A new method for high‐resolution characterization of hydraulic conductivity

Abstract

A new probe has been developed for high‐resolution characterization of hydraulic conductivity ( K ) in shallow unconsolidated formations. The probe was recently applied at the Macrodispersion Experiment (MADE) site in Mississippi where K was rapidly characterized at a resolution as fine as 0.015 m, which has not previously been possible. Eleven profiles were obtained with K varying up to 7 orders of magnitude in individual profiles. Currently, high‐resolution (0.015‐m) profiling has an upper K limit of 10 m/d; lower‐resolution (≈0.4‐m) mode is used in more permeable zones pending modifications. The probe presents a new means to help address unresolved issues of solute transport in heterogeneous systems.