Geophysical Investigation Of Anomalous Conductivity At A Hydrocarbon Contaminated Site

The intuitive geoelectric model for hydrocarbon light non-aqueous phase liquid (LNAPL)<br>plumes treats the plume as a resistive body in the subsurface. Results of field studies have<br>shown that plume bodies can develop conductive attributes over time, and that this dichotomous<br>nature of electrical conductivity varies over time. A comprehensive geophysical survey was<br>undertaken to evaluate the electrical nature of an older plume as well as to evaluate the methods<br>best suited for characterization. Dipole-dipole resistivity profiling, self potential,<br>electromagnetic induction, and ground penetrating radar were all used to characterize the<br>conductive plume. Ground penetrating radar located conductive plume boundaries best, while<br>the dipole-dipole resistivity and self potential methods located the plume but did not resolve the<br>boundaries of the plume.