Nuclear magnetic resonance as a geophysical tool for hydrogeologists

Abstract

The proton Magnetic Resonance Sounding (MRS) is a geophysical technique specially designed for hydrogeological applications. It is based on the principle of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and allows the non-invasive detection of free water in the subsurface. As with many other geophysical methods, MRS is site-dependent. Modeling results show that MRS performance depends on the magnitude of the natural geomagnetic field, the electrical conductivity of rocks, the electromagnetic noise and other factors. For example, the maximum depth of groundwater detection for currently available equipment can vary from 45 to 170 m depending on measurement conditions, although an average depth of investigation is generally considered to be about 100 m. The processing of MRS data can provide the depth, thickness and water content of aquifers. Based on the water content and the relaxation times T 1 and T 2* provided by MRS, in association with calibration using borehole pumping test data, it is possible to estimate the aquifer's hydrodynamic properties, namely permeability, transmissivity, and specific yield. In this aim, experience gained through NMR logging has been applied to MRS data interpretation and a comparison between the results of borehole pumping tests and those of MRS experiments reveals a good correlation. An example of an MRS survey in Saudi Arabia is presented. The study area is some 1.3 km 2 and underlain by an aquifer composed of fractured diorite. The results of 7 borehole pumping tests and 13 MRS measurements show good agreement.