Glacial Influence on Groundwater Dynamics: A Case Study in Guelph, Ontario

The proposed project aims to enhance groundwater resource management in previously glaciated areas, focusing on a case study from Guelph, Ontario. Groundwater plays a vital role in various applications, including drinking water and industrial processes, necessitating a deep comprehension of subsurface dynamics. However, creating accurate geological models for groundwater modeling and contaminant remediation remains challenging, especially in regions with variable sediment distributions due to glaciation. This project seeks to address these challenges by leveraging existing datasets to develop a comprehensive geological model for Guelph’s groundwater system. This will involve analyzing the influence of past glacial processes on modern groundwater flow, examining sedimentation patterns, and investigating the relationship between the sediment?bedrock interface and both past and present hydraulics. The resulting model will contribute to more accurate groundwater management strategies, benefiting the City of Guelph as it seeks to optimize its water supply sources and protect water quality. Furthermore, the research’s broader applicability to previously glaciated areas worldwide will advance our understanding of groundwater flow patterns, contaminant migration pathways, and the impact of glacial dynamics on modern water resources. The partner organization, Matrix Solutions Inc., will benefit from improved groundwater modeling accuracy, aiding in their efforts to assess water supply sources, address land use impacts, and protect water quality and quantity for the City of Guelph.

Faculty Supervisor:

Emmanuelle Arnaud;Beth Parker

Student:

Partner:

Matrix Solutions Inc (Calgary, AB)

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Guelph

Program: