25 Case Histories of Practicing Environmental and Engineering Geologist Investigations

Tuesday, 23 April 2024
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Kalahari Room, Oasis Hotel

A CASE STUDY OF APPLYING HUMAN-AI COLLABORATION TO AQUIFER TEST DESIGN: PLANNING, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION

Paper number: 25-3
Program: Theme Sessions
Time: 8:25 AM – 8:45 AM

Authors

Abstract

Aquifer testing is commonly performed to evaluate hydraulic properties of groundwater systems. However, test design and analysis still heavily relies on direct human involvement and experience. Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) enable new opportunities to enhance and streamline elements of the aquifer testing workflow through human-AI collaboration. We explore this potential by partnering an AI assistant with domain expertise in hydrogeology to design and implement an aquifer test in Bell County, Texas working with the Clearwater Underground Water Conservation District. The goal of the aquifer test is to determine the local transmissivity in the Middle Trinity aquifer. The AI assistant was provided with background documents to extract well details, recent water levels, landowner information and aquifer test analysis. These data were used to aid development of a preliminary test plan outlining goals, participants, equipment needs, pre-test measurements and other considerations. The human hydrogeologists leveraged AI functionality for rapid information retrieval and integrated recommendations into an executable field test protocol. Ongoing collaboration during pre-test monitoring, testing operations, and post-test analysis may demonstrate additional areas AI can improve productivity. Initial results indicate the coupling of AI tools with specialized knowledge optimizes and broadens planning. This methodology demonstrates one-way emerging technologies can be harnessed to enhance groundwater characterization and management practices.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 56, No. 3

doi: 10.1130/abs/2024NC-398835

© Copyright 2024 The Geological Society of America (GSA), all rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to the author(s) of this abstract to reproduce and distribute it freely, for noncommercial purposes. Permission is hereby granted to any individual scientist to download a single copy of this electronic file and reproduce up to 20 paper copies for noncommercial purposes advancing science and education, including classroom use, providing all reproductions include the complete content shown here, including the author information. All other forms of reproduction and/or transmittal are prohibited without written permission from GSA Copyright Permissions.