In The Field: Log 004
Work has brought me back to beautiful Scranton, PA, where I nearly got frostbite earlier this year. It was much warmer this time (see Log 001). Monday was 65°F and sunny – field work doesn’t get much better than that! I had an extra set of hands this time around as well which helped everything go a little more smoothly.
We collected some very useful geophysical borehole logs for the client, identifying potential water-bearing fractures hundreds of feet below ground. For that we used my favorite tool - the Heat Pulse Flow Meter. It’s a sensitive instrument that measures vertical flow of groundwater flow within a borehole.
We completed the test under ambient conditions, and under stressed conditions (despite the name, it’s actually a great time!) This just means pumping groundwater at a steady rate to pull more water from fractures. When vertical flow is greatly increased right above a fracture, it is a strong indicator for increased transmissivity. The data is displayed as a simple line, but it can tell a complex story.
For the test to work, groundwater levels need to remain stable. Two of the four boreholes were unable to achieve this equilibrium, so we couldn’t run the test. Still, it is useful data. It tells us there isn’t much groundwater flow, and our clients can make informed decisions based on that information.
Midweek, the water we were looking for underground started falling from the sky. We had to pick up a canopy to stay dry for the final field day. We also got a proper send-off from the property owner’s dog who jumped right into the van to say hello. Good dog!
Scranton is well known for being the setting of “The Office”. I’ve never actually seen an episode (I know, I know), so there’s no pop-culture draw for me. When the work days were done, I found Eales Preserve at Moosic Mountain to go birdwatching (very on-brand if you know me) and trail running. The park is gorgeous.
Gene’s Trail took me through several ecosystems from scrub, to rocky mature forest, to wetlands and creeks. It also passes a historic reservoir undergoing restoration with the old dam removed and new trees taking root.
Now that spring is here, the insulated overalls are gone.
Bring on the ticks and the farmer’s tan!
Until next time.
