Geophysics as a hypothesis-testing tool for critical zone hydrogeology

Abstract

Geophysical methods have long been used in earth and environmental science for the characterization of subsurface properties. While imaging the subsurface opens the “black box” of subsurface heterogeneity, we argue here that these tools can be used in a more powerful way than characterization, which is to develop and test hypotheses. Critical zone science has opened new questions and hypotheses in the hydrologic sciences holistically around controls on water fluxes between surface, biological, and underground compartments. While groundwater flows can be monitored in boreholes, water fluxes from the atmosphere to the aquifer through the soil and the root system are more complex to study than boreholes can inform upon. Here, we focus on the successful application of various geophysical tools to explore hypotheses in critical zone hydrogeology and highlight areas where future contributions could be made. Specifically, we look at questions around subsurface structural controls on flow, the dimensionality and partitioning of those flows in the subsurface, plant water uptake, and how geophysics may be used to constrain reactive transport. We also outline areas of future research that may push the boundaries of how geophysical methods are used to quantify critical zone complexity.

This article is categorized under:

• Water and Life > Nature of Freshwater Ecosystems
• Science of Water > Hydrological Processes
• Water and Life > Methods

Graphical Abstract

Illustration of four themes where geophysics has been used as a hypothesis-testing tool in critical zone (CZ) hydrogeologic studies: for imaging (A) subsurface structure and controls on hydrologic properties and processes; (B) storage and partitioning of water in the CZ, parsed here as (B1) dimensionality of infiltration and controls on aquifer recharge, and (B2) seasonal- and event-based controls on groundwater–surface water exchange; (V) tree water uptake and its role in subsurface variability; and (D) biogeochemical reactions related to water fluxes in the CZ.