Hydrogeological Conceptual Site Models: Data Analysis and Visualization

A reference for students, researchers, and environmental professionals, Hydrogeological Conceptual Site Models: Data Analysis and Visualization explains how to develop effective conceptual site models, perform advanced spatial data analysis, and generate informative graphics for applications in hydrogeology and groundwater remediation. Written by expert practitioners, this full-color book illustrates how fundamental hydrogeological concepts are translated into quantitative, high-resolution computer visualizations. In addition, the authors discuss topics not typically covered in conventional textbooks, including GIS technology and the relationship between conceptual site models and environmental policy. Advanced Methods for Data Analysis and Visualization Featuring more than 500 color illustrations, this unique and visually powerful book outlines the required elements of a conceptual site model and provides numerous examples of supporting charts, cross-sections, maps, and 3D graphics. The authors describe advanced analytical methods such as geospatial processing, kriging, and groundwater modeling through practical real-life examples. They also present numerous case studies in groundwater supply and remediation to help explain key engineering design concepts. Data-Driven Assessments of Groundwater Management Policy The authors tackle controversial topics, ranging from technical impracticability of groundwater remediation to sustainable management of groundwater resources. They encourage discussion and independent thought about how current environmental policies and practices can evolve to achieve better outcomes at less cost to society. Practical Strategies for Communicating Your Findings to the General Public While the book is technical in nature, equations and advanced theory are kept to a minimum. The text focuses on practical strategies to help you create easy-to-understand data tables, graphs, maps, and illustrations for technical and nontechnical audiences alike. A companion DVD includes animations, reference material, modeling software, and more.

Table of Contents:
Introduction: Historical Example. Example Uses of This Book. Conceptual Site Models: Definition. Physical Profile. Hydrogeology. Data Management, GIS, and GIS Modules: Introduction. Data Management for GIS. Introducing the Geodatabase. Basics of Geodatabase Design. Working with Coordinate Systems. Data Visualization and Processing with ArcGIS®. GIS Modules for Hydrogeological Data Analysis. Contouring: Introduction. Contouring Methods. Kriging. Contouring Potentiometric Surfaces. Contouring Contaminant Concentrations. Grid and Contour Conversion Tools. Groundwater Modeling: Introduction. Misuse of Groundwater Models. Types of Groundwater Models. Numerical Modeling Concepts. Model Calibration, Sensitivity Analysis, and Error. Modeling Documentation and Standards. MODFLOW-USG. Variably Saturated Models. GIS and Numerical Modeling Software. Three-Dimensional Visualizations: Introduction. 3D Conceptual Site Model Visualizations. Site Investigation: Data and Products in Public Domain. Database Coordination. Georeferencing. Developing a Site Basemap. Developing and Implementing Sampling Plans. Example Visualizations for Site Investigation Data. Toxic Gingerbread Men and Other Confounders. Groundwater Remediation: Introduction. Pump and Treat. In Situ Remediation. Alternative Remedial Endpoints and Metrics. The Way Forward: Sustainable Remediation. Groundwater Supply: Integrated Water Resources Management. Groundwater Supply. Groundwater Sustainability. Index.

About the Author :
Neven Kresic, PhD, is a hydrogeology practice leader at AMEC Environment and Infrastructure, Inc., an international engineering and consulting firm. He is a professional geologist and professional hydrogeologist working for a variety of national and international clients, including industry, mining, water utilities, government agencies, and environmental law firms. He serves on the management committee of the Groundwater Management and Restoration Specialty Group of the International Water Association, co-chairs the karst commission of the International Association of Hydrogeologists, and is a past vice president for international affairs of the American Institute of Hydrology. Alex Mikszewski is a licensed professional environmental engineer in Massachusetts, where he works for Woodard & Curran, Inc. He holds a bachelor’s degree in civil and environmental engineering from Cornell University and a master’s in environmental engineering and science from The Johns Hopkins University. As a consultant, he has developed variably saturated groundwater models for clients in the public and private sectors and conducted geostatistical evaluations of hydrogeological data for remediation and water resources applications. Alex has hands-on experience with a variety of remedial technologies, including in situ chemical oxidation, soil vapor extraction, in situ thermal remediation, monitored natural attenuation, and pump and treat.

Review :
"...unique in that it combines new computer techniques and classical exploration methods …this book by Neven Kresic and Alex Mikszewski fills the gap in hydrogeological literature by identifying and explaining essential techniques. Real life examples are given in each chapter. This visually powerful text covers a significant amount of material and contains hundreds of colored figures and illustrations…" —Environ Earth Sci, April 2014 "…provides a roadmap with over 500 color illustrations as examples to expertly prepare accurate, comprehensive conceptual site models and how best to convey the associated hydrogeological data…The most useful part of this book are hundreds of versions of maps, cross-sections, and other subsurface imagery which provides a virtual atlas of effective conceptual graphics and visualization tools for use in regulatory discussions, policy evaluations, public meetings or litigation support roles." —The Professional Geologist, 2014 "… serves to provide a clear understanding of the problem through technically viable solutions and conclusions, and in this way to better communicate results and recommendations to both technical and nontechnical professionals. It also assists clients in making informed decisions." —Bashir A. Memon "[The authors] commit to not only providing strong technical discussion but also giving perspective on the utility of the data and how it applies to the world we live and work in. The subject matter is written with a strong technical and theoretical foundation that is described in terms for the general remedial practitioner without diluting the scientific credibility." —Michael Skinner, Michael J. Skinner Consulting, LLC, New Jersey, USA "The authors’ approach and selection of topics is excellent, as they draw important connections between groundwater quality and supply, surface water hydrology, and GIS, and discuss tools and implications associated with interpolative and simulation based conceptualizations. ... The authors cover a tremendous amount of material, and merge old with the new in an easy-to-understand and well organized manner." —Mark Kram, Groundswell Technologies, Inc., California, USA "The strength of this book is the focus on the development and presentation of the conceptual site model (CSM). Too many times in remediation the CSM is largely neglected and therefore the remediation can be inadequate in meeting the client’s expectations or does not meet the site remedial goals. ... This book will help the client and their consultant understand what is needed to ensure that the site conditions are understood and therefore the remedial strategy and design is appropriate." —Mike Marley, XDD, New Hampshire, USA "The authors have applied a logical and systematic approach, flowing smoothly from basic explanations ... to very specific instructions on how to visualize and model nature. This is one of the very first books of this type, quite modern in combining new computer techniques and classical exploration methods." —Zoran Stevanovic, Professor, Chair of Hydrogeology Department, Faculty of Mining & Geology, University of Belgrade, Serbia "The purpose of the book is not to become, or even replace one of the standard hydrogeological textbooks. It is to fill the gap between theory and practice; to identify and explain key concepts that the professional hydrogeologist, the client or the regulator face in their everyday practice… Overall the authors deliver on their promises, and I am confident that most practitioners in geotechnical engineering will greatly benefit from reading this book." ––New Zealand Geomechanics News, December 2013 "…provides a roadmap with over 500 color illustrations as examples to expertly prepare accurate, comprehensive conceptual site models and how best to convey the associated hydrogeological data…The most useful part of this book are hundreds of versions of maps, cross-sections, and other subsurface imagery which provides a virtual atlas of effective conceptual graphics and visualization tools for use in regulatory discussions, policy evaluations, public meetings or litigation support roles." —The Professional Geologist, 2014 "… serves to provide a clear understanding of the problem through technically viable solutions and conclusions, and in this way to better communicate results and recommendations to both technical and nontechnical professionals. It also assists clients in making informed decisions." —Bashir A. Memon in Journal of Industrial Ecology, 2014 "[The authors] commit to not only providing strong technical discussion but also giving perspective on the utility of the data and how it applies to the world we live and work in. The subject matter is written with a strong technical and theoretical foundation that is described in terms for the general remedial practitioner without diluting the scientific credibility." —Michael Skinner, Michael J. Skinner Consulting, LLC, New Jersey, USA "The authors’ approach and selection of topics is excellent, as they draw important connections between groundwater quality and supply, surface water hydrology, and GIS, and discuss tools and implications associated with interpolative and simulation based conceptualizations. ... The authors cover a tremendous amount of material, and merge old with the new in an easy-to-understand and well organized manner." —Mark Kram, Groundswell Technologies, Inc., California, USA "The strength of this book is the focus on the development and presentation of the conceptual site model (CSM). Too many times in remediation the CSM is largely neglected and therefore the remediation can be inadequate in meeting the client’s expectations or does not meet the site remedial goals. ... This book will help the client and their consultant understand what is needed to ensure that the site conditions are understood and therefore the remedial strategy and design is appropriate." —Mike Marley, XDD, New Hampshire, USA "The authors have applied a logical and systematic approach, flowing smoothly from basic explanations ... to very specific instructions on how to visualize and model nature. This is one of the very first books of this type, quite modern in combining new computer techniques and classical exploration methods." —Zoran Stevanovic, Professor, Chair of Hydrogeology Department, Faculty of Mining & Geology, University of Belgrade, Serbia "The purpose of the book is not to become, or even replace one of the standard hydrogeological textbooks. It is to fill the gap between theory and practice; to identify and explain key concepts that the professional hydrogeologist, the client or the regulator face in their everyday practice… Overall the authors deliver on their promises, and I am confident that most practitioners in geotechnical engineering will greatly benefit from reading this book." ––New Zealand Geomechanics News, December 2013