Doctoral Dissertations

Keywords and Phrases

ERT; Geophysical Investigation; Karst Terrain; MASW; Resistivity Imaging; Seepage Pathways

Abstract

"An integrated research approach was conducted to evaluate subsurface karstic conditions in Greene County, southwestern Missouri. Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) was employed to image anomalously low resistivity zones associated with the presence of seepage pathways that were anthropogenic and/or natural in origin. Techniques including visual inspection (VI), multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW), borehole control (BC), and aerial imagery (AI) were supplementally used to constrain the ERT data interpretations.

This research addressed six objectives. First, the ERT data interpretations were verified in terms of depth to the top of bedrock, fractures/voids, and moisture changes using the MASW, borehole control, and visual inspection. Second, the ERT imaged anomalously low resistivity zones likely created by the high moisture content and/or piping of fine-grained sediments in proximity to natural or anthropogenic activities. Third, surface and subsurface water flow pathways were mapped using elevation models extracted from ERT data. Fourth, the ERT imaged a sinkhole that was developed at an intersection zone of two probable solution-widened joint sets in proximity to a roadway. Fifth, prominent anthropogenically and/or naturally caused anomalies appearing on the ERT profiles were correlated with their corresponding triggering activities using the aerial images. Sixth, an attempt was made to distinguish the associated resistivity anomalies of either natural or anthropogenic origin based on various attributes extracted from the ERT data such as depth, shape, lowest resistivity value, and distance to inducing activity"--Abstract, p. iii

Advisor(s)

Rogers, J. Davis
Anderson, Neil L. (Neil Lennart), 1954-

Committee Member(s)

Grote, Katherine R.
Torgashov, Evgeniy V.
Liu, Kelly H.
Chen, Genda

Department(s)

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering

Degree Name

Ph. D. in Geological Engineering

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

Fall 2022

Pagination

xiii, 159 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes_bibliographical_references_(pages 152-158)

Rights

© 2022 Abdullah Hadi Zaid Alhaj, All Rights Reserved

Document Type

Dissertation - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Thesis Number

T 12184

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