Environmental Geophysics @ ASU
Geophysical methods have been used to understand the shallow subsurface on a number of projects throughout the Phoenix valley. Gravity, seismic refraction, electromagentics and resistivity have been utilized to study variations in the water table, depth to bedrock, and subsidence and earth fissuring.
Current Projects:
Overview of Fissure, Gravity, and Subsidence studies by Paul Ivanich, ASU M.S. and Arizona Department of Water Resources:
(.ppt) and some movies of runoff into fissures: .MOV and .MOV
Subsidence study in the west Valley (link)
Central Arizona Project (CAP) Pool 24 Subsidence studies
Balloon photographs of fissure near Pool 24 -- DIGITAL
Balloon photographs of fissure near Pool 24 -- FILM
Presentation on subsidence, fissuring, water supply for Phoenix (.ppt)
Past Research:
Equipment:
-- Gravity: LaCoste & Romberg Model G (#G-359) relative gravity meter
-- Seismic Refraction: Geometrics Model 1225 Exploration Seismograph (12 Channels), 8
Hz geophones
-- Electrical (DC) Resistivity: EDA Instruments, Inc., Model IP-PLUS Resistivity Meter
-- Electromagnetic: Geonics Limited Model EM34-3XL Ground Conductivity Meter
w/ a 1 meter diameter transmitting coil and a 0.5 meter diameter receiving coil
-- Surveying Equipment: Leica TCM 1100 TOTAL Station
Graduates of Environmental Geophysics:
Bryan MacFarlane, B.S. in progress.
Paul Ivanich, M.S., in progress: Geophysical delineation of subsurface
controls on subsidence patterns, eastern Paradise Valley (working title)
Amanda Perkins (neé Thompson), M.S., 2006: Analyzing INSAR, bedrock topography,
and hydrogeology to interpret land subsidence patterns.
Ken Fergason, M.S., 2001: Investigation of Changes in Water Table Elevation Associated with
Tempe Town Lake.
Maurice Tatlow, M.S., 2000: Measuring Depth to Bedrock using Gravity Methods in a
Remediation Study Area in Phoenix, Arizona.
James J. Pfeiffer, M.S., 1997: Seismic Investigations of Earth Fissures in the Picacho
Basin, Arizona.
Lisa L. Zaffran, M.S., 1993: Seismic Attenuation Study and Scaled Analogue Modeling of
the Brady Earth Fissure, Picacho Basin, Arizona.
Peter L. Doorn, M.S., 1989: Geologic and Gravimetric Investigation of the Carefree Basin,
Maricopa County, Arizona.
Edward C. Deslauriers, M.S., 1977: Geophysics and Hydrology of the Lower Verde River
Valley, Maricopa County, Arizona.
Charles D. Lausten, M.S., 1974: Gravity Methods Applied to the Geology and Hydrology of
Paradise Valley, Maricopa County, Arizona.
Links:
Active Tectonics Research Group homepage
School of Earth and Space Exploration
Page last modified May 21, 2007
Comments? Questions? Email: Ramón Arrowsmith
