The Noninvasive Path to Site Assessment
Before a single shovel hits the ground, geophysical investigations can reveal critical information about subsurface conditions, quickly, affordably, and without excavation. Using advanced surface-based technologies, this non-invasive approach offers a clear view underground, making it an ideal first step in site planning and environmental assessment.
How Geophysical Investigations Work
Geophysical investigations rely on physical measurement techniques like seismic, resistivity, magnetic, and electromagnetic methods to detect and map variations in the Earth’s physical properties. Unlike traditional geotechnical services, which require drilling and soil sampling, geophysical work is observational, meaning, at Michigan Consulting & Environmental, we gather valuable data without disturbing the surface.
Noninvasive Site Assessment Techniques for Better Planning
When you are developing a site, it's good to know what you are getting into. Michigan Consulting and Environmental gives you the insight you need to plan, without invasive measures.
Some of the methods used to conduct geophysical investigations include:
- Ground Penetrating Radar: Useful in mapping near subsurface objects (pipes, utilities, USTs, buried drums, etc), void mapping, concrete evaluation, and geological mapping
- Resistivity: Used in groundwater studies, void and karst topography mapping, and bedrock and stratigraphy mapping
- Induced Polarization: This method helps map clay soils, delineate contaminated soils, map landfill boundaries, and conduct mineral exploration
- Electromagnetics: Used to locate buried metallic objects, map conductive and contaminated soil, map contaminated groundwater, and delineate landfill seepage
- Magnetics: Helpful in locating buried metallic objects and mapping vertical subsurface structures
- Gravity: Used in geological and structural mapping
- Seismic Refraction:Used in mapping the top of bedrock, as well as stratigraphy mapping
- Seismic Reflection:Employed in types of geological mapping
- Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves:Allows for site characterization for foundations and top-of-bedrock mapping
These, and other, methods allow for non-invasive assessment of large areas, minimizing environmental disruption and identifying potential risks early in a project. This provides site developers with a broader picture of what is happening below the surface, giving opportunity for better planning and informed decision making.
When to Use Geophysical Investigations
- As a first step in environmental due diligence
- When a non-invasive approach is needed
- To gather insights before drilling or excavation
- For projects where budget, access, or site sensitivity are concerns
A Less Invasive Alternative to Traditional Methods
Geophysical investigations don’t require subsurface access. Instead of drilling, our team uses tools that read the Earth’s physical signals from above, reducing both cost and disruption. While geotechnical services still play a vital role in construction and remediation, geophysical methods offer a broader view, and can help guide where more targeted sampling should occur.
Related Services
Our Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) services often complement geophysical investigations by providing enhanced surface-level imaging for greater subsurface clarity. This non-intrusive electromagnetic technology allows us to detect and map subsurface anomalies, including potential voids and areas of ground contamination.
Begin with a Better View
Geophysical investigations help uncover what you need to know, without the mess or expense of digging. If you’re starting a project and want clarity from the surface down, contact Michigan Consulting & Environmental to learn more about how our geophysical investigations can support your goals.