The Field Measurement Dilemma (Continued)     

If the subsurface investigation involves petroleum contamination, "non-aqueous phase liquid" (NAPL) is often the subject of an investigation.   Most petroleum products are less dense than water and tend to float above the water in a monitoring or observation well.   Accurate measurements of NAPL thickness are usually an important part of the investigation.   The measurement of NAPL thickness is discussed on our "NAPL Detection Page" where the usefulness of Heron oil/water interface meters is discussed.   You may wonder why we discuss Heron water level and oil/water interface measurement instruments.   First, they are excellent instruments and reasonably priced.   Second, Geologic Resources is a reseller of Heron Instruments.

A number of geophysical techniques have been developed for exploring the subsurface.   These are outlined on our Exploration Geophysics page.     The real dilemma usually involves selection of a method or methods of subsurface exploration, quantity measurements, and depth of exploration.

Many software programs have been developed to process data obtained during subsurface investigations of all types.    The investigations are conducted to characterize environmental conditions and extent of contamination, aquifer tests to determine groundwater flow and solute transport rates, mineral exploration programs, and many other applications.   It is doubtful that the software can solve the "field measurement dilemma" by itself.   However, the software can assist with very powerful data manipulations and computation of quantities, flow scenarios, or other useful outcomes.    We do have some helpful links to software sites on our Software and Internet Software Resources Pages.

Books and publications cannot solve the "field measurement dilemma" either.   However, books and publications may contain some of the answers.   Helpful links to books and publications can be found on our Books and Other Stuff Pages.

Networking can, in some cases, help to solve the "field measurement dilemma".   Professionals who have encountered and solved a "dilemma" may exchange concepts with those who are seeking solutions.   However, each case is individual, and a unique solution is likely.   We are attempting to facilitate networking here.   Therefore we provide links to our Networking, Geoforum, and Jobs Pages in an attempt to promote the free exchange of ideas and beneficial actions.   Keeping up with the latest developments in our respective fields can help us to optimize our efforts to solve the "field measurement dilemma.   Our "Geonews Page" is one source of current information for geoscientists and engineers.

In Massachusetts "Licensed Hazardous Waste Site Professionals" (aka LSPs) are often confronted with the "field measurement dilemma" on sites contaminated by oil and/or hazardous materials.   In the Massachusetts LSP program, experience, training and a program of continuing education are used to minimize this dilemma. 

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