Introducing the project team and our main objectives

By: Andy Parsekian

The project team
We're thrilled to be contributing some of today's most cutting edge and proven near-surface geophysical technologies to address an important water resource issue in Australia.  Our group of collaborators come from CSIRO, Stanford University, University of Adelaide and the University of Wyoming.  Let me introduce the team:

• Dr. Tim Munday is a Principal Research Scientist with CSIRO
• Dr. Aaron Davis is a Senior Research Geophysicist with CSIRIO
• Kevin Cahill is a Geophysicist at CSIRO
• Denys Grombacher is a PhD student at Stanford University
• Dr. Rosemary Knight is a Professor at Stanford University
• Brady Flinchum is a PhD student at the University of Wyoming
• Dr. Andy Parsekian is an Assistant Professor at the University of Wyoming
• Dr. Michael Hatch is a Research Associate at the University of Adelaide

Summary of project objectives & projected outcomes

To ensure the sustainability of current ground water resources for remote communities in South Australia, we are conducting geophysical surveys to quantify and locate ground water resources surrounding several communities in the APY lands.  Our goal is to quantify and characterize water resources in order to inform sustainable aquifer management and ensure continued access to potable water. The combination of advanced geophysical imaging methods will allow us to: (i) guide informed decision making regarding water resource management, (ii) map local aquifers to quantify water resources, and (iii) locate potential fresh water sources for future well sites. The outcomes of this study will be 1) documentation of the status of aquifers penetrated by existing wells for local residents planning use, 2) documentation of likely locations for future wells if needed and 3) the development of a protocol to investigate the sustainability of groundwater resources on which many remote communities in arid or desert rely. The fieldwork will serve to demonstrate its feasibility while simultaneously ensuring a sustainable water future for several communities in the APY lands.

Final preparations before heading to the field site

As of this writing, we're less than two weeks away from the American team members departing for Adelaide, SA.  The major planning is complete, the permits are in place and the schedule is set.  The next steps are to finish up final safety training exercises (first aid and basic off-road driving skills), and then pack our bags before the flights.  

Thanks to GWB for project sponsorship!
This program made possible through donations to the SEG Foundation – GWB Program Geoscientists Without Borders.  Funders include Schlumberger, PGS, CGG, Santos, and Kiwi Energy and other corporate and individual donors.

"Inspiring, connecting and propelling the people and science of geophysics"