Current Research Projects

Secondary Impacts of Climate Change on Human and Ecosystem Health: A Risk-based Approach.Climate change is predicted to have significant direct impacts on air temperature and precipitation in terms of long-term trends, seasonality, and occurrence of extreme events. Such changes are anticipated to have primary (i.e., direct) impacts on hydrologic regimes (e.g., melting glaciers, sea-level change) and air quality, and consequent secondary (i.e., indirect) impacts on health of humans and ecosystems. Primary climate-change impacts have been investigated by researchers around the world, but relatively few studies have considered secondary effects of these impacts or adaptation responses, particularly in terms of the potential spread of infectious diseases, quantity of water available, degradation of water quality due to contamination, and loss of biodiversity, which is important for maintaining resilient and functioning ecosystems in the presence of changes. Among the many secondary changes anticipated are major shifts in species distributions and ecosystems, and potentially widespread (human) emigration. These secondary effects raise questions about how existing human infrastructure (e.g., water storage and delivery systems, health-care systems) will be able to support growing urban populations. Research on the secondary impacts of climate change is currently being conducted by the Climate Change Impacts Research Consortium (CCIRC). The research spans the physical, biological, health and social sciences, resource and environmental management, communication, and computing science, and brings together a group of researchers with expertise in climate, water, air quality, disease, ecology, human health, risk analysis, emergency preparedness, and visualization. Building on previous research in British Columbia (BC) and abroad, the research team is investigating the secondary effects of climate changeusing risk-assessment approaches to evaluate various risk-management options for dealing with these problems arising from climate change. Novel computer visualization techniques are being developed and applied to support knowledge translation and enable use of our results by policy-makers and other stakeholders.

A Framework for Characterizing Mountain Front Recharge (MFR) in Mountainous Watersheds of Limited Data This research (PhD, Neilson-Welch, in progress) aims to develop a framework for the characterization of MFR for mountainous watersheds. The framework is intended to be useful for determining relative contributions of different processes to MFR (i.e. how MFR may be distributed across the mountain front for different scenarios) and predicting relative differences of MFR contributions to valley bottom aquifers for separate mountainous watersheds with differing characteristics. The MFR processes/contributions that are being investigated will include diffuse and focused subsurface MBR, diffuse near surface recharge across the mountain front, and focused near surface recharge through tributary alluvium.

Estimating Groundwater Recharge to a Headwater Catchment as a Basis for Mountain Block Recharge (MBR) Modeling: An Integrated Surface Water - Groundwater Modeling Study This research project (PhD, Voeckler, in progress) focuses on quantifying recharge from upland areas to valley bottom using a combination of field and modeling approaches. The research project aims to estimate bedrock permeability using a Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) approach and various well hydraulic testing approaches, estimate groundwater recharge to a small alpine headwater catchment (Upper Penticton Creek Watershed Experiment) using a coupled SW-GW approach, and construct a generic (theoretical) groundwater flow model to simulate Mountain Block Recharge (MBR) and investigate its sensitivity due to the use of different permeability grids obtained both from discrete fracture flow modeling and from a bulk permeability estimate.

Sensitive Streams: Groundwater – Surface Water Interactions This research project is being carried out in collaboration with Watershed Watch Salmon Society and is funded by the Fraser Salmon and Watersheds Program. The project also contributes to research on the secondary impacts of climate change on the health of aquatic ecosystems being carried out by CCIRC. The study aims to contribute to the understanding of physical processes that affect the spatial and temporal variability of groundwater and surface water interactions in groundwater-fed streams, particularly during critical low flow periods (M.Sc., Middleton, in progress). The objectives of the research are to use stream temperature in combination with direct flux measurements, air and groundwater temperature, stream hydrographs, channel and riparian maps, and geology to understand the factors controlling the pathways, processes, and magnitude of groundwater – surface water interactions over a range of temporal and spatial scales and to contribute to the development of a procedure for evaluating sensitive streams using the relationships developed during the field portion of the study, and employed in the watershed model.

Water Security and Groundwater Risk Assessment Two student research projects for part of a collaborative research project funded by the Canadian Water Network (CWN) to develop a Water Security Framework. The overall objective of the CWN project is to develop a framework for assessing the security of water. In collaboration with Natural Resources Canada, we aim to develop a set of decision support tools that include both groundwater and surface water, and that address issues of quantity as well as quality (M.Sc., Simpson, in progress). The tools will support existing methodologies, such as vulnerability mapping methods, numerical / analytical models, be flexible enough to be used in different jurisdictions (e.g., Ontario with a rigid legislative framework and BC without), and provide output in a format that is understandable to water managers. The second project involves identifying a set of geochemical indicators that can be used to assess the likelihood of arsenic contamination of groundwater (M.Sc., Cavalcanti de Albuquerque,2011.

Nitrate Contamination: Abbotsford-Sumas Aquifer Nitrate contamination of the trans-national Abbotsford-Sumas aquifer in the central Fraser Valley has become a significant problem over the last 30 years. Nitrate concentrations above the maximum allowable concentration (10 mg/L NO3-N) have been recorded in many of the aquifer's wells since the 1970's. Agricultural land-use above the aquifer is primarily raspberries, and although application practices for fertilizer have improved in recent years, nitrate concentrations in the aquifer have not dropped. Vadose zone transport simulations have been undertaken to determine the potential loading to the aquifer by synthetic fertilzer and the loading concentrations have been applied to a 3D numerical groundwater model to investigate the transport of nitrate within the aquifer, both from historical and future perspectives (Chesnaux, post-doctoral research, 2008). Current research focuses on how climate variability (related to Pacific Decadal Oscillation and El Nino Southern Oscillation) affect nitrate concentrations measured in observation wells. This work is being conducted in collaboration with Environment Canada.

Past Research Projects

Climate Change Impacts on Groundwater Recharge

An Integrated Approach to Estimating Groundwater Recharge and Storage Variability in Southern Mali, Africa (Chris Henry M.Sc.,2011) This research was carried out as part of a broader iniative in partnership with Global Aquifer Development Foundation (now partnered with Hydrogeologists without Borders) to assist the Mali (Africa) government with the monitoring and management of their groundwater resource. Groundwater recharge in southern Mali was investigated using a variety of methods. The aquifer system comprises a surficial unconfined aquifer in laterite that is hydraulically connected by vertical fractures through a sedimentary rock layer to a deep fractured semi-confined aquifer. Observed groundwater storage fluctuations from historical water level data correlate with GRACE satellite terrestrial water storage (TWS) variations, with peaks in September and lows in May; however, soil-moisture corrected GRACE data peaked in November due to the GLDAS model poorly predicting the timing of soil-water storage changes. Recharge modeling using HELP gave an average annual net recharge of 132.2 mm (12.6% of rainfall), comparing well with estimates from historical water level (149.1 mm; 16.4%) and GRACE (149.7 mm; 14.8%) data. Major ion chemistry suggests groundwater is fresh (average TDS of 205 mg/L) and rapidly recharged. d18O and d2H concentrations in groundwater and precipitation indicate July-September rainfall as the recharge source.

Modeling Climate Change Impacts on Groundwater Recharge in Semi-Arid Region, southern Okanagan , British Columbia (Mike Toews, M.Sc. 2007) The impacts of future predicted climate change on groundwater recharge resources are modelled for the arid to semi-arid south Okanagan region, British Columbia. The hydrostratigraphy of the region consists of Pleistocene-aged glaciolacustrine silt overlain by glaciofluvial sand and gravel. Spatial recharge is modelled using available soil and climate data with the HELP 3.80D hydrology model. Climate change effects on recharge are investigated using stochastically-generated climate from three GCMs. Recharge is estimated to be ~45 mm/year, with minor increases expected with climate change. However, growing season and crop water demands will increase, posing additional stresses on water use in the region. A transient MODFLOW groundwater model simulates increases of water table in future time periods, which is largely driven by irrigation application increases. Spatial recharge is also used in a groundwater model to define capture zones around eight municipal water wells. These capture zones will be used for community planning.

Climate Change and Low Flows: Influences of Groundwater and Glaciers (Moore, Allen Stahl, Werner, Hutchinson, Cannon and Whitfield) This collaborative project, funded by the Climate Change Action Fund, explored the linkages between low flows in streams, glacier melt and groundwater under climate change. The groundwater component of the study involved comparing the relationships between groundwater, climate, and surface water within and between groups of well records from the two major hydro-climatic zones in BC. We developed a system for detecting the influence of climate change and variability on groundwater in the absence of long term records; suitable correlation coefficients were applied to evaluate the strength of these interactions. Different aquifer types are assessed with respect to vulnerability to climate change influences.

Modelling the Impacts of Climate Change on Groundwater: A Comparative Study of Two Unconfined Aquifers in Southern British Columbia and Northern Washington State (Scibek, M.Sc. 2005). A methodology was developed for linking climate and groundwater models to investigate future impacts of climate change on groundwater resources using two case study sites of unconfined aquifers in southern British Columbia and northern Washington State . One semi-arid site is compared with one wet coastal site. The two groundwater systems differ in river-aquifer interactions, recharge, aquifer heterogeneity, scale, and groundwater use. Climate change scenarios from the Canadian Global Coupled Model 1 model runs for 1961-2000, 2010-2039, 2040-2069 and 2070-2099 are downscaled to local conditions, modelled at daily time scales using a stochastic weather generator, and applied to the spatially-distributed infiltration model. At one site the basin-scale runoff is also downscaled to predict river discharge and river-aquifer interactions in future climates. The impacts of predicted climate change on the groundwater system for each site are modelled in three-dimensions using Visual MODFLOW. Results and methodologies are compared and discussed. (Research Funded by Climate Change Action Fund, BC Ministry of Environment, and Environment Canada ).

Impacts of Predicted Climate Change on Groundwater Recharge, Gulf Islands , British Columbia , Canada (Appaih-Adjei, M.Sc. University of Lund , Sweden , 2006). This research investigated the potential impact of climate change on groundwater recharge to the fractured bedrock aquifers, which serve as the main source of potable water supply to the inhabitants of Gulf Islands in BC, Canada . Using Statistical DownScaling Model (SDSM) in combination with the LARS-WG stochastic weather generator, daily current and future (i.e., 2010-2039, 2040-2069, and 2070-2099) climate data were generated from CGCM1 predictions of the study location. These predictions were used as input to the HELP hydrologic model for estimation of recharge for the different climate change periods. The main properties of the aquifer – soil permeability, aquifer permeability and water table depth - used for recharge modeling were linked to ArcGIS for generating recharge zones, which allowed spatial and temporal integration of the recharge results. The combination of SDSM and LARS-WG in downscaling and predicting both the observed monthly temperature and precipitation was very successful. Mean annual precipitation downscaling with SDSM is predicted to increase by 52%, 65% and 88% relative to the observed for 2020's, 2050's and 2080's, respectively. On the other hand, the mean monthly temperature is predicted to rise by 1.14 o C in 2020's, 2.05 o C in the next 30 years, and up to 3.5 o C by the end of the century. According to HELP, the current mean annual recharge is about 44 % of the annual precipitation and is predicted to increase progressively by 7%, 8% and 9% in the 2020's, 2050's and 2080's, respectively, from the current.

Stream Discharge and Hydrochemical Variation Over the Low Flow Season in the Abbotsford Aquifer , British Columbia (M.A. Berg, B.Sc. Honours, 2005). The Canadian portion of the Abbotsford-Sumas aquifer is located in the Lower Fraser Valley in southwest British Columbia . Understanding the interaction between the surface water and the groundwater in this aquifer is important in order to model the aquifer system response to potential climate change. Groundwater-surface water interactions are also important to understand for the protection of the endangered Nooksack Dace and Salish Sucker fish populations in the vicinity. This study was conducted on Fishtrap Creek, Pepin Brook, and Bertrand Creek . Regional flow measurements and chemistry sampling were conducted along the length of all three streams, and data were collected monthly. The water was sampled for physical parameters and dissolved chemical constituents. The study found groundwater discharging into Fishtrap Creek and Pepin Brook, and that both these streams have dissolved oxygen levels that fall below the accepted level for aquatic health. Nitrate levels also fluctuate in these streams and exceed background levels, indicating possible contamination. The low flow repeatability component of the study was conducted at two sites; one on Fishtrap Creek, and one on Bertrand Creek . The flow measurements were repeated across the channel, and down the length of a 7.5m section, and the results analyzed to determine the relation between the standard deviation, the percent error, and the mean discharge. At Bertrand Creek , there was a strong negative correlation (R 2 =0.9) between the percent error and the mean discharge. At Fishtrap Creek, the correlation was weak, and the results for that stream are inconclusive.

Hydrogeology of Fractured Rock Aquifers

Vulnerability Mapping Method for Fractured Rocks: DRASTICFm (in collaboration with S. Denny and M. Journeay, Geological Survey of Canada ). DRASTIC, the commonly-used methodology for mapping the intrinsic vulnerability of aquifers, is modified to incorporate the structural characteristics of fractured bedrock aquifers. In these aquifers, groundwater flow is predominantly through fractures, with large-scale fracture zones and faults acting as primary conduits for flow at the regional scale. The methodology is applied to the southern Gulf Islands region of southwestern British Columbia , Canada . Bedrock geology maps, soil maps, structural measurements, mapped lineaments, water well information, and topographic and bathymetric data, assembled within a comprehensive GIS database, form the basis for assigning traditional DRASTIC indices, while adding the structural indices necessary for capturing the importance of regional structural elements in recharge and well capture zone determinations.

A Hydrostructural Domain Approach to Quantifying Heterogeneity in Fractured Rock Aquifers, Gulf Islands, BC (M. Surrette, M.Sc., 2006). A hydrostructural domain approach was used to model regional scale groundwater flow in the fractured bedrock aquifers of the Gulf Islands , British Columbia , Canada . The domains were defined using fracture intensity and modeled using a stochastic, discrete fracture network-equivalent porous medium (DFN-EPM) approach. Results showed that the “highly” fractured interbedded sandstone and mudstone (<10 cm spacing) and fault and fracture domains had greater potential porosity than the “less” fractured sandstone (>1.0 m spacing) domain. The two highly fractured domains had an average permeability of 10 -13 m 2 compared to 10 -14 m 2 for the less fractured domain. The model results also showed a westward decrease in transmissivity, porosity and permeability. This decrease appears to be associated with the hinge line of a large anticline. Independently collected pump test analysis confirmed this interpretation. The DFN-EPM approach used in this thesis may have applications to other areas where groundwater resources in fractured rock aquifers are of interest.

The Role of Aquifer Heterogeneity in Saltwater Intrusion Modelling, Saturna Island , British Columbia ( E. Liteanu , M.Sc. 2003). Density-dependent flow and solute transport simulations were carried out using USGS SUTRA. Models simulations indicate that the magnitude of the permeability and the nature of layering exercise a major control of the magnitude and appearance of the freshwater-saltwater interface. The Pleistocene sea level history for the Gulf Islands , BC and chemical analyses for groundwater together suggest that saltwater intrusion on Saturna Island has two different origins: direct intrusion and older entrapped groundwater. A number of steady–state simulations were first undertaken to calibrate the model using groundwater geochemical data. To verify the model calibration, a transient simulation was conducted to simulate the behaviour of the freshwater-saltwater interface over the last 12,000 years. Over that time period, the island was submerged for a period of about 1,000 years, and rebounded, in a near instantaneous fashion with sea level at its current position. The transient simulations were undertaken to test if the period of 1,000 years of submergence was long enough to saturate the island with saltwater, and to test if the period following rebound is sufficient to result in the current observed saltwater-freshwater interface position. These simulations show that, considering the coarse approximations used in this research, the conceptual model is consistent with the Pleistocene sea level history for the area.

An Integrated Structural and Hydrogeological Investigation of the Fracture System in the Upper Cretaceous Nanaimo Group, Southern Gulf Islands , BC . (Mackie, M.Sc. 2002) The purpose of this collaborative study (with P. Mustard) was to identify differences in fracture distribution and character with respect to lithology and different generations of geologic structures, and to apply this fracture distribution and characterization to the development of a conceptual model for fractured controlled groundwater. A total of over 8000 fracture measurements were made at 157 stations on 8 islands using scanline, grid mapping and random data collection techniques. Results indicate that fracturing related to the Late Cretaceous to Neogene tectonic history is heterogeneously distributed and can be separated into groups. Four primary groups were identified: deformation bands, bedding-perpendicular fractures, faults and fracture zones, and non-bedding-perpendicular fractures. Relationships between structures, lithology and fracture spacing are used to define hydrostructural domains, areas of differing bulk permeability. Four domains are defined and supported by geochemical, geophysical and well yield data. The four domains are: discrete fault and fracture, fracture zone, bedding-perpendicular fracture, and fault zone. The bedding-perpendicular fracture domain includes two subdomains, the mudstone-dominant and sandstone-dominant domains. The fault zone and mudstone-dominant domain are the highest relative permeability. A methodology is proposed for delineating domains using a combination of lineament analysis and geologic mapping. The net effect has implications for flow system controls, the amount and location of recharge, and potential for saltwater intrusion along shorelines. Regional structural history is determined to have a direct and significant effect on groundwater resources via the distribution of brittle fractures.

Investigation of Potential Saltwater Intrusion Pathways in a Fractured Aquifer using an Integrated Geophysical, Geological and Geochemical Approach (D. Abbey, M.Sc. 2000) Borehole geophysics and horizontal loop electromagnetic profiling (Max-Min) were integrated with regional and site-scale geological and geochemical data to investigate the occurrence of, and possible pathways for, saltwater intrusion near fracture zones on a small island in British Columbia, Canada. An island-wide geochemical study identified a number of coastal wells that are contaminated by seawater; however, the occurrence of high salinity groundwater is spatially irregular due to variable fracturing of the bedrock. To investigate the influence of fracturing on the presence of high salinity groundwaters, geophysical investigations were undertaken at several sites. The nature of the bedrock permeability at these sites, with respect to lithology and fracture zone proximity, is described from geologic and hydrogeologic investigations and supported using surface EM profiling. Fractures and bedding contacts within boreholes, which were suspected to dominate bedrock permeability on the basis of outcrop studies, were identified using borehole video camera in conjunction with normal resistivity, spontaneous potential and natural gamma logs. Flow meter logs, acquired under a variety of aquifer stress conditions including static, tidal and pumping are used to identify potential water transmitting fractures and the locations of entry points for fresh and saline groundwater. The low flow rates measured under the various stress conditions confirm that groundwater flow is minimal and is restricted to mudstone units and single, generally sub-vertical fractures. The low natural groundwater discharge rates near the coast, even at close distances to fracture zones, may be key to the occurrence of saltwater intrusion on many parts of the island.

The Applicability and Scale Dependence of Aquifer Testing Methods: An Integrated Geophysical and Hydrogeological Characterization of Two Fractured Systems (Abbey, M.Sc. 2000). In this study, geological, horizontal loop electromagnetic (HLEM) and borehole geophysical surveys were used to characterize the lithology and structure of two fractured bedrock aquifers of low primary porosity (limestone/argillite and sandstone/mudstone), and to identify hydrostratigraphic and hydrostructural units and the associated boundary conditions. The applicability of constant-discharge aquifer testing and slug testing for determining hydraulic parameters of fractured aquifers was investigated by evaluating quantitatively each testing method and its associated analytical models (radial, linear, double porosity, unconfined). Pressure derivative analysis of the hydraulic test data aided in identifying boundary conditions and component flow regimes, thereby enhancing the analytical procedures.

Evaluation of the Analytical Methods Currently Used in B.C. to Analyze Hydraulic Test Data in Bedrock Aquifers This research project involved analyzing hydraulic test data from bedrock wells in British Columbia using various analytical techniques (both radial and linear flow models) to calculate the hydraulic parameters of the aquifers. The objectives of the study were to determine the range of values that are calculated using each method, to identify the most appropriate method of analysis, to estimate the possible error in using radial flow models when linear flow models are more suitable, and to recommend a strategy for analyzing test data from fractured rocks.

Groundwater Recharge in Mountainous Regions

A Basin Approach to Groundwater Recharge in the Okanagan: Bridging the Gap Between Science and Policy (Project Leader, D. Allen) The Okanagan is one of the driest regions of Canada , and rapid development in the region due to both population and agricultural growth has significantly increased demands on both surface and groundwater resources. While exploitation of surface water is regulated, there is no current legislation governing the development and use of groundwater. This unregulated use of groundwater has the potential to have negative impacts on the sustainable development of the resource, and consequent negative impacts on long term social, economic, and agricultural activity in the watershed that rely on it. This Canadian Water Network project aimed to enhance scientific understanding of groundwater recharge variability and mechanisms, and directly feed this understanding back to stakeholders through a series of targeted decision support tools.

Comparison of Approaches for Aquifer Vulnerability Mapping and Recharge Modelling at Regional and Local Scales, Okanagan Basin, British Columbia (Liggett, M.Sc., 2008) Aquifer vulnerability and direct recharge from precipitation were modelled in Okanagan Basin, British Columbia. The vulnerability study evaluated mapping approaches for regional and local scales using the DRASTIC method. Original rating tables provide sufficient detail for mapping at the regional scale, where broad ranges of geologic material are present. However, modified rating tables improved spatial representation of input parameters at local scales, which is useful for local planning. Spatially-distributed recharge throughout the valley bottom was modelled using the HELP code. Average annual recharge is 65 mm/yr, with 109 mm/yr near Vernon, and 37 mm/yr near Oliver. The regional recharge map adequately captured the magnitude and distribution compared to a local map constructed using HELP (42 mm/yr); However, regional recharge results were higher compared to a local map constructed using the MIKE-SHE code (6 mm/yr). Compared to measured evapotranspiration data, HELP appears to under-estimate evapotranspiration, therefore over-estimating recharge within semi-arid regions.

Regional-Scale Groundwater Flow Models for the Kelowna Area and the Mission Creek Watershed, and the BX Creek Watershed near Vernon, Okanagan Basin (Brian Smerdon, Post-doc, 2009) Two regional-scale groundwater flow models were constructed for the Mission Creek and BX Creek Watersheds to assess the interconnection and related water balance between broad-scale hydrogeologic units, including upland bedrock and major aquifers. The approach provides a first-order approximation of the groundwater flow system between the upland recharge areas and valley-bottom aquifers, including average groundwater flow rates through bedrock and alluvial aquifers.

Water Quality

Hydrochemical Evolution and Arsenic Mobilization in Confined Aquifers Formed Within Glaciomarine Sediments (R. Cavalcanti de Albuquerque, M.Sc. 2011). The hydrogeochemical evolution and arsenic mobilization mechanisms in groundwater occurring in confined aquifers formed within glaciomarine sediments in the Lower Fraser Valley, British Columbia, were addressed. Methodology included analysis of chemical and isotopic composition of groundwater, and mineralogical and chemical analysis of sediment samples sourced from core. Groundwater in confined aquifers is Na-HCO3 or Na-Cl type, basic and reduced; whereas groundwater in unconfined aquifers is Ca-Mg-HCO3 type, near neutral and oxidized. The chemistry of groundwater in confined aquifers is controlled by cation exchange, dissolution of carbonate minerals, silicate mineral weathering, and mixing with saline connate water suggesting freshening conditions. Arsenic release occurs as groundwater flows through glaciomarine sediments; its mobility is favoured by basic pH and reducing groundwater conditions. Possible arsenic release mechanisms are iron (hydr)oxide reduction and sulphide oxidation. A method of spatially representing likelihood of arsenic occurrence in groundwater based on geochemical interpretation and available data was developed.

A Study of Aquifer Heterogeneity and its Effects on Nitrate Transport and Distribution Using Geophysics and Numerical Groundwater Modelling in the Abbotsford-Sumas Aquifer, British Columbia, Canada and Washington State, USA (S. McArthur, M.Sc. 2006). Heterogeneity within the sand and gravel glacial outwash deposits of the Abbotsford-Sumas aquifer was investigated using ground penetrating radar (GPR) and borehole geophysical logging. Layering consists of fining upward sequences up to 5 m thick that are continuous over 10's of metres. Smaller heterogeneities were identified visually at a local gravel pit. Heterogeneity is best represented in a local scale groundwater model using vertical anisotropy based on the relative comparison of model travel times and groundwater ages. Model ages, however, are consistently underestimated. The spatial distribution of nitrate provides initial and calibration concentrations for the transport model. Observed concentrations are considerably higher than those predicted by the model, suggesting that either the source of nitrate used in the model is too low and that other sources should be considered (such as mobilization during summer when berries are irrigated), or that the current concentrations reflect a much longer history of contamination.

Use of Stable Isotopes ( 206 Pb, 18 O and 2 H) in Delineating Plumes for Acid Rock Drainage Problems (Lepitre, M.Sc. 2001) This research project was a collaborative effort with Jim Mortinsen, University of British Columbia. The project involved sampling groundwaters and spring waters in the mine area of the Sullivan Mine in Kimberly, B.C. The mine is currently being decommissioned. The research demonstrated that stable isotopes of lead in combination with those of water can be used delineate or fingerprint mine effluent from tailings pond in acid rock drainage problem.

Integrated Geochemical and Stable Isotope Analysis of Tailings Effluent at the Seepage Collection System at the Sullivan Mine BC (Voormeij, B.Sc. 2001) This integrated study explored the combined use of hydrochemical data and stable isotopes, 18 O and 2 H, to characterize and quantify the origin and percentage of mixing between the tailings pond effluents, seepage collection and background waters at the Sullivan Mine, BC.

Chemical Evolution of Groundwater on the Gulf Islands (Suchy, B.Sc. 1998; Matsuo, B.Sc. 2001) These benchmark hydrochemical studies on Saturna Island and Hornby Island, B.C. were completed as undergraduate B.Sc. Honours theses and involved a large-scale sampling programs (funded by the Islands Trust) to investigate the chemical character of groundwaters and surface waters on the islands. The analyses were subsequently used to look at the evolution of groundwater in the Gulf Islands and to describe salinity variations on the islands.

Determining the Origin of Groundwater Using Stable Isotopes of 18 O, 2 H and 34 S (Allen, 2004) Stable isotopes of 18 O and 2 H in water and 34 S and 18 O in dissolved SO 4 are used to verify the interpretation of the chemical evolution and proposed sources of salinity for two islands located in southwest British Columbia. Results for d 18 O and d 34 S in SO 4 suggest a three component mixing between 1) atmospheric SO 4 derived largely from recharge of meteoric origin, 2) modern marine SO 4 associated with either modern day saltwater intrusion or Pleistocene-age seawater, and 3) terrestrial SO 4 . The age of the marine SO 4 is uncertain based on the geochemistry and SO 4 isotopes alone. Two options for mixing of saline groundwaters are proposed; either between current day marine SO 4 and atmospheric SO 4 , or between older (Pleistocene age) marine SO 4 and atmospheric SO 4 . d 18 O and d 2 H compositions are relatively consistent between both islands with a few samples showing evidence of mixing with water that is a hybrid mixture of Fraser River water and ocean water. The isotopic composition of this hydrid water is approximately d 18 O = 10 o / oo . d 18 O and d 2 H values for many saline groundwaters plot close to the global meteoric water line, which is distinctly different from the local meteoric water line. This suggests a meteoric origin for groundwaters that is different from the current isotopic composition of meteoric waters. It is proposed that these waters may be late Pleistocene in age and were recharged when the island was submerged below sea level and prior to rebound at the end of the last glaciation.

Geothermics and Geothermal Energy

Influence Of Aquifer Heterogeneity On The Design And Modelling Of Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES) Systems (Bridger, M.Sc. 2006). A modelling study was carried out to evaluate the influence of aquifer heterogeneity, as represented by geologic layering, on heat transport and storage in aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) systems. An existing ATES system installed within a heterogeneous aquifer system in Agassiz , British Columbia , Canada was used as a case study. Two 3D heat transport models of the study site were developed and calibrated using the heat transport code FEFLOW including: a “simple” model domain with uniform hydraulic and thermal properties (no layering); and, a “complex” aquifer domain with variable hydraulic and thermal properties assigned to discrete layers to represent aquifer heterogeneity. Comparison of simulation results indicated heat transport in higher permeability layers was significant. Effects of heterogeneity on thermal energy storage and recoverability were not observed. Heat transport in the aquifer was determined to be more sensitive to properties and boundary conditions which influence convective heat transport.

Other Projects

Snowmelt and Soil Thaw Energy in Sub-alpine Tundra, Wolf Creek , Yukon Territory , Canada (Shirazi, M.Sc., Geography, SFU, 2006).
Observation Well Testing and Recharge Characterization of the Okanagan Basin , BC (Liskop, B.Sc. Honours, 2004).
Hydrogeological Assessment of the Belcarra Aquifer (Holt, B.Sc. Honours, 2004).
Development of a Hydrostratigraphic Model and Data Integration Strategies for Groundwater Management in the Abbotsford - Sumas Aquifer, B.C. / Washington State (Deshpande, M.Sc, 2004.)
Constraining Aquifer Architecture with Electrical Resistivity Imaging in a Fractured Hydrogeological Setting (Rayner, M.Sc., University of Calgary , 2004).
Modelling Fluid Flow and Drug Diffusion Through the Stratum Corneum (upper skin layer). (Marquez-Lago, M.Sc. Applied Mathematics, SFU, 2002)
Investigation of the Shallow Groundwater Regime in a Small Alluvial Valley, Cheakamus River, BC (Jordan-Knox, M.Sc.)
The Characterization of Gentle over Steep Slopes in BC Forest Terrain (Paddington, M.Sc. with D. Stead)
Integrating high resolution sequence stratigraphy and ichnology with petrophysical data (Hobbs , M.Sc.; Lerette, M.Sc. with J. MacEachern)