CALIBRATION AND USE OF GEOLYSIMETERS FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF HYDROLOGIC FLUXES IN MINE CLOSURE LANDFORMS

Abstract

The use of geolysimeters as a hydrologic instrument has generally been limited to academic studies. To determine usefulness of geolysimeters in mining reclamation applications, a series of geolysimeters were installed into mine tailing landforms. These were compared to traditional hydrologic instruments over the course of three years. The geolysimeters installed into aquitards using a fully grouted method had several examples of sensors that provide useful hydrologic data. They compared well to rain gauge readings and show potential to compliment traditional methods of measuring evapotranspiration data. Three sensors showed good potential for use as hydrologic instruments. Several errors were encountered over the course of the program, and they are described in detail. Errors range from installation into unsaturated zones, shielding failure of wires, data collector errors, extreme weather conditions, and unknown hydrogeological conditions. Based on these errors, several recommendations were made to improve the efficacy of future programs. These recommendations cover program design, instrumentation selection, logger programming, calibration of data, and logger placement.