GSM LECTURE, MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2009

Geological Society of Minnesota  

GSM LECTURE, MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2009

At The University of Minnesota

How 3-D Mapping of Geologic Deposits Helps Understand Ground Water Movement

Bob Tipping, PhD Candidate, Minnesota Geological Survey

Date:  Monday, March 23, 2009      Lecture Begins:  7:30 PM 

Location:  The University of Minnesota, East Bank, Electrical Engineering/Computer Science Bldg., Room 3-210

 ABSTRACT: 

In the mid 1990’s, the Minnesota Geological Survey began producing datasets that allow the user to view subsurface geologic contacts in three dimensions.  Early work included maps showing elevations of the tops of selected bedrock surfaces in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, used to revise the metropolitan area ground-water model.  These maps were converted to digital elevation models, similar to land surface digital topography, in order to provide aquifer thicknesses at any point within the model area.  Since that time, the Minnesota Geological Survey (MGS) and the Department of Resources (DNR), as part of the County Atlas Program, have been developing methods to map glacial deposits in a similar manner.  The goal of this work is to provide subsurface information showing the distribution of aquifers and aquitards that expands on traditional cross sections.  This talk will show how these subsurface mapping techniques have evolved and provide examples of their applications to ground-water investigations.

EDUCATION: 

BA History, 1981, Carleton College; 

MS Geology, 1992, University of MN; 

PhD candidate, current, Water Resources Science, 

University of MN

RESEARCH INTERESTS: 

geology/hydrogeology of fractured and karst terrain; 

groundwater-surface water interaction; 

aquifer characterization; ground-water chemistry;  

GIS applications to geologic, hydrogeologic research.

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