NovCare 2013 (Novel methods for subsurface characterization and monitoring: from theory to practice)

Abstract

As safe and effective use of the subsurface environment is a major challenge facing our society, there is a great need to improve our understanding of the subsurface and to observe and investigate natural and anthropogenically influenced systems. Characterization of the subsurface includes the investigation of both groundwater and subsurface soils and their interaction processes. The range of monitoring tools used can be extended to include remote sensing tools [e.g., Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)], applicable at the near-surface to estimate gas–soil gas exchange processes. One example that highlights the importance of subsurface characterization and monitoring is the detection of groundwater contamination, to provide data for developing plans to prevent any further contamination and remediate existing contamination. With an increasing demand for investigation methods that have both high accuracy and resolution across a variety of spatial scales, there are several challenges for monitoring and exploration technologies in environmental research. These challenges include, among others, the identification and parameterization of system relevant physical, chemical, biological processes, as well as the determination of interactions between different scales. These challenges require high-resolution methods or novel data processing and common interpretation of data measured by different methods. In particular, cost-effective methods that are minimally destructive and can be rapidly applied are taken into consideration. Methods for subsurface characterization include e.g., geophysical, hydrogeological and direct push (DP) technologies, borehole-based, and tomographic methods. The NovCare conference (Novel methods for subsurface characterization and monitoring: from theory to practice— established in 2009) provides a platform to present and discuss state of the art developments and concepts. Existing methods are often refined and new methods are continually being developed. Therefore, this symposium presents recent developments, examples of field applications and introduces method concepts such as direct push, geophysical methods, adaptive (sensor) networks, and novel monitoring sensors. It also highlights the application of these methods in different thematic areas. The NovCare 2013 International Conference (Novel methods for subsurface characterization and monitoring: from theory to practice) took place from May 13–16th 2013 at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research in Leipzig. This conference, which was organized by the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, the University of Tuebingen, the Kansas Geological Survey and the Michigan State University, was the third successive annual conference. This conference series, which began in Leipzig in 2009 and then moved to Cape Cod in the US in 2011, has proven to be an excellent forum for exchanging ideas and experiences related to the challenges of subsurface characterization and monitoring. NovCare 2013 again provided a rare opportunity and an outstanding platform for researchers and practitioners from all over the world to exchange their ideas and experiences in dealing with the challenges of subsurface characterization and monitoring using a variety of methods. The conference had a strong interdisciplinary and international flavor, with around 100 participants from 13 countries taking part. Twelve companies and institutes presented their expertise and novel equipment and U. Sauer (&) P. Dietrich Department of Monitoring and Exploration Technologies, UFZ-Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Permoserstrasse 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany e-mail: uta.sauer@ufz.de