the area. We know that the rocks found in our study area have a low conductivity value. The ice that can be found within the rock glacier is also a poor conductor. We expect to find high conductivity areas where water is flowing within the rock glaciers. This contrast between conductivity values will allow us to interpret the internal structure of the selected rock glaciers.