Mission
Bureau researchers apply modern geophysical,
geologic, and remote-sensing methods to address
problems in the surface and near-surface environment.
Surface, airborne, and borehole tools scale
from regional to local studies involving issues such
as surface water and groundwater salinization,
neotectonics and surface faulting, subsidence,
transportation infrastructure, Quaternary geology,
sinkhole characterization and assessment, and many
other related topics.
Research areas
• Near-surface geophysics applied to geologic, hydrologic, and engineering issues
• Geologic mapping (regional and detailed)
• Geohazards assessment and monitoring (sinkholes, surface faulting, and subsidence)
• Soil and water salinization
• Groundwater resource assessments
Key Insights
Rather than apply a single favorite approach or all available approaches to a near-surface
geological, hydrologic, or engineering issue, we seek to fully understand the issue before
selecting a tool or method, identify relevant physical properties that can serve as a reliable proxy
for the problem or issue, select the appropriate instruments and platforms (airborne, surface, or
borehole), and then design a measurement campaign to address the lateral and vertical scale of
the problem. The final step is to analyze and interpret the proxy measurements in a manner that
gives insight into the geologic, hydrologic, or engineering issue.
Research Assets and Expertise
Frequency-domain electromagnetic induction system: Geonics EM34-3. A surface
instrument that measures apparent ground conductivity at selectable depths as great as 50m. Produces conductivity profiles along the ground surface and depth sections depicting
lateral and vertical variation in ground conductivity that are useful for characterizing
surficial deposits and bedrock lithology, water-saturation trends, and pore-fluid salinity.
Time-domain electromagnetic induction system: terraTEM three-channel
acquisition, three-component receiver, continuous recording). Produces
generalized models of ground conductivity from depths of a few to a few
hundred meters. Can explore deeper than the EM34 and serves as a nonintrusive
borehole proxy.
Geoprobe: mobile, track-mounted push
probe for shallow logging and sampling.
Slim-hole borehole geophysical logging system: 1024-channel spectral natural gamma and
electrical conductivity probes, 400-m cable, motorized winch, WellCAD analysis software. Produces
high-resolution gamma and conductivity logs in slim-hole borings and water wells. Useful for
determining site-specific lithology, water saturation, and groundwater salinity.
Shallow seismic reflection and refraction: 24- and 48-channel seismographs, 40-Hz geophones,
Seismic Processing Workshop software. Shallow (a few to a few hundred meters) exploration of
geologic features.
Ground-penetrating radar: GSSI SIR-2000 and 3000 systems with multiple antennas. Ultra-shallow
(surface to a few meters) investigations of geologic and engineering features.
Airborne geophysics: high-resolution electromagnetic induction and magnetometer surveys from
helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. Produces high-resolution maps, cross sections, and volumes
that allow sophisticated interpretation of
near-surface lithology, structure, and water
content and salinity.
Airborne lidar, digital photogrammetry, and
radar interferometry: airborne- and satellite-based
surveys to determine elevation and
elevation change over time. Useful for
subsidence studies.
NSO Staff
Jeffrey G. Paine
Near-surface ground, borehole, and airborne geophysics
