IGS Info > IGS Projects

Project Details

---

Project Information Sheet

Sampling and drilling of unconsolidated sediments

Funding Source:	Indiana Geological Survey and U.S. Geological Survey STATEMAP Program
Status:	other — Definition of status type
Project Director:	Marni D. Karaffa

Issue

The majority of subsurface sediment data is provided by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Water Well Database. Although, the database is an invaluable resource, the data are unevenly distributed, and often do not represent an entire section from surface to bedrock. Drilling sediment cores is costly and time-consuming, and therefore does not enable the collection of large quantities of data.

Objective

This purpose of this project is to provide a cost-effective method of obtaining subsurface glacial material samples and stratigraphy data in areas of mapping priority, areas that either lack data (or complete sets of data), or in areas of specific research interests.

Approach

Glacial sediment samples are collected routinely during the summer months through the Indiana Geological Survey (IGS) "Holes of Opportunity" gamma-ray logging program. Student employees follow well drilling contractors on their day-to-day operations collecting sediment samples and gamma logs. IGS testholes are also drilled to provide additional, more complete stratigraphic information. These holes are carefully located based on data distribution within the mapping area and mapped landscape features. Once permissions are obtained from property owners and well drillers, we drill testholes to IGS specifications. Sediment samples are collected at a 2 to 5 ft interval, and at important breaks in stratigraphy. Once drilling is completed, a gamma-ray log is recorded to accompany the sample set and the testhole is plugged and filled to state regulations. In the lab, sample sets and logs are described in detail and interpreted. Sample sets and logs are archived at the IGS for future reference.

Products

Sample sets, gamma-ray logs, and the resulting descriptions provide the background information for glacial terrain maps and products.

Benefits

The Indiana Geological Survey program of drilling and sampling unconsolidated materials provides an extensive and invaluable resource. Geologists can obtain twice the information at more than half the cost of other operations. Sample data provide the cornerstone from which glacial geologic models and concepts are developed for use in site-specific issues, planning, and development.

Locations Affected:

state

Indiana House Districts Affected:

all

Indiana Senate Districts Affected:

all

Indiana Congressional Districts Affected:

Information Updated February 2, 2007

Copyright © 2009, The Trustees of Indiana University