ELECTRICAL GEOPHYSICAL CHARACTER OF AREAS OF SHALLOW BRINE CONTAMINATION, OSAGE CO. OKLAHOMA

Bruce D. Smith*
James K. Otton
U. S. Geological Survey
PO Box 25046, MS973
Denver Federal Center
Denver, CO 80225
Voice: 303-236-1399
Fax: 303-236-3200
E-mail: bsmith@usgs.gov

Marvin M. Abbott
U.S. Geological Survey
Oklahoma City, OK

Alan J. Witten
University of Oklahoma
Norman, OK

Ground electrical geophysical surveys of areas where surface salt contamination has taken place indicate specific subsurface areas of very high electrical conductivity. These areas in part correspond to surface salt scars. Subsurface water and geochemical sampling indicates saline waters occur in a much wider area than indicated by surface scarring. Electromagnetic (EM) subsurface images help refine the areas of contamination and possible subsurface controls for distribution of saline waters. Shallow borehole natural gamma and electrical induction logs help constrain the interpretation of the ground EM surveys.