Emmanuelle Arnaud, PhD.
Research Projects
Glacial Geology & Groundwater
The long term objective of my research program is to improve our ability to protect vulnerable groundwater resources in previously glaciated regions by examining and gaining new insights into how glaciation has impacted geological materials, their subsurface distribution and their hydrogeological properties at the well-field scale.
Current projects
Impact of glaciation on groundwater vulnerability
This project focuses on three aspects of glaciation in the context of groundwater vulnerability. The first examines the association between subsurface stratigraphy, landforms or physiography and groundwater quality; Nazia Nawrin ( MSc 2021). The second explores how the geological evolution of buried bedrock valleys influence the productivity of underlying bedrock aquifers; Jesse Brown (PhD). The third aspect is to identify the relationship between contact aquifers, substrate hydrology and associated glacial process; Ashok Shaw (Postdoc). This research is taking place in various parts of southern Ontario and is funded by an NSERC Discovery Grant.
Understanding geological influences on groundwater dynamics and tile drainage system function
This project focuses on understanding the role of geology in influencing the groundwater dynamics and tile drainage function. The study is taking place at the Huronview Demonstration Farm where contoured and conventional tile drainage systems have been installed. Hydrogeological characterization of the site is being carried out using drilling and core logging and geophysical surveys. Monitoring wells have also been installed to supplement existing infrastructure to monitor the shallow groundwater dynamics. Groundwater and tile water sampling will also establish groundwater quality on site. Lastly, modelling will be carried out to better understand water quality and quantity conditions underlying the contoured and conventionally tiled fields under various climate change scenarios. This is funded through an NSERC Alliance Grant and in collaboration with Jana Levison (School of Engineering, Co-PI), Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Huron County Soil and Crop Improvement Association, Huron County, and Land Improvement Contractors of Ontario. Students on the project: Rhiannon James (MSc) and Cody Fisher (MASc.).
Groundwater multi-level system technologies to improve management of source water in fractured sedimentary bedrock
I am collaborating on an NSERC CRD grant with Beth Parker (PI) for this project. While most of the project focuses on hydraulics of the bedrock aquifer at depth and multi-level technology development, several students on the project are characterizing the Quaternary glacial deposits at their site to better understand their role in controlling groundwater fluxes and potential contaminants like road salt to and from the bedrock aquifer at depth. Students on the project: Andrew Stockford (MASc), Emily Finger (MASc) and Mansour Salek (PhD).
Past Projects
Quaternary geology of a contaminated site, Wisconsin
This project focused on characterizing the Quaternary geology of this contaminated industrial site in order to determine the impact of the heterogeneous unconsolidated sediments on groundwater flow and contaminant migration pathways, transport mechanisms and fate in the underlying bedrock aquifer. I have collaborated with a geologist at Matrix Solutions Inc. on the preliminary subsurface characterization. New data collected in collaboration with Beth Parker included cores down to bedrock, hydraulic head, groundwater chemistry, and geophysics in collaboration with Colby Steelman. Student on the project: Tara Harvey (MSc 2016).
Hydrogeological characterization, Clarington
This project focuses on understanding the groundwater flow system at this site using a deep core down to bedrock as well as existing water quality and hydraulic data from surrounding wells. We plan to install a multilevel groundwater monitoring well to allow us to better understand the Newmarket Till aquitard. Students on the project: Sydney Duggan (MSc 2016); Kelly Whelan (Msg 2017).
The role of geology in controlling the distribution of non-point source pollutants
This two-year project focused on how the subsurface geology can affect the fate and transport of nitrate and pathogens in fields under different land management practices. It involved drilling at three sites to characterize the nature of the Quaternary overburden between the surface soils and the underlying bedrock aquifer as well as characterizing the distribution of nitrate and pathogens in sediment and groundwater at depth. This project was funded by the Ontario Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA)-University of Guelph Environmental Sustainability Research Program. It involved collaboration with colleagues at the University of Guelph: Kari Dunfield (soil microbiology), Beth Parker (hydrogeology-saturated zone) and Gary Parkin (hydrogeology-unsaturated zone) and Ramon Aravena (University of Waterloo). Student on the project: Anna Best (MSc 2013).
Sustainable water supplies for the city of Guelph
This 5-year project focused on characterizing the Quaternary overburden that lies above the city of Guelph’s bedrock aquifer. It is based on field-based analysis of Quaternary sediments from subsurface cores as well as field mapping. It is part of a much larger project that is focusing on the various components of the region’s hydrogeology and includes studies of recharge areas, characterization of groundwater flow and contaminant pathways through fractured bedrock and groundwater modeling. This multidisciplinary project involved twelve investigators from three different universities, various industry partners and the City of Guelph and was funded by the Ontario Research Fun-Research Excellence Program. Students and postdoc on the project: Kelsey MacCormack (postdoc); Mike McGill (MSc 2011); Andrew Trapp (MSc 2015); with undergraduate field and lab assistance from Katie Nesbitt, Kyle Press, Colin Gutcher, Ramita Kedia, and Erica Gilbeaut-Ryan.
Glacial geology & past glaciations
Deformation in interlobate moraines
This project focused on characterizing the nature of deformation structures in Quaternary glacial deposits of interlobate moraines in an attempt to explain the processes that led to their formation and the depositional conditions at that time. This contributes to our understanding of Quaternary ice dynamics in Southern Ontario, deformation in ice marginal environments and deformation as an indicator of past glacial conditions. It also helps us refine models developed to explain the origin of these interlobate moraines and the nature and distribution of sub-surface sediments in the area. A better understanding of these glacial deposits can then be used in the context of groundwater mapping and in the reconstruction of ice margin fluctuations in the area. This project was funded by NSERC and includes collaboration with the Ontario Geological Survey and the Geological Survey of Canada. Students on the project: Laura Weaver (MSc 2008); Steven Aspden (MSc 2005); with undergraduate field and lab assistance from Leah Dahlrymple (BSc) and Sarah Ouellette (BSc).
Late Neogene climate change, Yakataga Formation, Alaska
My research on the Late Neogene (<6Ma) glaciomarine deposits in the Wrangell-St. Elias mountains of South Central Alaska explores the relationship between climate change and tectonic activity using a multi-disciplinary approach. I am collaborating with Ken Ridgway (Basin analysis, Purdue University), Terry Pavlis (Structural geologist, Univ. of New Orleans), Sally Zellers (micropaleontologist; Univ of Central Missouri), and Rene Barendregt (U of Lethbridge) and Randy Enkin (paleomagnetism, Geological Survey of Canada). The project focused on integrating structural, sedimentary, paleomagnetic and micropaleontological data to reconstruct the timing and nature of glacial conditions and tectonic activity in the region. Of particular interest is the timing of the onset of glacial conditions, the variable paleoenvironmental conditions along the margin and the record of sea level change at Cape Yakataga. This work was funded by the National Geographic Society, with additional funds from the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC). Student on the project: Sarah Ouellette (BSc)
Neoproterozoic glacial deposits in tectonically-active basins, Norway and Canada
This project was funded through an NSERC Discovery Grant and involves field-based research on the sedimentary record of Neoproterozoic (~700-600 Ma) glaciations. The study in Norway focused on the Smalfjord Formation where documented highly complex deformation structures within conglomerates and sandstone. Detailed analysis of the deformation structures suggests the deformation may be the result of subglacial over-riding of glaciofluvial outwash. The study in Canada focused on the Toby Formation exposed in the Purcell Mountains of British Columbia. This work aims to establish the relationship between the nature of glacial and carbonate deposits and the structures indicative of tectonic activity at the time these deposits were formed. It involved collaboration with Kevin Root, a structural geologist from Nexen Inc. Field assistances from undergraduate students: Steven Aspden; Chris Keefer; and Mitch Allison.
IGCP Project on Neoproterozoic Glaciations
This project aimed to establish a global synthesis of the physical record of Neoproterozoic climate change by bringing together over 200 scientists from eight different sub-disciplines within geoscience. The project seeks to better define the number, nature, timing and extent of Neoproterozoic glaciation, the conditions which led to the formation of associated cap carbonates and ore deposits, and the degree to which the geological record fits the current hypotheses of Neoproterozoic global climate change. One of the main contributions of the project is a Geological Society of London Memoir on Neoproterozoic glaciations and a supplementary photo atlas. I was one of two project leaders, the Canadian national coordinator and the chief Editor of the project book. I also co-lead our first field workshop on the sedimentary record of a Neoproterozoic glaciation in Scotland in association with the IAS conference in 2005.