hidrogeofüüsikat

Hidrogeofüüsika is a sub-discipline of geophysics that focuses on the study of groundwater and its interactions with the Earth's subsurface. It applies geophysical methods to investigate hydrological properties and processes, such as the distribution and movement of groundwater, aquifer characteristics, and the presence of contaminants. The primary goal is to understand the physical properties of the subsurface that control water flow and storage without direct drilling at every point of interest.

Common geophysical techniques employed in hidrogeofüüsika include electrical resistivity, induced polarization, seismic methods, ground-penetrating radar (GPR), and electromagnetic induction. Each method probes different physical properties of the subsurface. For instance, electrical resistivity surveys measure how easily electrical current flows through the ground, which is strongly influenced by the amount and salinity of pore water. Seismic methods analyze the propagation of sound waves to infer rock and sediment properties, including porosity and saturation. GPR uses radio waves to image shallow subsurface structures and identify variations in dielectric properties related to water content.

The data obtained from these geophysical surveys are then interpreted to create models of the subsurface hydrogeology. These models can help delineate aquifer boundaries, estimate groundwater flow paths, identify zones of high or low permeability, and detect the presence of saltwater intrusion or pollution plumes. Hidrogeofüüsika plays a crucial role in groundwater resource management, environmental investigations, and site characterization for engineering projects. Its non-invasive nature allows for rapid data acquisition over large areas, making it an efficient tool for initial assessments and ongoing monitoring of groundwater systems.