Nuclear Magnetic Resonance: The only geophysical method that directly measures water in the sub-surface

Overview

The National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training has joined with Vista Clara Inc. to deliver a three-day, hands-on workshop focused on the application of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) technologies for groundwater investigations. The course will be led by Dr David Walsh, President of Vista Clara Inc. and a leading developer of NMR geophysical instrumentation.

Every geoscientist who works on groundwater problems requires knowledge of the hydrogeological properties of the subsurface, specifically saturated porosity and hydraulic permeability. Geophysical techniques based on NMR are the only methods that can directly measure these properties at high resolution in the sub-surface.

The program will cover the theoretical background underlying NMR-based technologies, along with practical instruction in the acquisition, processing and interpretation of both surface and borehole NMR data sets. Participants will also be introduced to recent technological advances, including a Geoprobe drilling demonstration of the Vista Clara Harpoon system, a new combined NMR and cone penetration testing (CPT) tool.

Hydrogeophysics involves getting out into the field and as part of the course, lectures will be delivered on-site in the field along with hands-on demonstrations using a variety of NMR instruments and equipment.

Presenters

Dr Dave Walsh (Vista Clara Inc.), Associate Professor Eddie Banks (Flinders University, ARC Mid-Career Industry Fellowship-Hydrogeophysics) and Dr Mike Hatch (Vista Clara Inc. and Flinders University).

Target group and participant requirements

This course is designed for professionals in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology and geotechnical engineering who are interested in emerging and innovative technology that is non-invasive and directly measures water within the subsurface. Typical participants include hydrogeologists, consulting firms, geotechnical engineers, government agencies, research institutions, or universities.