Identifier

etd-03072010-213744

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Geology and Geophysics

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

Three pits were excavated in the 1960’s at the Fordoche Oil Field in Lottie, Louisiana, as evaporation pits for oil well produced brines. The pits were closed and completed in the 1980’s. Previous studies indicate that produced water has leached into the subsurface within the area to the south and southeast of the pits. Ground penetrating radar (GPR) was utilized in an attempt to delineate the present location of the plume as well as test the feasibility of GPR within a clayey soil in south Louisiana. In addition to collection of GPR data, electrical conductivity logs and soil cores (including core sampling for sediment classification and chloride analysis) were collected. Electrical logs confirmed the presence of permeable zones interlaying impermeable zones. Core sampling for chloride confirmed the presence of the produced water within the study area. GPR was unsuccessful in delineating the plume at the site because of the high conductivity of the shallow sediments which inhibited penetration of radar waves. Calibration GPR studies were completed at grave sites in north and south Louisiana which proved successful due to favorable conditions.

Date

2010

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Dr. Jeffrey Nunn

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.1567

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