The importance of geologic setting in developing groundwater from fractured, metamorphic rock aquifers in the vicinity of the Gwinnett County Airport and Collins Hill Road, Gwinnett County, Georgia

by Lawson, Joshua Lee

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the importance of geologic setting in developing groundwater from fractured, metamorphic rock aquifers. The study included site-specific geologic mapping, followed by the selection and installation of two bedrock wells. A third well, which was previously drilled, was also included in the study. The boreholes were logged for rock type, fracture location and groundwater yield during drilling and further logged after completion with a borehole caliper and two boreholeimaging tools. The success of all three wells is explained using the fundamentals of a groundwater exploration technique not commonly practiced in igneous and metamorphic rock settings. The technique requires an understanding of the components of geologic setting and how they interplay to influence the groundwater potential of a local area. The study concluded that all three wells behaved consistently with the fundamentals of the technique, and that geologic mapping on a site-specific scale is necessary to understand the components of geologic setting.