The focus of my research is to assess the variations in water content in the
vadose zone over time (i.e. about 9 months measuring every 2-3 weeks or as need
be). Jointed and fissured soils, possibly overlying subsurface large vugs, might
be expected to have greater temporal variations in water content than more
homogeneous sections of rock. Jointed and fissured rock might become both wetter
and drier than adjacent rock owing to differences in hydrologic properties.
Variation in ground resistivity should reflect such temporal changes in water
content. Resistivity surveys, therefore, provide an efficient means of locating
where hydrologic activity might reflect focused recharge.
My current research site, Headquarter Cave, is located on the southwest portion
of Camp Bullis and has some visible fractures. The resistivity survey will better
explain whether it is the visible fractures/fissures which are the dominant means
for infiltration into the system or whether there are subsurface features governing
the movement of water. The resistivity data gathered will be correlated to
precipitation measurements taken at the sites.
