An environmental site in geophysics typically refers to a location that has been contaminated with hazardous materials or pollutants, either as a result of human activity or natural processes. Geophysical techniques can be used to investigate and characterize these sites, in order to assess the extent and severity of contamination, and to develop effective remediation strategies.
Environmental sites may include landfills, industrial sites, abandoned mines, and other areas where hazardous substances have been released into the environment. Contaminants may include heavy metals, petroleum hydrocarbons, pesticides, and other toxic substances.
Geophysical techniques used in environmental site investigations may include:
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR): GPR uses radar pulses to image the subsurface and identify changes in the physical properties of materials. GPR can be used to locate buried waste, identify stratigraphy and bedrock depth, and map the extent of subsurface contamination.
Electromagnetic (EM) Methods: EM methods can be used to map the distribution of electrical conductivity in the subsurface, which can help to identify areas of contamination.
Magnetometry: Magnetometry measures variations in the Earth's magnetic field caused by buried metallic objects, and can be used to locate buried waste and metal structures.
Seismic Methods: Seismic methods can be used to map the subsurface geology and identify areas of contamination. Seismic waves can also be used to monitor the movement of groundwater and contaminants.
Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT): ERT measures the electrical resistivity of subsurface materials and can be used to identify changes in subsurface conductivity, which can be used to identify areas of contamination.
Overall, environmental sites in geophysics refer to locations that have been contaminated with hazardous materials or pollutants, and geophysical techniques can be used to investigate and characterize these sites, in order to assess the extent and severity of contamination, and to develop effective remediation strategies.