Characterizing scales of hydrogeological heterogeneity in ice-marginal sediments in Wisconsin, USA

Abstract

Creating a geological framework for hydrogeological investigations in ice-marginal settings is challenging, as the dynamic nature of ice margins results in heterogeneous sediments and complex geometries that are difficult to characterize geologically and hydraulically. In this study, a multi-scale and multi-tool approach was used to develop a robust and hydraulically calibrated conceptual model of a site in Wisconsin (USA), which constrains the subsurface geologic and hydraulic heterogeneity onsite and can be utilized offsite and in similar settings. Facies analysis, including detailed logging of sediment cores integrated with geophysical surveys, was used to reconstruct the glacial history of the site and to identify key sedimentation styles. Depth-discrete multilevel monitoring wells were used to measure hydraulic head and to explore the relationship between hydraulic conditions and stratigraphy. Results indicate that hydraulic and geological heterogeneity do not necessarily coincide, as hydraulic head profiles of the heterogeneous sediments showed little head change with depth. The minimal observed hydraulic heterogeneity in this complex geologic system is likely due to relatively small and spatially limited differences in hydraulic conductivities, limited water-table relief, and minimal natural or induced transience to enhance local head differentials. Hydraulic data were also used to provide new insights on the style and scale of geologic heterogeneity known to influence permeability within ice-marginal sediments; this is especially relevant at the study site where fine-scale bedding (millimeters to tens of centimeters scale) and lateral continuity of units (meters to hundreds of meters scale) influence water recharge and dense nonaqueous phase liquids migration and distribution.