Engineering and environmental geophysics: the future

Abstract

Abstract The field of engineering and environmental geophysics developed slowly until the last decade. The traditional use of geophysics for engineering was typically limited to refraction seismic for depth to bedrock and rippability. As technology evolved, applications expanded in a slow but steady manner. The geophysical community has been slow in learning the requirements of the engineering community. Historically, geophysicists have often been focused on the exploration aspect with the primary emphasis on finding the pot of gold. This pot of gold may have been either oil or minerals; in both cases, a major return on investment for a successful utilization of geophysics could be realized. In engineering and environmental geophysics, quantifying the cost benefits of using geophysical methods is much harder. Furthermore, geophysical information is difficult to convey in a format which is understandable by the civil engineer, engineering geologist, hydrogeologist or lay person (i.e. lawyer) who must use the information but is not well versed with the idiosyncrasies of geophysical methodology, data presentation and interpretation. Over the last five years a substantial improvement in data presentation has been noticeable. In part this is due to a better understanding of the end-users’ needs and, in part, due to the availability of low-cost computer technology, which permits much more enhanced data presentation than ever before. Investment in instrumentation and software development for the engineering and environmental geophysics field has been limited. Now, as the technologies become identified as useful, development of technology specifically for the engineering environmental market is occurring. The engineering and environmental field is developing but must become much more professional with improved education and standards during the next decade. Price resistance to quality geophysics has been a major obstacle to advances. Recent examples of price cutting, particularly evident in North America, are undermining capacity for professional advancement and improvement in service quality. In the future, profit margins for engineering geophysical services must not be sacrificed if the value of the product is to be perceived and the cost benefits of professional engineering geophysics realized in the engineering community.