Validation of the relation between structural patterns in fractured bedrock and structural information interpreted from 2D-Variogram maps of water-well yields in Loudoun county, Virginia

Abstract

Field geology was used to validate the hypothesis that the variography of the initial yields of water wells drilled into fractured crystalline bedrock reveals the geologic structure of the bedrock. Patterns in two-dimensional (2D)-variogram maps were predicted for four areas using geology gained from field mapping. Variograms were calculated for the areas and compared with the predictions. The predictions made by the field geologist (Scott Southworth) corresponded well with the variograms. This implies that variography may suggest the underlying geologic structure in areas that have many water wells but little rock outcrop.