CALIBRATION AND USE OF GEOLYSIMETERS FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF HYDROLOGIC FLUXES IN MINE CLOSURE LANDFORMS
Date
2020-09-16
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
0000-0002-4497-0733
Type
Thesis
Degree Level
Masters
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.
Description
Keywords
Geolysimeter, Geological Weighing Lysimeter, Moisture Loading
Citation
Degree
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Department
Civil and Geological Engineering
Program
Civil Engineering