Browsing by Author "Olyphant, Greg A."

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Abandoned Underground Mines and Hydrologic Conditions Around Cannelburg, Indiana
(Indiana Geological & Water Survey, 1991) Harper, Denver; Hartke, Edwin J.; Olyphant, Greg A.
Characterization of groundwater in the coal-mine aquifers of Indiana
(Indiana Geological & Water Survey, 2013) Harper, Denver; Branam, Tracy D.; Olyphant, Greg A.
"The Indiana Geological Survey has published a report that explores groundwater present in the abandoned coal mines of southwestern Indiana. More than 194,000 acres of Indiana are underlain by underground coal mines, and the amount of groundwater that fills the voids of these abandoned mines may be as much as 172 billion gallons. In the future, these potentially high-yielding coal-mine aquifers may represent resources of significant public and commercial value that could be used for a variety of purposes. However, little is known about the quality of water within flooded coal mines, the mechanisms of recharge and discharge, or the hydrodynamics of individual mine pools. Characterization of Groundwater in the Coal-Mine Aquifers of Indiana, by Denver Harper, Tracy D. Branam, and Greg A. Olyphant, summarizes the limited data specific to Indiana that are currently available, and suggests lines of research that promote the future use—and remediation, where necessary—of this potentially valuable resource. “Abandoned underground coal mines have often been forgotten once their intended purpose has been exploited,” said John C. Steinmetz, Director of Indiana Geological Survey. “Now, however, with this study, a potential new resource has been revealed. Not only does it document a source of water in the state that has heretofore not even been considered, but it opens possibilities for such other purposes as renewable geothermal heat-pump and cooling systems, and even for energy storage.”
Chemistry and Movement of Septic-Tank Absorption-Field Effluent in the Dunes Area, Lake and Porter Counties, Indiana
(Indiana Geological & Water Survey, 1995) Harper, Denver; Olyphant, Greg A.
Data compilation and analysis for the coastal nonpoint source management plan
(Indiana Geological & Water Survey, 2009) Letsinger, Sally L.; Olyphant, Greg A.
Direct revegetation of abandoned coal-refuse deposits in Indiana: its effects on hydrology, chemistry, and erosion
(Indiana Geological & Water Survey, 1993) Branam, Tracy D.; Harper, Denver; Hartke, Edwin J.; Olyphant, Greg A.
Dressing the Emperor: The Role of GIS in the Development of Three-Dimensional Hydrogeologic Models
(2006-11-20) Letsinger, Sally L.; Olyphant, Greg A.; Medina, Cristian R.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) (2001) mapped structure contours for the tops of each of 20 individual units in intersecting and overlapping glacial morphosequences in Berrien County, Michigan (1,350 km2), as part of the mapping program of the Central Great Lakes Geologic Mapping Coalition (CGLGMC). We have developed a methodology to translate this detailed morphostratigraphy first into a solid three-dimensional geologic model, and then into a three-dimensional block of data that can be used as input to a finite-difference groundwater-flow model. The technique involves a hybrid approach involving geographic information systems (GIS), three-dimensional information visualization software (3DIVS), and customized data-processing code. The methodology begins by converting Stone’s structure contours (they are attributed vector contours) for each individually mapped unit into a raster surface at a defined grid resolution (200 m x 200 m). The top of the geologic model is the surface topography (digital elevation model), which is also used to derive the drainage network that is an important boundary condition in the groundwater-flow model. The bottom of the geologic model is the bedrock topography, which was also mapped and contoured by USGS (2001). Stone constructed his structure contour model such that the bottom of each map unit is described by the surface contours of the unit that lies immediately below it. Complex interrelationships dictate that the tops of a number of individually mapped units are sometimes required to describe the bottom surfaces of laterally more extensive units. Once all of the requisite raster grids have been derived, they can be manipulated to provide input that is necessary for development of a detailed solid geologic model using 3DIVS. GIS software and custom code are also used to assign hydrogeologic attributes to the elements of the final three-dimensional finite-difference geologic model.
Dressing the Emperor: The Role of GIS in the Development of Three-Dimensional Hydrogeologic Models
(2006-11-20) Letsinger, Sally L.; Olyphant, Greg A.; Medina, Cristian R.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) (2001) mapped structure contours for the tops of each of 20 individual units in intersecting and overlapping glacial morphosequences in Berrien County, Michigan (1,350 km2), as part of the mapping program of the Central Great Lakes Geologic Mapping Coalition (CGLGMC). We have developed a methodology to translate this detailed morphostratigraphy first into a solid three-dimensional geologic model, and then into a three-dimensional block of data that can be used as input to a finite-difference groundwater-flow model. The technique involves a hybrid approach involving geographic information systems (GIS), three-dimensional information visualization software (3DIVS), and customized data-processing code. The methodology begins by converting Stone’s structure contours (they are attributed vector contours) for each individually mapped unit into a raster surface at a defined grid resolution (200 m x 200 m). The top of the geologic model is the surface topography (digital elevation model), which is also used to derive the drainage network that is an important boundary condition in the groundwater-flow model. The bottom of the geologic model is the bedrock topography, which was also mapped and contoured by USGS (2001). Stone constructed his structure contour model such that the bottom of each map unit is described by the surface contours of the unit that lies immediately below it. Complex interrelationships dictate that the tops of a number of individually mapped units are sometimes required to describe the bottom surfaces of laterally more extensive units. Once all of the requisite raster grids have been derived, they can be manipulated to provide input that is necessary for development of a detailed solid geologic model using 3DIVS. GIS software and custom code are also used to assign hydrogeologic attributes to the elements of the final three-dimensional finite-difference geologic model.
Dressing the Emperor: The Role of Three-Dimensional Information Visualization Software in the Development of Three-Dimensional Hydrogeologic Models
(2006-11-20) Medina, Cristian R.; Olyphant, Greg A.; Letsinger, Sally L.
The goal of this research is to develop a model that describes the saturated and unsaturated groundwater flow in Berrien County, Michigan (1,350 km2), an area containing a complex sequence of glacio-lacustrine deposits. Stone and others (2001) mapped the morphosequences in Berrien County at a scale of 1:24,000, which includes georeferenced structure contours for 20 individual units. We have developed a methodology to translate this detailed morphostratigraphy into a solid three-dimensional geologic model, and then into a three-dimensional block of data that can be used as input to a finite-difference groundwater-flow model. Letsinger and others (2006) describe the process of using geographic information system software to convert the structure contours into georeferenced raster layers that describe each unit. At this stage of the reconstruction, only the bounding surfaces between the units are defined. In order to stack the units in vertical space using customized computer code, a “virtual well field” (regularized two-dimensional array of points) samples each x-y location in each of the 20 rasterized data layers. Units that are intersected from the top bounding surface (surface topography) to the bottom bounding surface (bedrock surface) are then identified. The result of this step is a vector (one-dimensional array) at each virtual well location that describes the elevation of each morphostratigraphic unit boundary intersected at that location. However, at this stage, the model is essentially a regularized three-dimensional point cloud, and three-dimensional information visualization software (3DIVS) is then utilized to generate a solid geologic model by interpolating the vertical geologic “samples” throughout the model domain. A finite-difference grid (“brickpile”) at the chosen resolution of the groundwater-flow model is then generated from the solid geologic model using data-processing functions of the 3DIVS.
Dressing the Emperor: The Role of Three-Dimensional Information Visualization Software in the Development of Three-Dimensional Hydrogeologic Models
(2006-11-20) Medina, Cristian R.; Olyphant, Greg A.; Letsinger, Sally L.
The goal of this research is to develop a model that describes the saturated and unsaturated groundwater flow in Berrien County, Michigan (1,350 km2), an area containing a complex sequence of glacio-lacustrine deposits. Stone and others (2001) mapped the morphosequences in Berrien County at a scale of 1:24,000, which includes georeferenced structure contours for 20 individual units. We have developed a methodology to translate this detailed morphostratigraphy into a solid three-dimensional geologic model, and then into a three-dimensional block of data that can be used as input to a finite-difference groundwater-flow model. Letsinger and others (2006) describe the process of using geographic information system software to convert the structure contours into georeferenced raster layers that describe each unit. At this stage of the reconstruction, only the bounding surfaces between the units are defined. In order to stack the units in vertical space using customized computer code, a “virtual well field” (regularized two-dimensional array of points) samples each x-y location in each of the 20 rasterized data layers. Units that are intersected from the top bounding surface (surface topography) to the bottom bounding surface (bedrock surface) are then identified. The result of this step is a vector (one-dimensional array) at each virtual well location that describes the elevation of each morphostratigraphic unit boundary intersected at that location. However, at this stage, the model is essentially a regularized three-dimensional point cloud, and three-dimensional information visualization software (3DIVS) is then utilized to generate a solid geologic model by interpolating the vertical geologic “samples” throughout the model domain. A finite-difference grid (“brickpile”) at the chosen resolution of the groundwater-flow model is then generated from the solid geologic model using data-processing functions of the 3DIVS.
Environmental Feasibility of Using Recycled Tire Pieces as Media in Septic system Absorption Fields
(Indiana Geological & Water Survey, 2009) Letsinger, Sally L.; Olyphant, Greg A.
An evaluation of the storage and movement of potential contaminants in soils at a confined feeding operation in southwestern Indiana
(Indiana Geological & Water Survey, 2012) Letsinger, Sally L.; Olyphant, Greg A.
An evaluation of the storage and movement of potential contaminants in soils at a confined feeding operation where manure is applied to highly permeable sands
(Indiana Geological & Water Survey, 2009) Letsinger, Sally L.; Olyphant, Greg A.
Field Evaluation of On-Site Sewage Disposal Systems and Broad-Scale Suitability Mapping, Morgan County, Indiana
(Indiana Geological & Water Survey, 2009) Letsinger, Sally L.; Olyphant, Greg A.
A GIS-Based Approach to Modeling Three-Dimensional Geology of Near-Surface Glacial Morphosequences: Huntertown Formation, Northeastern Indiana
(2009-10-18) Letsinger, Sally L.; Naylor, Shawn; Olyphant, Greg A.
The Huntertown Formation (Quaternary) in Allen County, Indiana, is located in a continental interlobate landscape position characterized by complex glacial stratigraphy consisting of coarse-grained proglacial sediments and loamy till interbedded with glaciofluvial and glaciolacustrine facies. The goal in this study area is to generate a three-dimensional depiction of the units represented on a traditional geologic map with emphasis on conceptual model(s) of unit relationships, position of bounding surfaces, and morphological characteristics of bounding surfaces. Because we are working in near-surface sediments (i.e., depths less than 200 feet), we are able to constrain the units using multiple data sources, such as borehole lithologic information from water well records and rotosonic cores, natural gamma-ray log data, shallow geophysical surveys, and interpreted cross sections. These data sources also provide information about units that underlie those shown on the geologic map and form the base units of the model. The model of the Huntertown Formation is being built by reconstructing each unit by building from georeferenced GIS layers representing the topography of each major bounding surface, in this case, the surface topography and the top of the overconsolidated glacial till of the Trafalgar Formation. The two-dimensional geologic map guides the horizontal shape of each unit, whereas the morphology on the bottom surface of the model guides the initial vertical placement of the units, and the thickness and position of each unit is determined by the many data sources in our database. Subsurface unit shape and geometry are governed by the conceptual model or interpreted unit relationships (e.g., onlapping, offlapping, interbedded, and so on) in areas with sparse data. A team approach that utilizes geological expertise is useful to provide interpretations where there are gaps in other data sources. The model is being calibrated by supplemental descriptions of characteristics regarding distribution, thickness, position, and geometry of units; well-log and gamma-log interpretations, and georeferenced interpreted cross-sections. Validation of the model will be conducted by statistically analyzing the position and thickness of borehole lithologic units that intersect the reconstructed geologic units in the model.
GIS-based Three-dimensional Geologic and Hydrogeologic Modeling of the Milan, Ohio 1:24,000 Quadrangle
(2008) Pavey, Richard R.; Olyphant, Greg A.; Letsinger, Sally L.
The Central Great Lakes Geologic Mapping Coalition (CGLGMC) is a partnership among the state geological surveys of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan, and the U.S. Geological Survey. The mission of the CGLGMC is to produce detailed three-dimensional geologic maps and information, along with related digital databases, that support informed decision-making involving ground water, mineral-resource availability and distribution, geological hazards, and environmental management. The initial Ohio project for the CGLGMC was the geologic and ground-water modeling of the Milan Quadrangle in north-central Ohio. This area was modeled as ten lithologic units, including alluvium, beach ridges, lacustrine sand and clayey silt units, Wisconsinan till, and a significant pre-Wisconsinan buried valley aquifer. Tools in ESRI ArcGIS, including the Spatial Analyst extension, were used to analyze borehole and outcrop data, construct the bounding surfaces of each lithologic unit, and to produce raster data layers representing the three-dimensional framework of these units. We used the detailed three-dimensional geologic model and merged it with an equally detailed groundwater-flow model to produce a more realistic understanding of the controls that glacial geology and geomorphology exert on shallow ground-water flow systems. The top of the geologic model was the surface topography (digital elevation model), which was also used to derive the drainage network that is an important boundary condition in the ground-water flow model. The bottom of the geologic model was the top surface of the Devonian Ohio Shale. Flow in the shallow saturated zone reflected strong control by surface topography and assumed hydraulic properties of the mapped sedimentary units. In contrast, the flow at depth was not strongly influenced by the topography of the Ohio Shale but did show some tendency for regional flow toward Lake Erie. The resultant three-dimensional geologic model and companion ground-water modeling results can be used to produce a range of derivative products such as maps of recharge and discharge areas. Such products can be used to address the wide variety of water management, land use, environmental, and resource issues that are crucial to local, state, and federal agencies, private industry, and the general public.
Hydrologic Monitoring Associated with Pilot Restoration of Part of the Great Marsh, Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
(Indiana Geological & Water Survey, 1997) Harper, Denver; Olyphant, Greg A.; Feuerstein, Eric
Nitrogen loading of shallow groundwater aquifers in varying soil and topographic settings of southwestern Indiana
(2006-10-22) Reeder, Matthew D.; Olyphant, Greg A.; Letsinger, Sally L.
Numerous sources of nitrogen capable of impacting groundwater exist in rural areas of the midwestern United States. These sources include commercial and non-commercial fertilizers as well as on-site septic distribution systems. Over the past three years, we have undertaken detailed monitoring studies aimed at quantifying nitrate loading of shallow groundwater aquifers resulting from natural recharge at seven sites in southwestern Indiana. The sites occur in a variety of topographic settings and are associated with both well drained and poorly drained soils. Measured changes in soil-moisture profiles were used along with continuous measurements of precipitation and potential evapotranspiration to calculate the storage and movement of groundwater in the unsaturated zone. Nitrate loading of the shallow aquifers was then calculated by combining the flow rate with analytical data on solute chemistry from multiple depths within the unsaturated zone. The results of these calculations show that the highest loading rates occur at the study sites adjacent to agricultural fields treated with commercial and non-commercial (manure) fertilizers. The calculated nitrogen loading at these three sites ranged from 21 to as high as 136 kg of N per hectare (the highest loading rate occurred at the site where the manure was applied). In contrast, much lower loading rates were calculated using data collected from four sites associated with residential on-site septic distribution systems. In these cases, the calculated nitrogen loading values were an order of magnitude lower and ranged from 1.3 to 7.4 kg of N per hectare. These findings have implications for land-use management and have been used to guide the compilation of GIS-based maps that identify high- and low-risk areas throughout Indiana. This was accomplished by evaluating areas on the basis of soil characteristics and unsaturated zone thicknesses.
Wind Distribution and Eolian Sand Transport on Mt. Baldy, Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
(Indiana Geological & Water Survey, 1993) Bennett, Steve W.; Olyphant, Greg A.