Airborne Electromagnetic Groundwater Assessment
Grant funded through Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP)
Objective
The project demonstrated a streamlined method for assessing site groundwater health. Because traditional monitoring wells yielded incomplete and expensive hydrogeologic data, aerial electromagnetic (AEM) surveys were deployed to rapidly scan the site and integrate high-resolution subsurface mapping with sparse physical measurements.
Technology Description
Although a proven technology, AEM had not been widely adopted within the client's infrastructure planning framework. The project leveraged these surveys to map hidden aquifer conditions, establishing AEM as an efficient alternative to repeated localized drilling.
Outcomes
Driven by the client's increasing exposure to water insecurity, the successful application of AEM replaced cost-prohibitive assessment methods. It provided resource managers with a rapid, precise framework to secure long-term site water resilience.