How Geophysics can be used to improve Hydrogeological conceptual site models
Presented by: James Daniell
Produced by: IAH NSW
Date: Tuesday 14 July 2026
Time: 17:30 for an 18:00 start
Where: WSP Office – Level 27
Online: Teams Link
Abstract
Hydrogeological conceptual site models (CSMs) are fundamental to understanding groundwater systems and underpin decisions related to water resource management, contamination assessment, infrastructure development, and environmental protection. Traditionally, CSMs are developed from boreholes, monitoring wells, geological mapping, hydraulic testing, and groundwater chemistry; however, these datasets are often spatially sparse and can leave significant uncertainty between investigation points. Geophysical methods provide a powerful means of reducing this uncertainty by imaging the subsurface continuously and non-invasively, allowing hydrogeologists to better define geological architecture, hydrostratigraphic boundaries, aquifer geometry, weathering profiles, fractures, and groundwater salinity over large areas. This presentation explores how integrating geophysical data can strengthen conceptual site models, improve confidence in geological and hydrogeological interpretations, and ultimately support more informed groundwater management and investigation decisions.
Bio
James Daniell is a Senior Geophysicist at Fender Geophysics. He has over 20 years of experience in the applications of geophysics to environmental, engineering, and geoscience projects and has worked across government, academia, and the private sector. James has spent the last 5 years building a near-surface geophysics group at Fender. This group is focused on developing geophysical surveys and strategies to support groundwater exploration, geotechnical studies, mapping and assessing contaminants, archaeology and shallow-focused resource assessments.
